I realize that what I really want is an antique bike - a '70's era Motobecane. But I also want to buy a bike NOW before the weather gets any colder, and I don't want to pay more than $300.
I think I need some help translating what I loved about my old Motobecane into some vocabulary terms that I can use to shop eBay or talk to a salesman. I know I want flat handlebars; is this something I could buy online and have installed at the local bike shop?
I know that the old Motobecane had narrow tires that never seem to bend. It seemed like the rims were never bent. It seemed like a very strong bike. I have the feeling that some wobbly quality, whether gross or subtle, makes bikes more tiring to ride and that's what I want to avoid. Is it the case that the Motobecane was made out of special materials and that if I could find another bike made out of the same materials I'd have a similar ride?
Or is the case that in 30 years bike technology has changed and all the bikes are very tough and can offer a smooth city ride?
I don't want to bring home an expensive bike and then say, "Oops. This isn't really what I wanted." And yes, to me a $300 bike is an expensive bike.
I don't know what to do about locking it up at work .. I'd say that the obvious answer is to get a beater but I have a beater and I never ride it because I enjoy it so little.
I think I need some help translating what I loved about my old Motobecane into some vocabulary terms that I can use to shop eBay or talk to a salesman. I know I want flat handlebars; is this something I could buy online and have installed at the local bike shop?
I know that the old Motobecane had narrow tires that never seem to bend. It seemed like the rims were never bent. It seemed like a very strong bike. I have the feeling that some wobbly quality, whether gross or subtle, makes bikes more tiring to ride and that's what I want to avoid. Is it the case that the Motobecane was made out of special materials and that if I could find another bike made out of the same materials I'd have a similar ride?
Or is the case that in 30 years bike technology has changed and all the bikes are very tough and can offer a smooth city ride?
I don't want to bring home an expensive bike and then say, "Oops. This isn't really what I wanted." And yes, to me a $300 bike is an expensive bike.
I don't know what to do about locking it up at work .. I'd say that the obvious answer is to get a beater but I have a beater and I never ride it because I enjoy it so little.