Any bicyclists here?

[BakeTheMooCow]

My bike got stolen yesterday :'(

So I was thinking of getting a new one. Any advice on what kind to get? I ride it mainly on the road and not for more than 15 miles a day. My budget is about $250 to $300.

Also, what kind of lock is both strong (preferably metal) and light enough to not be a pain to carry everywhere?

I had it for 4 years. It was a Diamondback Wildwood that had gotten a little rusty and creaky but I still loved the hell out of it. What kind does everyone have? Where do you ride yours?

[Shinigami]

I love cycling. I've taken my bicycle to other cities, through other states (but not cross country yet). Unfortunately I know shit all about brand names so I can't help you. As far as I'm concerned I have a nondescript mountain bike wrapped in chain link with a padlock.

[Heisenberg]

"Everybody rides a bike...When they're fucking six"




Just kidding, I love taking my bike out on the cycle track near my housel. Mp3 blasting, or just the calm country to listen to. Fantastic.

[FLAME_ON]

I was an avid trail/mountain biker for while (and I do give Arizona some positive points in that respect); until this past February when my bike got stolen.
The bike I had was a project bike that I pieced together and put my blood, sweat, and tears (plus $$$) into.
So now, with money being tight and coming from having the best bike I could ever imagine, I don't have the motivation to build/buy another bike.

I like to think I'll get at it again--someday--and I'll probably try to build the exact same bike... but right now I just kind of feel like Henry Hill at the end of Goodfellas.

My bike got stolen yesterday :'(
I feel you're pain.

So I was thinking of getting a new one. Any advice on what kind to get? I ride it mainly on the road and not for more than 15 miles a day. My budget is about $250 to $300.
I hate to sound like a snob, but I'm not really educated on assembled bikes and what would be the best at that price. I piece bikes together and that would be my budget for a fork.

Also, what kind of lock is both strong (preferably metal) and light enough to not be a pain to carry everywhere?

Get a U-lock...
http://austinbikeblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/u-lock.jpg
Maybe even two.

[QUENTIN]

I bike everywhere in DC, don't have a car here, live a few miles from campus/work, and it's good exercise. Don't have anything fancy though, just a Huffy mountain bike.

As for a lock, bikes get stolen constantly here so I've got a micargi U-lock. Solid metal, pretty light, unless they've got a flame thrower your bike should be safe.

[BakeTheMooCow]

This is the lock I'm going to get:

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8369/1729907.jpg

# 18mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks
# Oversized hardened steel sleeve over crossbar for double security
# Double deadbolt locking for extensive holding power
# High security disc-style cylinder
# Center keyway defends against leverage attacks
# Protective vinyl coating
# Sliding dustcover protects and extends cylinder life
# 3 keys - one lighted with high intensity bulb & replaceable battery

[QUENTIN]

Safe from thieves and Superman alike, that's some heavy duty shit.

[Reigh Kaufman]

I had a Trail bike when I was at uni. Kept it until a year ago before giving it away for free to a GP on Gumtree.

Four years it served me - I loved it, but it was difficult to keep in an apartment.

I miss it more than I miss the friends I made at uni.

[Tonkuro]

I'm sorry your bike got stolen. That's the worst. :( I have a road bike that I use for triathlons, a $2000 Cannondale that wound up getting stolen OUT OF MY HOUSE, along with other things, and I was devestated. I would suggest Craigslist to get a good bike in your budget. Some people just want to get rid of them because they're lying around doing nothing.

[hrdude]

I mountain bike myself and have a Giant Strata hardtail.