local bike shops — how to choose

[xmlwave]

I am new to the bike trails here in Arlington, and would like to upgrade from my old and cheap Schwinn bike, but I am not sure where to start. Google search reveals several shops in the area:

Performance Bicycle
Freshbikes Cycling
Big Wheel Bikes
Revolution Cycles

I am looking for a basic lightweight hybrid or road bike for under $500.

I have been to Performance Bicycle at Bailey’s Crossroads and was somewhat overwhelmed by the choices there. The prices seemed very reasonable. I haven’t been to other stores, but I feel that I may not be able do “apples to apples” comparison with all these bicycle options.

Can someone recommend a local store for their service and prices? I will likely need ongoing help with the bike maintenance, as I am new to this, so I would like to get the bike from an established shop that would help with alignment, tuning, etc.

Oh, and would you recommend getting a bike online and then getting it to a shop for professional assembly, or should I just get it directly from the local shop?

Topic

[vvill]

Looks like a sweet ride. My first non-department store/yard sale bike was a Diamondback.

[pfunkallstar]

@xmlwave 26041 wrote:

The Insight handles very well. At least compared to my old bike. This morning was drizzling a bit, but I still went out East on W&OD trail for few miles. However, this afternoon the weather was great and I was able to check out W&OD West of here. Looks like commuting to DC on this bike should be fairly easy! This week I will try to get biking gloves and few other accessories to make the commute easier/ more fun.

I noticed some noise from the bike (esp. at higher speeds), but couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. I will probably go back to the store for them to check out the alignment, etc. I am really glad that I got it from a local store vs. ordering it online and having to assemble it myself.

Here is a pic of the bike from this afternoon. [ATTACH=CONFIG]1392[/ATTACH]

That is a slick looking bike. Diamondback is definitely the Hyundai of the bike world – in the best way possible. They take a little bit from Specialized, a little from Trek, and mash it up into something people can afford. Happy Riding!

[DismalScientist]

@GuyContinental 25966 wrote:

I’m a pretty big fan of supporting thy LBS but Nashbar has two dang good deals right now on a generic steel 105 touring/commuter
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_522412_-1___203588

and a generic Force (or Rival for less) road bike
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_533290_-1___203588

You’d have a hard time buying that Force group (new) for that…

Nashbar is Performance on the internet. I bought their generic 105 touring bike and am satisfied, although I would have wanted, and bought, better wheels. The pedals are crap as well. I also changed the 35 mm tires to 28s.

All that said, I would suggest used. Bikes are like cars and their resale value falls after taking them out of the lot.

And, of course, old steel is more real than new steel. But any steel is more real than Aluminum.

[Author]

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