Want to preface this by saying I know little to nothing about bikes, but I’ve definitely gathered from other posts that Huffy is not the way to go. However, I’m using this simply as a commuter bike and will be riding entirely on roads with bike lanes. Super easy and smooth commute, only 4 miles to work and back, five days a week. Would really really love to go as cheap as I possibly can without the bike breaking down in a couple weeks, ideally would keep it <$100. These are all on FB Marketplace and are described as having no functional issues. All are 26” and I’m 5’11, 190lbs if that’s relevant. I won’t be commuting forever, will likely leave my current job and no longer commute when I graduate in December of 2025. Thoughts? Can provide more pictures from listings if that’s helpful at all.
by lilstitious3
6 Comments
Way too maintenance heavy, with so many moving parts. Also, knobby tires are not ideal for paved areas.
Outside of the price point.. Is there a reason for mountain bikes? They all look lower end, so they’ll be heavy push pigs.
Option two seems like a hybrid and a bit easier. I wouldn’t recommend any of those for trails as I doubt any of those “suspensions” are actually functioning, but only decoration.
Something simple with tinner tyres and without suspension or “fake” suspension would probably be better for your road commute to work.
I wrench for the local bike co-op. We are flooded with these ‘full suspension MTBs’ as the ‘suspension’ only functions to sap every joule of effort. We just strip them and send the frames to become beverage cans
For commuting, the Schwinn
I’d avoid full suspension (shocks in the rear) bikes even if they were decent suspension, which these aren’t. For street riding they will take away power from your pedalling. More so for cruddy full suspension.
Front suspension is fine. Worst case the suspension isn’t very good and you can ride it locked out.
Second thing I’d look for is a good fit. For maximum power output (and in my experience maximum comfort for knees and bum) you want to have almost a straight leg with your heels on the pedals sitting in the saddle (seat). Ask how tall the previous owner was and definitely try to test ride the bike before you buy.
Knobby tires aren’t ideal for street riding but you can do it. If you ever want to carry stuff not in a backpack, an existing bike rack or mounting points on the frame would be something to look into.
*Hybrid* is a decent keyword search. Basically your standard geared mountain bike, possibly with front suspension, and smooth to mostly smooth tires. Also vary in handlebar height. The more upright the bars the easier it is to look forward and is potentially less stress on your back (sitting more upright as opposed to hunched over like for racing). This is why many people don’t use road bikes for commuting as the default is aggressive hunched over positions. Very aero, not super comfortable, and not great for observing your surroundings.
**But when in doubt**: get it, use it, figure out what you do and don’t like and upgrade from there, whether that be a different used bike, new bike, or swapping parts like a suspension seat post, taller stem, smooth tires, etc.
That huffy looks good.