Affordable bicycle for on-campus/city use?

[mtnbiker208]

Don't over think it, it is a college commuter bike, just pick up a basic cruiser and go from there.

 

[rogerdoger]

Find a used one on Pinkbike.com, bikes version of rokslide. I would find a trail bike as more than likely want to do some trail riding, tons of riding around.

 

[mostlybirch]

A bike that fits well and rides right with decent components is going to be a bike that gets used more often. Strongly second the opinions of looking for an older slightly higher end (rigid frame, no suspension!) bike, preferably steel frame, over the Walmart specials. Aluminum frames generally feel harsh on pavement. Also, Walmart bikes are assembled by Walmart people.
The 1980s to 1990s Trek 900 series mountain bikes makes great commuters that she can ride with pride. A rear rack with a nice pannier bag.
Its been a long time since I bought my 1993 Trek 930 for $20 so I don't know what the used market is, with how good they are they might be comparable in price to a used Surly which is also a great choice.

I understand the idea of "spend $150 at walmart and call it a day" for a bike that gets from A to B, but they look bad, they feel bad. Take a little more time and it might be a bike she has the rest of her life, and feels joy on her daily commute.

 

[def90]

Based on the many comments around theft, maybe a guy is better off with a foldable e-scooter that she can take to her room. Amazon sells one for around $100 that goes up to 20mph. There are foldable e-bikes, but they're like 50 pounds and $600+.

A lot of the kids around here ride longboards, many of them the electric versions. Can carry it in to class, your dorm room, whereever you go shopping and so on. This is assuming your kid has some sort of coordination or athleticism in them.

Yeah, the scooters are nice as well, not sure how well the smaller foldable ones hold up.

 

[rogerdoger]

To navigate the theft issue get a long cable, loop through frame and both tires. I have used this method for many years without problem, lived in Fort Collins for a few years.
If she can’t take the bike in at night use same cable plus a Ulock.

https://www.rei.com/product/809719/kryptonite-kryptoflex-710-double-loop-cable

Kryptonite New-U Keeper STD with 4' Flex Cable - Bike

Buy the Kryptonite New-U Keeper STD with 4' Flex Cable online or shop all Bike from Backcountry.com.

www.backcountry.com

You can also put an apple tracker in the stem or under the seat, if it does get stollen she can share that info with cops.

 

[doc holiday13]

Youngest daughter goes to college with used bike. She spray paints the whole bike including tire sidewalls Flo green. Everyone on campus knew that was her bike. Never stolen.

Smart

I used to work with a foreman that kept loaner hardhats and safety squints to keep his jobs running. People never brought them back. So he started buying bright pink hardhats and pink squints.. They were always returned after that

 

[flathead#2]

Check out Giant brand bikes.
We've had a couple for twenty + years.
The ones we have are a hybrid pavement/off road version.

 

[AustinC0222]

I used a 6ku single speed in college and it worked great, and wasn't to expensive.