Conference noted::bicycle

    1. Read note 288
    
    2. I started with a Sears Free Spirit at $98.  It got me through
    my first year and my first century (in much pain).  If ridden in
    dry conditions, such bikes are not dangerous (they are dangerous
    in the wet due to the poor braking of steel rims).  They are not
    good (especially for beginners who are not strong) in hills since
    their gear range does not go very low.  The seat is often horrible,
    but you can spend $30 or so and put on a good seat.  The tires are
    fat and lower pressure compared to better bikes but a beginner will
    not notice this much.  
    	A person who plans to be an active bicycle rider WILL NOT be
    satisfied with such a bike.  (By active rider, I mean one who expects
    to ride with a club, or do solo rides of 30 miles or more.)  You
    will end up getting a good bike later.  I recommend 'department
    store' bikes ONLY to people who do not know if they will be active
    riders, to try out bicycling.  
    	It's the old question of buying poor quality goods. If you use
    them much, you will be dissatisfied with them.  But their quality
    is often such that you will not want to use them much.
    	You will probably have better luck buying used bikes.  First,
    go to a bike store and find out what size bike you need.  Then buy
    from a private party a bike of that size, not one size above or below, 
    EXACTLY that size. If the seller doesn't know the size, measure it.  
    Finding your optimum size is not a cheap item at a good shop (see
    notes on FIT KIT), but a beginner looking for a cheap bike does not
    need this degree of opimization. Getting Fitted is recommended for
    anyone buying a good bike, though.     
    	As a last comment, bicycling performance is almost entirely
    due to the rider, not the bike.  Getting out there and putting on
    the miles is the important thing!  - Chris

	I have noticed a number of sales lately... $69 seems to be
	a reasonable price for an adult sized department store bike
	on sale.  A bicycle carier can be bought for under $30 so
	you would still have about $30 of the $200 left over for
	accessories.

	I would recommend that you buy the bike unassembled (often
	cheaper) and either learn to assemble it yourself (good 
	practice) or get help from someone who has done a little
	work on bicycles.  I have seen bicycles assembled by stores
	that were not correctly assembled... the people in the
	store may have less bicycle experience than you!  I would
	be glad to help with assembly if you live within 45 minutes 
	of Chelmsford, Mass.

				-John Wasser

       i would definetly stay away from those department store death
    traps and go to a reputable bike shop and see what they have in
    used bikes in your price range. for the same money you will spend
    on a department store bike you will get a better quality used bike
    and some expert advice from the local bike shop.
    
                                                                   
                        JOE G.

   
    
    If I am buying used bike, what I should be look out for, and where
    is the best place to look for a good buy.
    
    Siu pong

.3 was right, many of the dep't. store bikes are deathtraps. Much of the
safety equipment (brakes.... need I say more?) are not adequate for saving
your cookies in an emergency. Not to mention they are miserable to work
on, and miserable to ride.
                                                 ken

    If I may throw in my two cents worth:  
    
    I really think the danger of the department store bikes is really
    being exaggerated.  I will agree that they are poor quality, heavy,
    lousy performers, require frequent adjustments and a lot more energy
    to get places then the "latest and greatest" bikes.  But they certainly
    are not death traps.
    
    This is my third season touring.  I plan on doing it seriously this
    year.  The last two seasons were on a Sears Free Spirit.  I don't
    suppose there's an awfull lot of miles on the bike, but the only
    real problem I've had with it is a couple of cable adjustments and
    a flat tire.  The brakes haven't been great, but they have been
    adequate; however, I've never ridden the bike in the rain.  Also,
    my son has always rode with me in a child carrier, and the bike
    has handled the load with no problems.
    
    I really think .0 will never find a quality bike for $100.00 each.
    The best shot is at a used bike or (gasp!) department store brand.
    One thing is for sure, after riding my Shogun, I'll never ride a
    Sears again!
    
    Regards,
    Denis                                    
    

    
    Department store bikes are bike shops' main income. The cheaper
    Huffy and Murrays may cost you more in the long run due to repair
    costs. If they are adjusted up to their maximum potential, they
    may be *marginally* adequate from the saftey and performance standpoint
    for short, dry weather, level type rides.
    
    You can greatly increase the performance of the inexpensive bike by
    keeping the tires to maximum rated pressure, lubricating the chain, and
    making sure the tires/rims aren't rubbing anywhere.  The tire pressure
    will be stamped somewhere on the side of the tire(check it with a tire
    gauge). Use "Tri-flow" for oil.A "rubbing parts" problem is usually
    beyond a novice's capabilities and should be taken to a shop *before*
    it becomes a major(expensive) problem. 
    
    I picked up an old English 3-speed for $10 at a police auction,
    threw away the brakes and rear wheel and bought a coaster brake
    wheel for another $10 .  This resulted in a relatively safe, cheap
    to maintain, short & level ride bike that could pass up many
    "10-speeds" that were not following the maintenance listed above.
    
    If you go to a police auction - *be careful*. Take someone along that
    knows bikes. Some bikes have been damaged beyond repair and bidding
    often goes too high.  Don't let the fact that the guys selling the bikes
    are wearing a badge lull you into a false sense of security:-). 
    
    Good Luck, 
    from one who has busted many a knuckle on many a Huffy while working
    in a bike shop.
    
    Thom