In a bid to lose more weight, I am looking for a bike to ride 18 miles round trip daily to work. Doesn't need to be a mountain bike, but I will consider it if it has tarmac tires. Whatcha guys got?

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2277895653.html

Offer him $300

 

I got no bike to sell you, but what size frame you need and what are you looking to spend?

 

cheap. no more than 200. I'm 6' tall, and don't know what size frame I'll need. And I plan on upgrading it over time.

 

cheap. no more than 200. I'm 6' tall, and don't know what size frame I'll need. And I plan on upgrading it over time.

Something like this would be perfect

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2277094880.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2276115897.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2274780961.html

 

I've got a dope one but I don't know if I can let it go for 200. I have the 2008 spot 3 speed with zero miles on it.
http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/2251927265.html

 

56-58cm depending on frame geometry is what you're looking for. I'm a skosh under 6ft and my bikes are a mix of 56-58. I have a 54 and it is definitely to small but i have ridden other 54's that were totally comfy.

 

That bike is hot, I'd rock it... in fact, I have that frame sitting in my garage. Problem with old Peugeot's is that they are a bit of a ***** to work on.

 

9 miles each way isn't much to worry about, but whats the terrain like? Bike trail? bike lane? in-lane? mix of all 3? Hills or flat?

Personally I'm a big fan of cyclocross bikes. They are comfortable, durable on and off road, and fast. I used to do my bike commute (54 miles round trip) on a steel frame single-speed CX bike.

Go for a steel frame. yes, steel can rust, but if you hit your bike with Frame Saver every two years it wont be an issue. Steel is the most comfortable ride on a full rigid bike and are usually cheaper than their aluminum counterparts.

If I were you I'd keep my eyes peeled for a 58cm Bianchi San Jose (new they are only $500) or hope, pray, and search for a Vassago Fisticuff in 56 or 58. $200 is a pretty low price point thought, so you might just want to settle for a steel road bike that's ridable.

Things to avoid in a commuter:

• Carbon components - durability can be an issue over time, also, $$$$$$
• bar end or stem shifters - you have to take your hand off the bars/brakes to shift
• a Towny/cruiser bike - you'll hurt your back.

 

Am I the only one who refuses to say "road bike" and still calls it a "10 speed"?

 

Roadbike is extremely generic broad description, while calling it a 10 speed now means that it has 10 gears on the rear wheel (whatever that part is technically called).

I'm a big fan of cyclocross bikes as well, they're basically a super durable roadbike and for a 9 mile ride, you don't need the lightest thing in the world. I used to ride my insanely old mountain bike ('94 Mongoose Switchback, read: heavy heavy steel) with bent frame and wheels, old brakes, failing derailleurs about 30 miles round trip before I got my roadbike.

However, it's like irrationalx said, it really depends on the type of terrain you'll be covering on the bike.

 

Most of them aren't 10 speeds anymore... unless they're pre 90's.

 

No hills, it's all flat surface streets.

 

That pugeout is pretty nice. You are liketly gonna have to find some older bike if you are looking for a sub 200 road bicycle. That being said, there are plenty of older bikes out there that still ride well and would be good for commuting.

For the sizing, I would even say on the smaller size, you can easily get away with a 55 cm. I know my next bike will be right around there and I am also a skosh under 6 feet as well.

 

OP, I have a 12sp (or something) Bianchi road bike that I need to get rid of because I have too many bikes. I'm 6' tall and weigh about 195 lbs so it's probably a good fit.

Asking $90 or whatevers fair.

I'll get pics tomorrow.

UPDATE: here it is

Here's the bike. It's a Bianchi Strada LX. Yes, an it's old, but in good working shape.

It's a bit dusty (NOT rusty) for sitting in my garage. Brakes are some Shimano Dia-Compe ?x-5000. 12 sp. Probably need the cables to be tightened. Wheels are true as far as I can tell by spinning. Computer not included.