T James Michael is new to cycling and wants to know what he can buy for less than 500 USD. We make a few suggestions for bikes and the best places to look for an inexpensive bike that will be good enough for someone who wants to get keen.
Question: It’s all a bit overwhelming. I am a begining rider and would like to know of a bike I can buy for under 500 dollars that will get me started. Thanks.
Answer:
Hi T James,
You won’t get much for 500 USD, but there are places to look for a good bike at a nice price. Start looking in your local newspaper personal adverts for second-hand bikes. You may be lucky that there is a good one, your next move is to visit the local bike shops they may have a used bike or a teat bike that they want to sell. The bike shop could also know of local riders who are selling their old bike as they have replaced it. Ask at the shop for contact with your local cycling clubs. They will know of any club members trying to sell a bike.
The internet; where to start?
E-Bay is as right a place as any and any other similar sites. Bike shop and bike manufacturer’s websites are a great place to look for bargains, new bikes that are maybe last year’s model or bikes that they want to clear out for new stock that is expected soon. As you know, the internet is a great place to look for bargains and bikes are no different.
I have had a good look at new bikes but could not find anything as cheap as $500. You are going to have to do some internet surfing and see what you can find but try the more local options. Second-hand bikes are not expensive. They tend not to hold their price, so look around; local papers, local bike shops, local cycling clubs, these are the places where you could pick up a well looked after a bike that has been someone’s pride and joy that they need to sell to pay for their new bike.
If you want a new bike, you are going to have to finds another $1,000, at least. The cheapest new bike that was not reduced or second hand that I could find was a lot more than $1,500. Good luck with your hunt.