I am looking for a bicycle?

Question

I want a reliable one that won't break, that has gears and can go pretty fast. It should be big (I am 6 foot 1 and growing) and i don't really want to pay more than $200. I don't know very much about bikes so does someone know what brand and kind I should get? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Do not get an all singing all dancing bike (Full susser for $100). Get a simple, steel framed road bike, without suspension, or a hybrid. You should also look for branded components - Shimano or SRAM. Get a bike that does one thing right, rather than tries to do several things poorly.

As for brands, TREK, Giant, Scott or Specialized. I would go for Giant. They are big enough that economies of scale come into play and you can get more bike for your money.

Luck

Answer 2

Yea, plan on spending another $200. I don't think you are going to find a bike that's fits you properly in the $200 range. About the only place you are going to find a bike at or under $200 is Wal-mart or Target. If you must stay at that price range, go to the store and pick out a few. Once you have done that stand over the bike, straddling the top tube...you should have about an inch of clearance. This is how you know when a bike is the right size.

If you don't find one that is the right size...go to the local bike shops and plan on spending a little more cash. You didn't mention what type of bike you want, road or mountain, but go to www.jamisbikes.com. They have a hybrid bike the Coda, that is kind of a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike and runs about $450. They also have a few mountain bikes in the $215 - $300 range.