Best bike for college? Please help me choose!!!!

[itsmattxp]

I've usually walked to classes during college but this year I have gotten the opportunity to purchase a bike. I can't bring up my car so this bike will have to do. My college is located in the mountains so the area is quite hilly. From what I've read, a mountain bike seems to be the best bet but I have no idea what to look for in a bike. Should I get full or hardtail suspension? V-Brakes, rim brakes, or disc brakes? Standard or tubeless tires? The bike would mostly be used to get to class and the occasional off road biking. I would be carrying my laptops and books everyday so something that might have a compartment to put those in would be great, unless it makes me look like a complete dork. Looking for someone who has any knowledge about bikes to give me some insight. So far I've been looking at the following bikes. Maybe a bike I can customize with a few things.

There are some restrictions:

1.) Money is an issue, I am not looking to spend too much on a bike because in the following year I will be able to bring my car up, just not now. So my budget would be ~400-500 dollars.

2.) Nothing that will draw a huge amount of attention/attract the masses. More eyes on my bike would risk it being stolen.

3.) I need to be able to place in my order near the end of this week/early this week for it to arrive on time and for me to get used to it.


http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mot ... 00HT07.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/rh_2k.htm

Thank you so much Racketboy members! Any help would be appreciated!

Edit: How are Hardrock mountain bikes?

[MrPopo]

If you're buying a bicycle for college I'd recommend getting something you won't mind (financially) being stolen. I snagged a used bike for $50 and carried my stuff in my backpack while I was in college, and it worked fine.

[SpaceBooger]

As far as bikes go, first take Mr. Popo's advise don't spend too much on your first bike until you know the campus better.
Second, and more importantly, try them. The bells and whistles don't mean anything if you don't know how to use them (or wont use them) and you want to get the most comfortable one available.
And remember a real "mountain bike" is made for off roading, if you are on roads/paths for the most part all you need is good tires and a bike that easily changes gears for the hills.

[itsmattxp]

Alright thanks for the input so far. Any suggestions or recommendations?

[Limewater]

If you're buying a bicycle for college I'd recommend getting something you won't mind (financially) being stolen. I snagged a used bike for $50 and carried my stuff in my backpack while I was in college, and it worked fine.

THIS.

It's probably too late, but call the University Police at your school and see if there's a bike auction coming up. At a lot of schools, at the end of the year there is a surplus of abandoned bicycles chained to the bike racks near dorms. The police put up notices and then come around with bolt cutters and collect them as abandoned property to be auctioned off later if they aren't claimed.

And yes, having some sort of container on your bike to hold your books will look awkward. Just wear you backpack while you ride. It's only awkward right at first.

Just get the cheapest thing you can to get the job done and spray some WD-40 on the bearings and the chain. Don't drop a lot of cash unless you're really serious about offroad biking.

Check out yard sales and thrift stores. The model doesn't really matter much for what you want. Just don't get a girl's bike.

[Hobie-wan]

Check Craigslist in your area or any free weeklies with want ads. Possibly bike shops to see if they have any used bikes. Though ads and CL are more likely to get you a $50 bike that does the job and won't be a major letdown if it wanders off. Just be prepared to do or pay for some light maintenance on a used bike.

[Hobie-wan]

Just get the cheapest thing you can to get the job done and spray some WD-40 on the bearings and the chain. Don't drop a lot of cash unless you're really serious about offroad biking.

I agree with everything else you wrote, but WD-40 is for loosening stuck stuff, not really lubing. It will get washed off by rain. Use some actual silicon lube or oil. Maybe someone has a specific suggestion for bikes more likely to be outside in the rain occasionally. I don't leave mine outside.

[Limewater]

Just get the cheapest thing you can to get the job done and spray some WD-40 on the bearings and the chain. Don't drop a lot of cash unless you're really serious about offroad biking.

I agree with everything else you wrote, but WD-40 is for loosening stuck stuff, not really lubing. It will get washed off by rain. Use some actual silicon lube or oil. Maybe someone has a specific suggestion for bikes more likely to be outside in the rain occasionally. I don't leave mine outside.

WD-40 isn't the best possible solution, but it's likely what he already has. It's funny you say it will be washed off by the rain. The WD in the name stands for "Water Displacement," and it was originally formulated for the express purpose of repelling water and preventing corrosion.

[Hobie-wan]

WD-40 isn't the best possible solution, but it's likely what he already has. It's funny you say it will be washed off by the rain. The WD in the name stands for "Water Displacement," and it was originally formulated for the express purpose of repelling water and preventing corrosion.

Well, I've seen bikes left outside that were just sprayed with WD-40 every once in a while and the chains and sprockets were rusted to hell. Now maybe dust blowing around stuck to the WD-40 and then fell or washed off in rain, taking it with them. I'd just not leave my bike outside where it will get rained on if I could help it, but that obviously isn't an option if you're riding it to classes.

Anyway, it would be better than nothing at all.

[itsmattxp]

what type of components are quality parts? like suspension, etc.