[Raminator]

I'm looking into riding a bicycle to work now that I actually live close. I'm wondering what brand would be good quality while keeping the cost down?

I'll mostly ride on roads, but we have pretty steep hills here in Washington and the bike will probably see a lot of wet roads. I don't think I'll take it into the mountains as I have other plans for that. Any suggestions?

 

[Monsta® aka Mudshark]

Murray

It depends on what you call a good brand.

 

[willy J]

get a good mountain bike.

visit a bike store an explain to them what you want. go to the mom an pop places there usually very fair an sometimes offer warrenties.

stay away from wallmart brands an cheapo huffies (heavies)

but for a daily commuter the top of the line isnt necessary. go to a place where there is a lot of bike parking an look at the popular brands there.

 

[crashman]

I bought a full suspension Mongoose from Walmart. It only needed to replace the derailers and it works as good as Cannondales or Trek bikes, it is heavier though. i only spent about $100 in lieu of 600 to 800.

 

[MNYPIT]

I used to work in a bike shop up here, and we ALWAYS saw Huffies, Mongooses, MGX, and other cheaper brands from Wal-Mart and stuff coming in for repairs, and the repairs usually cost more than the bike. We sold a brand called Marin, who are out of Marin County California, and they were pretty nice bikes for the price. If your going to be riding on wet roads and such, look into disc brake bikes, they are getting cheaper every year and arent very high maintenance. The Marin Hawk Hill would be my pick for what you'll be doing, disc brakes, i believe its either a 21 or 27 speed, Shimano components (mid level), fairly nice bike for around like $300 or so

 

[herostoryrory]

I bought a full suspension Mongoose from Walmart. It only needed to replace the derailers and it works as good as Cannondales or Trek bikes, it is heavier though. i only spent about $100 in lieu of 600 to 800.

I've done the same,me and my wife, have had them for over 5 years and no major problems.

 

[xcracecoach]

I use a bicycle to commute to work.It is a mountian bike with smooth tires.I installed Fenders and a luggage rack to carry change of clothes and most important my lunch.I have a light set for the winter months.It is a 20 mile trip one way so it saves a lot of gas.

 

[herostoryrory]

I use a bicycle to commute to work.It is a mountian bike with smooth tires.I installed Fenders and a luggage rack to carry change of clothes and most important my lunch.I have a light set for the winter months.It is a 20 mile trip one way so it saves a lot of gas.

I dont know if I'd ride a bike 20 miles one way everyday.My job now is 15 miles away.No, theres just no way.

 

[OffRoadingFool]

but a hardtail gt bike. they are really nice for around 400-500. I have a 2004 Trek Elite 9.8 hardtail but i do serious mountain biking so i wanted a great bike.