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How do I know what bicycle to buy?

I went on Craigslist (Austin, TX) to look for a bicycle, and there was just so many to choose from and so many different kinds I had no idea! Can you help me figure this out? I'd like a bike that I can ride around my apartments, make to short distances nearby, and maybe to ride at school (you know, hook it to the bus and ride it there). BTW, I'm a female and price range is I guess not higher than about $100 or so.. PLEASE HELP ME FIND A BIKE! :) OH and I'm 5'2 so yeah, shortie!

Public Comments

1. From the sounds of it you want to look for a good commuting bicycle which would be called a, 'Hybrid' A hybrid is not a mountain bike and not a road bike, it's a combination. It has the larger diameter wheels of a road bike with wider tires but the handle bars of a mountain bike. This allows you to have great speed and yet be comfortable. For size the rule of thumb for this type of bike is when you stand over the middle of the top tube of the bike you should have 2-3 inches of space between your crotch and the top tube. When sitting on the seat your legs should be full extended on the lowest part of the down stroke, while not over extending your knee. You should have a bout a 45 degree angle to your back and slight bend at the elbows. Most modern bikes you can adjust the seat forwards and backwards as well as the angle of the handle bars to find that sweet zone of comfort. You could also do a mountain bike and put semi-slick tires on it for the road. That is what I do. If you can, up your spending limit to $200-300 and you'll get something decent.
2. seriously, get a bike from walmart. It's cheap and you can return if it doesn't work for you in size or speed.
3. You need a mountain bike with 24 inch wheels. 24 inch is not a popular size, but it's the size you need because you are 5'2". Unfortunately, you will not find many bikes this size at garage sales. http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/735874691.html Oh wow! look at this- a 24" ladies mountain bike on the Austin TX craigslist for only $40.00 http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/735874691.html It's just your size!
4. Bike Buying Tips: Buyer Be Wise;...Here we answer 10 of the most common queries to help you find the right bike. By Bicycling Staff http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s-3-12-16913-1,00.html Bicycling & Mountain Bike reviews http://www.bicycling.com/gear/channel/0,7992,s1-16-0-0-0,00.html The Burning Questions 12 common bike-shopping dilemmas explained, demystified and simplified http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s-1-384-15710-1,00.html