I'm thinking of buying a bike?

Question

Looking to buy a bike to bike to work with, nothing too far, possibly hit some mild bike trails, and improve fitness. Looking for ideas and specs on some REASONABLY priced bikes on the market, and generally what to look for when buying a bike.

Answer 1

Be honest with yourself about (1) how much you are going to ride, (2) what you think is reasonable for a price on a bike. I love my bike and cycling in general, and I am still amazed at the prices of some bikes when I go in the shop!

In general, get a bike from a bike shop and not a discount retailer, as those bikes are not built with as quality components. You'll see similar bikes in the same line with radically different prices; the discrepancy will usually correspond with the grade of components used in the bike. (Many of the really expensive bikes have really light components that can and do wear out quickly.)

You can get a good bike for between three and five hundred dollars. I have been very impressed with the SU, FX and 7000 series by Trek, Kona's Dew line, and some of the Gary Fisher models. I ride a Jamis flat-bar road bike. You'll probably be happy with a bike with some front suspension and seat-post suspension, but a bike with heavy-duty rear suspension is not necessary.

The best thing to do is get a bike that fits you and get the seat adjusted correctly -- you'd be amazed at how many people have their seat far lower than it should be, which makes things far more uncomfortable. I wouldn't run out and get a new seat after your first ride, either, as it takes some time for your body to adjust to using a bicycle seat. (Don't get me wrong - some seats are garbage and completely uncomfortable. I just know that I changed the seat that came with my flat-bar road bike commuter with a racing saddle due to chafing after the first day I got it; after commuting for a couple weeks, the additional cushion of the seat that came with the bike is ultimately much more beneficial on my commute than the racing saddle, which let me feel every spot of uneven pavement on the city streets -- ouch!)

The main thing is to get a bike that you like and that you'll ride. A bike does you no good if you don't like to ride it, so get one that makes you smile and gets you excited to ride. I ride because I love to do it, and that's the way it should be!

Have fun!

Answer 2

Adriori

Look for a bike that will fit you. You need to feel confortable on your bike, or you won't ride it. Since going fast is not your top priority, look for one where you don't feel to stretched in the bike, and that it feels right.

Look for bikes with only front suspension (more often refered to as hardtails).

Also, look that the bike is reasonable light.

Answer 3

biking to work and possibly hit some mild bike trails call for a front suspension bike.
AVOID:
1. shimano tourney or shimano SIS derrailleurs because they are cray and stop working after a week
2. low end RST forks because they have been nicknamed "pogo sticks"
3. rear suspension in a bike costing $400 or less; these are useless and will only add about 15 pounds to your bike

I suggest these:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21940
http://giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1269/29328/

Forge bikes are only available through the Target website, but I can assure you that they make good quality bikes
http://forgebikes.com/devontrail.asp
http://forgebikes.com/athenav.asp
http://forgebikes.com/coco.asp

Answer 4

Trek SU200 $480.

I just bought one for my girlfriend and it is worth checking out. A real clean design with functionality in mind. No garbage suspension. Just a nice clean bike.

I have high end bikes and this is a very nice machine. My mechanic bought one just to have a bike to "jump on and go!" as he put it.

Answer 5

it extremely is a sturdy deal and a 650 is a first rate motorcycle not a real game motorcycle whether it does have the capability to get you into difficulty so which you gotta be mature whilst using, coverage isn't that costly which you're able to desire to besides get it and in case you have not already take a msf type!