What bike should I get?

Question

I ride my bike for transportation, fitness, fun and to save money on gas. I ride to work 10 miles each way. There are a few hills, but for the most part it's pretty flat. It's all on road or sidewalk with minimal cracks or potholes. I also like to strap on "The Pod Racer" (our kid trailer) and take my kids for rides. Usually just for a few miles.

I currently ride a 21 speed Schwinn Mountain Bike that I bought at Wal-Mart for about $125. It’s served its purpose for about 2 years, but I’m thinking of getting something new. It's heavy and cumbersome. I only ever use maybe 1/3 of the gears (the faster/harder 1/3).

I don't want/need anything fancy or expensive. I don't care what brand it is. I don't particularly care if it has shocks or not. I just want something that will be durable, efficient and fun to ride.

Answer 1

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/Adventure1.html

Answer 2

You should really ask the guys at your local bike shop...

Still, since you're asking here...

I'd recommend something like that of a touring bike, or a touring/road bike hybrid. Road (racing) bikes are light weight and fast. However, they're not incredibly durable and are usually expensive. A touring bike is meant to be ridden with cargo for long long distances. They're durable. If you're going to work, or the store, or whatever, you'll be able to carry stuff on your bike (rather than in a backpack, for example). As well, the bikes are comfortable. However, they're not really meant for going places, they're meant for being there.

If you want something a little more sporty, go for a road/touring hybrid type bike. They're not as fast or agile as a racer, but they can still carry a little cargo, and are more comfortable than a racer.

Still, you could go for a cross country (XC) mountain bike. Price ranges vary from just a few hundred to thousands. These bikes are fairly robust. You'll be able to go to the store. Run over the potholes, etc. They're not as fast as a racer, but you can still nip around quickly on them. As well, they're comfortable due to suspension (be it FS or hardtail).

Still, the guys at your bike store will have the best solution for you.

Happy biking!

Answer 3

pulling a trailer with a fixed gear will kill you. your local bike shop will have quality bikes, either, commutter, townie or any thing else in between. Less expensive models from the shops work great and are upgradable. And you have a new place to take the kids to visit, your cycling skill and knowledge will take major jumps and you will see how much fun we have kidding people who admit they paid their own money for a disposable bike from wally world. They put their lives on, and their childrens lives. Good idea getting rid of it. Again any bike shops lowest price model is better than any wally world bike. Thats all I got to say about that.

Answer 4

Here you go! http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=747

Another Schwinn product you will love. It is a "comfort road bike" aka straight bar road bike. They are actually very nice and fast bikes. Great for towing the pod. Reasonable price.
Have Fun!

Answer 5

Try a low end Specialized with or without a front shock. The rock hopper is a great entry level bike with overall good componets and will last you a long time.

Answer 6

Have a commuter with 700 wheels , Trek , Kona , Jamis , Giant , GT , Kuwahara , Raleigh , Bianchi just to name few . Child will gain the weight and you have to pull it in the future and maybe for longer distances , so have better quality bike , have decent quality dual wall rims and better quality components on it .

Answer 7

how about this?
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1121300
no gears, no shifting, just plain simple single speed
trust me, single speed bikes are great fun to ride, because you have to pedal very fast (like 100 rpm) to go 15-16 mph