Question what kind of bike should I get my child who is going off to College?
A bike for a new college student... I would probably suggest looking for a "Craig's List" bike first, nothing fancy and Ugly as He&@!!! Your child probably won't like this, but unfortunately a lot of New Bikes are taken the first two weeks of school. The thieves know that the new students are coming in with much on their plates and are easy targets. If the new/old $25-50 "Craig's List" bike is taken in that first week or two it won't hurt as bad as losing a $350-500 investment. If you do decide to go "New" or "Used", make sure you include the following:
1) Quality U-Lock and Cable $30-60 (Make sure Sales Dept teaches the proper way to use this combination.)
2) Seat leash. $5-10
3) Wheel/Seat Post QR Locks. $20-50
4) Lights--Front and Rear(Check with the School, some provide these at a reduced cost or free) or $20-50+ (Removable when not in use)
5) Minor Tool Kit; Tube, Patches, Pump, small multi-tool and lube $30-60. (Removable or stored in his backpack.)
6) A Rear Carrier Rack and Baskets/Bags. $40-90
7) Check some of the local Bike Shops, they may have a "Free Maintenance Plan or reduced $ Plan for Students.
Example: "The Bike Connection" used to have a "Stanford University 4 year Plan" for $50
Note: In College Towns this period is a "feeding frenzy" for many local bike shops and they can make much of their yearly sales during this period. Don't be scared to ask for a "Deal", the industry is used to this.
