I am an American living in New York, so I have an opportunity to use a bicycle in my daily life, but I don’t have any good sources or acquaintances with experience; which is why I am on Reddit for advice. I have a somewhat limited budget, so I am more than happy with a used bike, so long as it will be able to last me for many years (preferably minimal upkeep). This also means it can have less unnecessary features such as multiple gears or lights. If possible a break activated by moving the pedals backwards would be awesome! I want to be able to bring weekly groceries with it up some mild hills, and also be able to carry it up several flights of stair (bikes left outdoors will inevitably get stolen at some point) so it can’t be too heavy. I was thinking like a used oma fiets if it was slightly lighter. Thank you for any help!
by Keram_urt
6 Comments
Not from New york, but steel frame single speeds look popular there?
Maybe there is a bicycle recyeclery where you get get a cheap bike in NY
Not sure what your budget is, but I would tell you to consider at least a 3 speed since some days just suck and you still need to ride your bike through it. Also, lights are not really optional for cyclists anymore so you need those too. I would suggest something like the Linus Dutchi 3, it is easy to maintain, sturdy, and not too heavy for a city bike (32lbs). Also, buy a really good lock like a Hiplock .
If by New York you mean nyc I’d say try to opt for something with gearing. They aren’t as complicated as you might think and some hills will definitely be a challenge to go up, unless you don’t really mind and would just wheel your bike up. Plenty of places you can look for used such as OfferUp, Facebook marketplace and Craigslist. When it comes to steel don’t buy anything “high tensile steel” as these bikes can be pretty heavy.
If you live in a not completely flat city, I would suggest to buy a bike with gears. You can choose a city bike, a hybrid bike or a mountain bike,.just put fenders and racks. A bike with bigger wheels is better for a city use, but even a 26MTB would be totally usable.
A bike with a chain requires regular maintenance. I would suggest internal gear hub + a gates belt drive for really maintenance free riding over longer periods (provided you have a budget for it and somewhere to keep it/lock it safely, I’ve heard in NY bike theft is rampant)
For casual use like you are describing I would suggest going to your local bike co-op or hitting up the local classifieds like Craigslist or similar.
Look for a good used 3 speed bicycle. (I promise that you will both want and appreciate the gears once you get used to riding even mild hills)
Bicycles have long service lives measured in decades or more. One of my favorite bikes to ride is ~65 years old, another is ~35, the “newest” in the fleet is some ~16 years old.
Don’t let a bikes age dissuade you from buying a used bicycle.
A good older bike will often be more practical and built of sturdier materials than modern bikes. And at a fraction of the price. Sure the brake designs might be dated, but new pads are available and almost all bike brakes work acceptably well at human powered speeds.
Something similar to these styles should suit your application:
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14313809954_90272fa371_c.jpg
https://i1.wp.com/restoringvintagebicycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bridgestone-005.jpg?fit=2479%2C1493&ssl=1
If you haven’t ridden a bicycle in a long time I recommend the more upright “cruiser” style bike. If you can tolerate a more forward position that’s great because it makes pedaling more efficient and it makes you more aerodynamic.
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Racks or baskets are really useful for car replacement bikes. There are a wide variety of baskets (front & back), racks, panniers, frame bags and more available for hauling groceries or general errands.
Don’t forget to budget for good lock(s) (more than one) and a good helmet. Try to bring your bike indoors everywhere you can. Outdoor bikes lead hard lives.
You’ll also want a pump and a tire gauge. Put Mr. Tuffy tire liners and tube sealant in your tubes and you’ll be able to avoid flats for a long time. (just add air every few weeks)
If you don’t want to do your own maintenance a local bike shop will be able to give you an annual tuneup for a reasonable price.
If you do want to do your own maintenance then YouTube is your new best friend. You can save considerable amounts of money by doing your own maintenance.
You will need lights because everyone gets caught out after dark occasionally. A good set of removable rechargeable lights should be fine.
Rain is occasionally a thing that happens so you should consider a bike rain poncho and a bike with fenders.
Get yourself a good pair of gloves for cold weather.
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Good luck with it!