I'm planning on riding only on roads or bike trails, no off-roading at all. We have miles of bike trails around town as well as hilly, winding country roads. I have a huge selection of bikes available in my town, probably several dozen brands. I'd like to spend no more than $500. I'm female, 5'7". Any suggestions?
2007-05-31 05:41:13 · 7 answers · asked by porkchop 5 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I think you have a nice budget. You could opt either for a mountain hardtail (bike with only front suspension), or a hybrid, which is a bike somewhere between a road and mountain bike.
Brand is important, but the most important thing is that it fits you comfortably. Go to a bike store, talk to the shop guy and ask him to show you some bikes, and most probably they can let you ride it around in the parking lot.
There are different things you should look for in a bike. Fit is the most important, but you must also like the bike. I know mountain bikes, but not necesary hybrid or roads.
Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Kona, Giant, Gt, Jamis are some of good brands.
Weight is important if you're not doing downhill or freeride, which doesn't sound like you're doing, anyway.
If you're not really doing off road on your bike, or just on bike path, you could probably switch to different tires. And, probably the tires are the simplest and more radical where to save weight. Heavy tires might weight 1Kg each, while light ones might go for around 350 or so grams each. Buying a decent tires that weight around 500-600 grm. might be a good choice, and probably not too expensive either. Also, that weight saved is on the rotating mass of the bike, and it's where you feel it more when riding.
Handle bars and stems are components that might affect fit. If you have too wide or too narrow handlebars you won't ride as confortable, or if your bars are too far away or too short. If you're just buying the bikes, some shops might let you switch to a better fiting component for just a little extra.
Don't look for disc brakes. At that price, you will not likely get good ones, and they would only put more weight on your bike.
2007-05-31 16:52:31 · answer #1 · answered by Roberto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not buy a bike from walmart,target,or dunhams. I was recently in a MC Sports and they had a real Schwinn (not walmart garbage) for around $500. I would look at craigslist for your area or the local paper. $500 won't get you a new bike that is descent. If you could throw $200 more at it you could get a Trek 1000, Giant OCR 3, Specialized Allez. Go talk to your local bike stores to get fit for a bike and purchase one in your price range.
Again, do not buy a bike from walmart or target or the like.
2007-05-31 13:00:44 · answer #2 · answered by Shades9323 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy a bike from Walmart, K-Mart or Target ! They are JUNK and will NOT last to any serious riding ! For $500 you can go to a real bike shop and get a decent entry level mountain bike,or an in-between bike.
2007-05-31 13:43:08 · answer #3 · answered by Vinegar Taster 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say check on eBay and get a nicer bike. For 500 you should be able to get a nice bike from your local bike shop who will work on the bike for you. I would stay away from the department store junk. Unless you plan on riding one a month.
2007-05-31 13:01:26 · answer #4 · answered by jocho 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get a shcwinn they are comfortabe, reliable, and very durable. But buy it at target or walmart because the bikes from schwinn.com can run as much as $5,000. Ride Safe
2007-05-31 12:47:30 · answer #5 · answered by mick_connors_13 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
definitely cannondale they are USA made and better than the alleged comparable bikes from china.
2007-05-31 17:21:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
trekbikes.com good quality
2007-05-31 14:21:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋