Bicycling Basics

The Buck Stops Here

Who would have thought that getting yourself from one place to the next would be so expensive? With the price of gas these days, more and more people are looking into low cost transportation alternatives. This is prime time to say hello to our old friend, the bicycle.

If you're only going a few miles, a bike can get you there for next to nothing. The great thing about a bike is that repairs are usually inexpensive, and if you're handy, you can probably do most of the repairs yourself. Even if you take it to your local cycle shop, it'll cost you tons less than what you would be paying for gas or car repairs.

Buying a Bike: How and Where

A decent bike can be bought new for around $100 to $200 dollars. You can get new bikes for less than this, but you really should avoid buying the cheapest bike you can find, because you'll probably end up regretting it in the end. A decent used bike can be bought for about $50.

If you're unsure about what constitutes a quality bicycle, talk to someone at your local bike shop and ask them about the features that make up a good bike, what manufacturers they recommend, and which ones to avoid. Bike shops aren't always the best places to buy bikes, but don't feel guilty about not buying your bike at the bike shop after asking the employees all sorts of questions- you'll probably end up coming back when it's time to buy parts and accessories or when you need parts and repairs. Bike shops are just about the only place you'll be able to get replacement parts, so you'll probably be back to buy stuff there eventually.

Speaking of parts, there are a few great places to get new tires and inner tubes very cheaply. Ace Hardware will sometimes have tires for about $5, and Fred Myers (also known as Fry's) has similar deals.