I'm going to be doing a lot of biking over the summer, maybe twice daily? Any good bikes to buy and tips?

Question

I definately want to buy a bike with gears.
I am a 13 year old teenage girl.
What would be a good choice for me?
Do you have any tips for me?
(I have to buy it myself, so I'm low on budget)

I'LL BE BIKING ON A DIRT ROAD.

Answer 1

I won't say to keep away from wall-mart specials. Try to go to a bike shop and see what they have on your budget. Even if the bike doesn't look too flashy, it will likely outperform and outlast a wall-mart rocket.

Since you'll be on the bike for a long time :) Fit is extremely important. Try to put atention on how the bike fits you, and hoy you feel riding it. Most bikes will let you ride it on the parking lot, and some might have a small circuit (mostly on road) that you can take.

Try to find a bike where you don't feel either stretched out or cramped in. Ask the salesman to help you find the right size. If the bike fit is close, the shop might let you swap for a shorter or larger stem if you buy the bike then.

I don't know your budget, so I won't go into brand stuff or such. Buy a bike with only front suspension (hardtails), since they will be better built for your budget. Usually full suspension bikes for not many bucks are not worth it, and will just wait like bricks and bounce like pogo sticks. Not good.

Beside the bike, save some money for a helmet. It doesn't need to be flashy or anything, just that it fits you nice.

Don't worry about licra or riding clothes for now. Just find some shorts or bermudas that fits you close (not too loose). On some sports shops (general stores) they have some special tshirts or tops that help in sweating. But again, maybe you would be stretching your budget.

A hydration pack is good for going offroad for long period of times, and probably a lot better than bottles, since they hold lots more water. Again, you don't need the most fancy stuff. Walmart has some Outdoor brand that go for around 25-30 bucks. Or if you have a small backpack, probably you could find just the water bladder for a lot less.

If you're riding in a very woody area, glasses are a must. Don't buy glass ones, but some ones plastic and flexible. On some hardware shops they have some protective glasses for like 5 bucks or so. They will not win you a fashion show, but will work very fine.

Answer 2

You need a mountain bike or a hybrid bike with suspension. Look for a used bike that is in pretty good shape. Don't worry about paint color or scuffs, as you can always repaint the bike. Make sure the components are in good shape and it rides smooth and quiet. A good starter is a Trek, and you can usually find a good used one on Craigslist in your region for a good price. Negotiate the price before you show any cash. Take someone with you, like a parent, to be the opinion person and the safety valve. If you don't want the bike but feel pressured, it is nice to have someone say NO. Good luck and wear a helmet.

Answer 3

Don't worry about spending a lot of money. You don't need disc brakes or a rear suspension to enjoy riding.

Just find something that you're comfortable with. Are you going to take long rides, or are you going to take jumps? You might even not need a front shock on it - they're not manditory or anything. Don't let people tell you too much about what you should buy. Bikes are very individual. The main thing is that you like it.

Answer 4

Stay away from the department store bikes. I used to put them together. They are not built well and do not hold up. I have a GT purchased from a professional bike shop. I highly recommend this kind of purchase. You will spend a little more than the dept store, but your new bike will last longer, have less issues with adjustments and wear and tear. I bought my GT Avalanche 3.0 for $369.00 and eventually over the next 4 years have upgraded it with $500.00 worth of parts, shoes, and helmet, lite, trunk bag, pump, patch kit, clothing, tools, water cages, water bottles, wheels, tires, tire liners,thorn resistant tubes, seat/seat cover, backpacks, sunglasses, Happy cycling It works well.

Answer 5

What ever you get make sure that is has front suppension that you can adjust, some kind of rear suppension, and disk brakes. Wal-mart will be your cheapest bet they might have something for under $300.