Recommendations for a bicycle for college???

[zach9]

I will be heading to collee in he fall and am in need of a decent bike to commute around campus. I really dont want to spend more than $400. I'm interested in fixed gear bikes, but I've never ridden nor do I know much about where to look for one. Any recommendations??

 

[poissa]

craigslist. invest in a pre-purchase inspection or know what to look for.

 

[random-adam]

+1. A new bike will be shiny and pretty and, at that pricepoint to just be locked up in the rain, not a good idea. Go on craigslist and find something that's been maintained properly and doesn't imminently require a new drivetrain.

Fixies are good if you're an urban hipster goon or a true-to-life bike messenger (there is much overlap). Conversely, brakes are good if you want to stop on a dime without first practicing for months.

 

[Cool The Kid]

Fixies are overrated if the look is not important to you. Not even much cheaper due to the hypebeast tax, plus prob a little more prone to theft if it looks good. $400 will get a half decent ~20lb road bike. Throw some fenders on it and you're good to go.