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Inexpensive Mtn/City Bike with good geometry, ie comfortable

Geneva, Switzerland – In an ill-thought out plan, I recently purchased a “cheap” new bike for commuting to work. I knew better, but couldn’t resist a shiny new bike, albeit with geometry that didn’t fit my body or riding style.

Inevitably, as my wife predicted, I sold it 3 weeks later, finding the bike heavy and uncomfortable.

Good does not equal expensive. And while this maxim is certainly true, it is also true that not all bicycles are created equal.

I fix and sell used bikes as a hobby and incredible as it may seem, some bikes are not built by or for bike lovers.

I have owned bikes picked from the rubbish pile that feel like another appendage, and as in the above case, have had new bikes that feel like lugging cement blocks uphill.

There are plenty of inexpensive bikes with mediocre components but good geometry that will get you to work fine.

And if you hunt around, Switzerland is rife with well-built old road bikes that will take you around the lake in comfort.

Inexpensive, well built bike

Brand can mean something... or nothing

Your body will usually tell you on a quick trip around the block if a bike is a good fit or not. Listen to your body, it’s always right.

If you have the means to purchase the new bike of your dreams, more power to you. For the rest of us, the following are a few local resources to help you locate a cheaper but still sweet ride: the bicycle classifieds in Anibis, and Ricardo.

Another good source for second-hand, re-cycled bikes is the Grottes-based bike association, Peclot13.

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