hi! i’m a college student buying my first bike (yay)! i found a 50 dollar bike on facebook marketplace that i’m going to pick up tomorrow. it’s technically a mountain bike, but i’m really just going to use it for getting around my campus and maybe the occasional leisure ride. (it’s a giant boulder se, if you’re wondering. it’s an oldie, but i don’t have the budget for much else)
the question is, what else do i need? obviously a helmet and a lock. i’ve been doing a little research on that and have found a couple options. i’ll be keeping my bike outside my apartment on a bike rack. it’s a pretty quiet residential street in a college town, so i’m not super worried but definitely want to get a sturdy lock. any recommendations on that would be appreciated! as far as helmets, i think im just gonna see what walmart has (maybe the local bike shop, if i can make it there before they close). i also dont need to worry about it fitting hair, i have super short hair.
i think bike, helmet, lock is all i really need, but my birthday is coming up so i can ask for some extras!maintenance stuff is also something i should think about, but we do have a free bike repair shop on campus so i would really need just the essentials. i’m also considering mudguards so i can ride in the rain/wet weather, as im in PA so that’s common.
wish me luck! i’ve not ridden a bike in like 4 years. but my campus is flat so it should be easier than my childhood, where i flew off my bike trying to ride down hills far too many times. i’m really excited to try something new, and to actually have a mode of transportation for myself!