Does anyone have any suggestions on a first bicycle purchase? I twisted my ankle so I haven't been running as much as I used to. I do a lot of walking now but I prefer the adrenalin rush of a faster pace.
2007-11-23 23:08:16 · 9 answers · asked by tolivia 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Go to your local bike shops and let them know what your interests are, what your fitness goals are, and have them specify and size you up. Once you know what type of bike they recommend, visit all the local bike and outdoors shops and shop around. It's important to buy a bike for your future goals, not just your today state. There are also mass retailers like REI and Performance bicycle that have a full line of bikes.
2007-11-24 05:09:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Good idea, although I can't imagine that a simple ankle turn will keep you out of action all that long.
Stay away from the department store junk. Get something you will be happy with for a while. Someone suggested hybrids, and I guess that might be OK, although I have a conceptual problem with buying a compromise. My advice, either get a decent road bike, or a decent mountain bike. I have both, plus an old single speed beater for stuff like going to the post office (no one would steal it).
For a first bike, I'd say mountain bike. Obviously you won't be able to keep up with the roadies, but it is much more versatile. You mentioned adrenaline rush, short of crit racing on a road bike, there isn't much better than a twisty bit of singletrack. See below for a bike I think would do nicely, at a very reasonable price.
As for accessories, you can't do without a helmet. Yes it will muss your hair. Shut up and wear it. Its cheap insurance.
Yes bikes are safe, but there are a bunch of times I got up and thought to myself "Wow, without a helmet, that one was game over". Not that I crash a lot, but when you ride as much as I do for as many decades as I have, the odds eventually catch up.
2007-11-24 09:15:27 · answer #2 · answered by silverbullet 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well.. I strongly advice against buying a bike at wall mart or other general stores, even if they have low prices.
There are several reasons. One, is that in a bike shop they can and must advice on which bikes fit you, rather than sell you a generic sized bike. Another is that a bike shop will make sure the bike is correctly set up (I've seen forks installed the other way at several department stores).
Now, which type of bike depends a lot on where you want to ride. If what you want is to do a lot of cardio and go fast, a road bike is the way to go. There are several good ones around 600 or so.
Good luck!
2007-11-24 09:15:15 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1st you have to know what type of cycling your interested in and what type of terrain. Bikes excel at what they are made for. A road bike can't be beat for road riding but you can't ride a gravel/dirt road with them (in general). MTB is the only choice if you end up on single track and other rough terrain. The in-between bikes vary from these two extremes.
2nd, with out a price range, your question which gets asked often here, is just not answerable. In general, bikes prices range from < $100 to >$8000.
Finally, if your intersted in fitness riding buy a bike that is better than a Wal Mart (low end) bike. They are fine for the occassional ride that many people do... but not well suited to regular or hard fitness riding.
2007-11-24 10:34:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to a bike shop. They will help you get one that fits you. Local bike shops can tell you good places to ride too.
Department store bikes often aren't assembled well, so if you do decide to get one of these, take it to a bike shop for 'set-up' It will ride better.
I prefer a bike to running because I can go further and faster and it's easier on the body.
2007-11-25 13:59:55 · answer #5 · answered by jasbo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go for a mountain bike. Go for the smallest frame you can get away with. having the seat post set high, with a big frame you are carrying more unnecessary wait. Have a look at mountain bike mags and you will see what i mean, you can also buy road tyres if you want for the bike. I use the knobbly tyres myself with no problems. The cheaper bikes usually weigh a ton so pick the bike up and compare the weight with a more expensive one which will be lighter Good luck
2007-11-24 12:20:39 · answer #6 · answered by moc 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I started cycling when jogging started to hurt all my joints. Cycling seems to be helping my knees feel better. Do not just go to Walmart for a bike! It is extremely important that the bike you buy will fit you and your needs. If it is not adjusted correctly you will hurt your knees and butt and not enjoy it at all. I started out with a Trek 7200 hybred and loved it. I rode it for 900 miles this year before I upgraded. Hybreds are great for back roads and some trails and still go OK on the highways.
2007-11-24 08:33:08 · answer #7 · answered by 55 and trying 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are just wanting to ride for enjoyment and not competition or sport. I would go down to walmart or kmart or mejiers (if you live up north) they all have some good bikes at reasonable prices. Personally I would suggest one of the trail/mountain bikes even if you plan to ride mostly on the road as they can take more road abuse than the regular street bikes and if you decide to take a little rougher path you can. The trail bikes are not as smooth riding as the street bikes due to the knobby tires. But very few places I road (even streets and sidewalks) were that smooth anyway so it really wasn’t big deal.
One other suggestion look for one that matches your height, I’ve seen so many people get bikes that are to big or to small for them to really enjoy.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
2007-11-24 07:45:23 · answer #8 · answered by jerrys1960 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
...you twisted your ankle and you cant run any more? hmm take a knee, face out, and drink water.
2007-11-24 07:19:16 · answer #9 · answered by garrett m 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋