What brand used mtn/comfort/hybrid bicycle to get for $100?
When looking on ebay or craigslist, I have come across: Roadmaster, Huffy, Magna, Trek, Pacifica, Mongoose as the usual brands that pop up for $100 or less. Should these all be avoided? I am a mom who wants to ride with her kids when we go camping, on some trails, around town. So, I am not an avid cyclist and do not need a wonderful bike/brand but also do not want junk. Thanks.
Well, for $100 used a Trek could be the best. Every brand you mentioned is very low end, except Trek. Trek makes good to very high end bikes. It’d be the 1st choice, but a BEAT UP Trek may be the worst choice. All companies make many models. It’s like saying which car should I buy a $500 Chevy or Ford, hard to say. I will say this, get one that fits you. Look for a bike that has v-brakes instead of side-pull. Stay away from thumb shifters, grip shift or rapid fire types work much better. Of couse test ride, if it works well, wheels are strait and it’s in good shape you are set. If it’s for camp riding etc. almost anything that work’s well when you buy it should be OK. With infrequent use, a used < $100 bike could last forever.


Well, for $100 used a Trek could be the best. Every brand you mentioned is very low end, except Trek. Trek makes good to very high end bikes. It'd be the 1st choice, but a BEAT UP Trek may be the worst choice. All companies make many models. It's like saying which car should I buy a $500 Chevy or Ford, hard to say.
I will say this, get one that fits you. Look for a bike that has v-brakes instead of side-pull. Stay away from thumb shifters, grip shift or rapid fire types work much better. Of couse test ride, if it works well, wheels are strait and it's in good shape you are set. If it's for camp riding etc. almost anything that work's well when you buy it should be OK. With infrequent use, a used < $100 bike could last forever.
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Comment by M R — September 9, 2007 @ 7:20 am