A vintage road bike. A lot of secondhand bikes go really cheap and only need a little attention and your on your way to cheap and healthy transportation.
Seconded. Plus, steel frames are super durable, and have a nice amount of give to them.
Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
51–60 of 140 posts
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#52A fountain pen.
I grew up using pencils and ballpoint pens. I swore off fountain pens after some frustrating, messy experiences. In hindsight, I think I still lacked the fine motor skills necessary to get the best out of a fountain pen.
I took an interest again when I started working on a website selling fancy $2000 models, but the one I bought was less then $10. In my downtime I retrained my hand, and learned traditional copperplate-style handwriting.
Now, the simple act of signing my name is a completely different experience -- it feels like an act of craftsmanship.
But do buy a CHEAP one first. If you're used to writing with a ballpoint you'll be putting far too much pressure on the paper, and you'll probably ruin a nib or two before you get used to it.
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#53A Fitbit Flex. I was a bit overweight when I got mine, and it got me within the normal BMI range within 3 months. It's a very simple product (essentially just a Bluetooth enabled pedometer) but the lifestyle improvements (if you are motivated by the goals) are massive.
I like the idea but I'd want one that keeps the data locally. Is there such thing?
Premium membership with Fitbit ($60/year) allows for export of the data http://www.fitbit.com/premium/export
Withings Pulse has a data export function too: https://withings.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201488977-How...
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#54A spotify subscription, any song ever at your fingertips, all day. I just hope those guys do the same thing with movies.
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#55Considering the benefits of exercise, a pair of running shoes and some resistance bands could go a long way. Those two small purchases helped me get in shape faster than any gym membership that I had in the past. That said, everybody's exercise preferences are different so get whatever you need to become active.
Have you ever dealt with shin splints if so, how?
I have. Actually, that was the major problem I had with running until recently. This breaks the $100 rule but these shoes really made life easier for me:
http://www.zappos.com/asics-gel-kayano-19-neon-green-lightni...
Paired with some Dr. Scholl's sports gel inserts and a very slow rate of increase in distance and I was able to get to the 5K level.
I always denounced expensive shoes as heavily marked up brand mongering, but at least for athletic performance you really get what you pay for. I would recommend hitting up a real shoe store and getting fitted with the right shoes by a pro.
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#56A slidebelt ($28). I recently bought one and it's superior to any belt I've ever owned. It instantly tightens if I want to run, and with only slightly less effort loosens. It's exactly the right tightness, no holes. If you're losing weight and the belt is sticking out too far, just take it out of the buckle, cut, replace it within the buckle. And since the makers don't have to worry about variable belt lengths, they…
This type of belt is really popular almost the standard in Asia.
Wow, this was insanely well timed. I was in the market for a decent belt and just bought one!
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#57Rice cooker
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#58A slidebelt ($28). I recently bought one and it's superior to any belt I've ever owned. It instantly tightens if I want to run, and with only slightly less effort loosens. It's exactly the right tightness, no holes. If you're losing weight and the belt is sticking out too far, just take it out of the buckle, cut, replace it within the buckle. And since the makers don't have to worry about variable belt lengths, they…
and... ordered.
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#59Earlier quoted context omitted.
Have you ever dealt with shin splints if so, how?
I have. Actually, that was the major problem I had with running until recently. This breaks the $100 rule but these shoes really made life easier for me: http://www.zappos.com/asics-gel-kayano-19-neon-green-lightni... Paired with some Dr. Scholl's sports gel inserts and a very slow rate of increase in distance and I was able to get to the 5K level. I always denounced expensive shoes as heavily marked up brand mongeri…
I also agree with spending decent chunks of change in shoes, beds, and anywhere else you spend a large portion of your time.
I'm trying to get into some sort of physical shape, but running is challenging to get into for me.
Re: Ask HN: What under $100 item would you recommend everyone buy?
#60A "dumb phone," and ditch the smartphone.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I'm just not getting value out go my smart phone and the only times I seem to want to use it my connection is terrible to non existent. And I live in San Francisco.