Bicycles

I'd consider renting instead of buying, if you can't store them indoors. They will deteriorate very quickly outside. Even storing them in a shed doesn't help much, with the salt atmosphere.

If you have to buy and have to store outside, then get a cruiser bike during the end-of-season sales from one of the beach rentals next fall. That way you'll spend the least money on what will eventually become a throwaway.

Unless, of course, you just enjoy conspicuous waste. In which case, I know a nice new bike or two you can buy me. And I'll give you a couple of pre-rusted cruisers to ease the pain... 😀

My bikes live under my house, it's on pillings, all the time, I bring them to Big Daddy's to have a tune up every so often, but they have lasted years. Get a sport comfort bike, with an internal hub. The gearing is protected from what I understand. When you leave if you house isn't rented put them in the living room. Depending on how much time you spend down here it may be better to just rent. Monthly and weekly rates at Big Daddy's are decent.

I'll take this one, please.

You might consider waiting until the fall to buy one. The rental shops will be looking to unload their used ones. I bought a cruiser at Butterfly's for peanuts...it had minimal wear and tear and I don't think twice about having it exposed to the elements.

Big Daddy's was fantastic when I decided to buy. They were very friendly and knowledgeable, gave me the pros and cons of the different bike styles, and let me take a few bikes for a test spin.

I believe they also rent, if you prefer to try that first.

Good luck - I'll look for you on the trails.

I'll take this one, please.

:yikes:Wow! I'd have to carry a stick to shoo the ladies away when hanging down at the Thumb if I had that! What is it?

I went and found it. I found one a liked a bit better but noticed it was under the ladies section :idontno: What's the diff? It wasn't wearing pantyhose or carrying a purse or anything.

:yikes:Wow! I'd have to carry a stick to shoo the ladies away when hanging down at the Thumb if I had that! What is it?

Electra makes it. www.electrabike.com

They call it an "Amsterdam Balloon 8". Weird name, fine looking ride. It's black with pinstripes and white fat tires. They make a skinny-tire version of it in dark green. The nearest dealer is in Tallahassee.

As you can tell, I've wasted a lot of time looking into it. :cool:

I first saw it in the new issue of Bicycling magazine, which is their annual buyer's guide.

Electra makes it. www.electrabikes.com

They call it an "Amsterdam Balloon 8". Weird name, fine looking ride. It's black with pinstripes and white fat tires. They make a skinny-tire version of it in dark green. The nearest dealer is in Tallahassee.

As you can tell, I've wasted a lot of time looking into it. :cool:

I first saw it in the new issue of Bicycling magazine, which is their annual buyer's guide.

Thanks I saw that sport 9 special as well. That red one in the ladies section is sharp too. I love the white tires.

Rent from Butterfly's or Yellowfin first so that you can ride different types to learn what fits you best before dropping money that you may later regret. They will know what will fit you best depending how you intend to ride. Getting a bike you hate riding will kill the experience and stop you from going when you want to.

Thanks I saw that sport 9 special as well. That red one in the ladies section is sharp too. I love the white tires.

You gotta love the red rims on the ladies version.

You gotta love the red rims on the ladies version.

And check the Classic 3 in black - tell me that's not what the Wicked Witch of the West rode!

I got a Simple at Robin's in Miramar - they were fantastic. I shopped Big Daddy's, too, they were also extremely helpful, but I the comparable cruiser they had just wasn't as comfortable for me.

I used my Walmart Schwinn for the first three years I lived here, and it was just fine.

We regularly buy used bikes from the rental places. You can get great deals and won't feel bad replacing it every few years -- which you will need to do if it's exposed to the elements.

Sell the S.U. V. and get an S.U.B
http://www.xtracycle.com/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=122

Butterfly Bike and Kayak Rentals is where I and my family always get our used bikes. They have the largest selection and I have found they keep theirs up, the best on the beach. Considering what they cost new, they are a great deal in the 100-200 price range used. Mine have lasted for years now in the elements and everyone I have sent there so far has been more than pleased with their bikes and service. I don't use anyone else!!!!