[sspade]

Looking for recommendations on US Made bicycles on the value end of the spectrum. Hoping to find a really nice used unit from someone who is "moving on" to bigger and better.

Overall just trying to avoid the run of the mill, big box store junk made overseas. As far as style, some sort of hybrid with light off road capabilities. I'm 6'3'' 210lbs so would need to be somewhat hefty I would think.


***unable to post if Off Topic section, in the event this gets moved... thanks ahead as I won't be able to respond!

[oem.plus_440gc]

I would recommend looking into either Specialized or Trek. They're both very high quality and reasonably priced if you get something entry level or could even find something on the used market. I've had my Specialized road bike for about 13 years and it has been a joy to own and ride. Both of my parents have Trek hybrid bikes (both could do light off road duties) and they've been amazing as well. Can't go wrong with either imo.

[Wgosma]

I've got a Trek DS2 Hybrid, made in China but quality is fine- 30 lb. Aluminum frame - nice ride for about $650.

My sense is one needs to pay the moderately big bucks to get 100% USA made-

The gear changing components on many bikes are from Shimano, old line Japanese manufacturer….who is probably having their stuff made in China-

[freakystyly]

What's the budget? No suspension will save big $.

I have an older Civilian brand bike, they're based out of Portland... but that doesn't mean all the components wont come from China.

[sspade]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the responses!

Was hoping to stay at $500 or less for used (American company at least). I know that's on the lower end of what makes sense but FB Marketplace has some options that have me feeling optimistic!

A brief search shows the following as "Top 10 US Bicycle Brands" in order of market share. Would be nice to get one of these although Im not sure they are all actually manufactured in USA, but at least headquartered here.

Trek Bikes
Giant Bicycle
Specialized Bicycle Components
Redline
Raleigh
Haro Bicycles
Electra Bicycle Company
Cannondale
Sun Bicycles
Schwinn

[JoHnMuir]

This is a fool's errand, sadly. There are very few bicycle makers still making anything in America and all their stuff costs more than a car. Best you can hope for on a budget is Taiwan or Vietnam if you don't want something from China.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by JoHnMuir

This is a fool's errand, sadly. There are very few bicycle makers still making anything in America and all their stuff costs more than a car. Best you can hope for on a budget is Taiwan or Vietnam if you don't want something from China.

The more I look, the more I think you're correct!

There doesn't even appear to be anything for a grand or two (that's American Made). That's really too bad, can't be spending that type of dough at the moment. Guess I'll be riding an Asian import after all.

So…. What's the next best call after a $200 Walmart special? Probably something used by one of the manufacturers I listed above Im thinking…

[visionaut]

I always recommend these two guys…

http://www.statebicycle.com/collections/bicycles
Great custom bikes at many price points. Sweet limited edition fixie’s. And it’s build your own via their Parts dept.

http://www.ninerbikes.com
For a bit higher budget. My friend’s a suspension engineer there. Super stuff even at the low end.

[charlie fairmont]

Does the bike world do resto-mod stuff? Something like getting an old Cannondale from when they were made in USA and put some modern hardware on it.

[oem.plus_440gc]

Yeah a bunch of those brands you listed are quality, even if they aren't made in the USA. Going to be worlds better than anything you'll buy from Walmart/Target/etc.

I'd try to find something from that list, in good condition, in your budget. I'd also recommend, whatever you buy (if used), take it to a quality bike shop and have them do a good service on it. Make sure the chain is cleaned and well oiled, the shifters are all adjusted properly, brakes are working well, etc.

[sqwinny]

For $500? You'll have to find a used bike for the brands you have mentioned. I'd advise going to your local bike shop and getting fitted/trying out bikes to see what fits for your height + ergonomics. Then it's going to be checking Facebook marketplace/Craigslist/offer up for a used model. Your local bike shop would be able to do a tune up on it (cables, brake pads, inner tubes, greasing bearings/etc, aligning things) and you'll have a new bike to you.

At 6'1 or so, you'll almost likely want a 56/58 sized bike

[sspade]

You guys are the best, definitely got my head on a bit straighter after this chat



Something like this seems like it could work, size Large frame.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...7-23f0cc81095a

Specialized Crosstrail @ $400 for bike alone, $450 with kit.

[Nickco43]

https://www.prioritybicycles.com

[Runner340]

Originally Posted by sspade

Looking for recommendations on US Made bicycles on the value end of the spectrum. Hoping to find a really nice used unit from someone who is "moving on" to bigger and better.

Overall just trying to avoid the run of the mill, big box store junk made overseas. As far as style, some sort of hybrid with light off road capabilities. I'm 6'3'' 210lbs so would need to be somewhat hefty I would think.


***unable to post if Off Topic section, in the event this gets moved... thanks ahead as I won't be able to respond!

Most bicycles framesets and components are manufactured in Asia except for the most expensive models made by trek, specialized, connandale and that's only the frameset which are made in the USA and there are exceptions to even that! Most of the components hanging off the bikes are manufactured in Asia as well with a few exceptions like Campaqnolo (Italy) along with some very expensive boutique European components from AX, Tune, THM Clavicula, Extralite to name just a few.. There are some really high quality handmade framesets made in the USA https://theframebuilders.com/list/ but nothing in your $500 price point unless you are willing to buy used that will need lots of love. If you want new and a good quality bike, go to a bicycle shop where you'll be assisted with the bike that'll fit your needs and sized for your weight/height. My recommendation when buying a bicycle is to buy a bike that is a step better than you are as a rider because you'll grow into it and appreciate it longer.

[SquareWheels]

Be careful, once the cycling bug bites you, there is no turning back.

About 15 years ago I bought a hybrid, new leftover Cannondale for about 1000. Sold it maybe 5 years later for around 700. Great bike.

Keep in mind you'll need a few other things if you don't already have them, a helmet, some simple tools to carry with you, a pump, and a few other small items.

I have since graduated to a "superbike" (in my opinion). It's a wee bit more than $500, but I'm in love.

Also, be aware, there are many rules that MUST be followed.
https://www.velominati.com/

https://ctreeves.smugmug.com/Bike/Madone/

[Runner340]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

Be careful, once the cycling bug bites you, there is no turning back.

About 15 years ago I bought a hybrid, new leftover Cannondale for about 1000. Sold it maybe 5 years later for around 700. Great bike.

Keep in mind you'll need a few other things if you don't already have them, a helmet, some simple tools to carry with you, a pump, and a few other small items.

I have since graduated to a "superbike" (in my opinion). It's a wee bit more than $500, but I'm in love.

Also, be aware, there are many rules that MUST be followed.
https://www.velominati.com/

https://ctreeves.smugmug.com/Bike/Madone/

Beautiful Madone SL and outstanding color choice too! Having been a bicycle mechanic as a second hobby job for over 30 years. Most folks would be blown away at the price of a (IMO) a decent bicycle.

[SquareWheels]

Originally Posted by Runner340

Beautiful Madone SL and outstanding color choice too! Having been a bicycle mechanic as a second hobby job for over 30 years.

Thanks, it's a bad pick, but no pic can do the color justice. It's a Project One color, part black, blue, purple, and who knows what else. It's astounding in the sun. Changes colors depending on the light hits it.

Originally Posted by Runner340

Most folks would be blown away at the price of a (IMO) a decent bicycle.

Yup, something like that would set you back 10k last year. They've gone up a fair bit since then.

[Tommy-G]

Originally Posted by SquareWheels

Be careful, once the cycling bug bites you, there is no turning back.

I have a problem with this. I raced BMX nationally for 14 years with number 2 in the nation as my best year. I ruined my knees BUT gaining 20 pounds during COVID caused me to go buy a sweet Trek mountain bike to cruise around and get active again.
I used it 7 times or so since November and I just can’t get into it. I bought a trainer so I could ride in the AC being in Florida and I haven’t opened the box. It’s sucks, I want to be so excited to ride again and I just can’t get it going again.

[XutvJet]

I've bought three bikes in the last 6 years from www.Bikesdirect.com. All three are the Motobecane brand. Two are aluminum frame and my latest is an awesome, but heavy, smooth riding old school chromalloy framed touring road bike. My son took my old aluminum frame Motobecane road bike 3 years ago and my daughter has a 4 y/o Motobecane mountain/trail bike.

These bikes have cost me between $300-600 and come with the same Shimano components, wheels, gear sets, etc. you'll find on the typical Trek, Specialized, etc. My wife's $600 Trek trail bike is outfitted with worse components than my daughter's same year Motobecane mountain/trail bike. I've had no issues with these bikes and they are serviceable just like any of the other major brands like Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Specialized, etc.

I went this direction because I was getting back into biking and didn't want to spend a fortune in case it was a short-lived thing. I've had bikes from Trek, Schwinn, and Specialized in the past. I can't tell a difference between those and the Motobecanes in terms of frame quality. I'm sure I could if I got really into it or raced competitively, but for fun and leisure, I spent half to 2X less than I would have with the major brands with similar equipment, especially the road bikes I bought.