Can you recommend a bike for me?

t square

I haven't owned a bike since I had my banana seat cruiser as a kid. What I'd like to have is a folder so I can put it in my trunk, something to ride at the beach, or short trips around town and generally just for fun. I can't spend a lot of money on it, but I also don't want to throw money away on something I don't know how to buy. The bike shops in my area don't really carry folding bikes, so I think my options are to buy one online. Any advice or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Info you may need... I'm female, 5' 6" average frame, i like quirky things, don't mind buying used as long as I know what I'm buying.
thinking around $200-300 (or less) :)

Answer
What's your budget, sweetcakes?

Any Suggestions On A Bicycle For Commuting to College?

Rae

I have a bike but it is totally falling apart and I would like to use a bike to help me get into shape, as a year of only walking and using a treadmill is getting dull.

I am 5 feet 3 inches and would be using the bike at least 3-5 days of the week going to class, 6 miles each day, maybe a bit more, so relative comfort is important. I would like it to be able to handle inclines (not sharp ones, though). I'm not totally athletic yet but I doubt I would have much of a problem with the inclines, but a little help would be nice :-)

I don't know much about bikes and how universal they are, but I would like it to have a rack attached to the back or at least the capability of having a small rack attached. (I'd probably just use my book bag but just in case...) Not a necessity, though.

I would also like it to have both front and rear wheel brakes.

And here's where the problem comes in... I have a budget of $300, but perhaps I could swing $350. So that pretty much knocks out the models in bike stores.

I've already been looking but since I'm a bicycle novice, number of gears don't mean much to me, nor do the tire heights, though I think the bike I have now is a 24" mountain bike, and I think it's a 10-speed (it's old). I've heard that people who are an inch or two taller than me have a bit of trouble with 26", so I kind of want to stay in the 24" range unless the seat on a particular 26" can be really lowered.

I tried doing all the research myself but now I just feel overwhelmed and I know there are people out there who know WAY more about bikes than I do! Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions!

Answer
I think you should consider a "beach cruiser" bike for the following reasons:

They are very inexpensive (try getting a second-hand one on craigslist, sometimes people are moving and just give them away!)

They usually have just one speed, which is fine for a beginner...you just stand up on the pedals and pump you're legs when going up hill (like a child does on a regular kid's bike).

One speed means less of a chance of the gears getting messed up

They put you in an upright riding position (easy on the back) and you can see traffic better, and they often have nice padded seats. (like a 'comfort' bike, but much cheaper).

They often have old fashioned balloon tires that make the ride comfortable, can easily handle a rack in back or a basket in front.

If you find a second-hand one, you can then take it into a local bike shop to have it 'tuned-up', if needed (greasing the chain, getting tires/gears)

Do a google search for "beach cruiser" and you can see the style that I'm talking about...Good luck!

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Title Post: Can you recommend a bike for me?
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