In need of a Bike

I am looking to take up biking but am unsure of my committment so I do not want to spend a lot of $$ on a bike until I know I will be doing it. I am looking to buy a bike at a decent cost as long as the bike is in reasonable condition for a beginner.

 

Well biking has become a little specialized these days so you need to determine what you are going to use it for. Road biking or trail mountain biking and there are hybrids but they are fine until you get more serious about it.

I was serious into both mountain biking and road biking when I lived in California and have several of each and they can cost as much as a good used car.

I started with a hybrid and soon outgrew it, but it is not a bad way to start to see how much you like it and what kind of biking you want to do. Personally I would look for a good used one in the papers etc because bikes can be fairly costly new even the hybrids also learn how to maintain it yourself as you can save some money that way but more important you don't get stuck out in the wilderness somewhere if it breaks and have to carry it out. Also learn to use the clip pedals as they are much more efficient to use once you get used to them, it will take just a couple of falls and you will learn to unhook them real quick.
Finally and I can't say this enough wear a well made helmet no matter how far you are going.
Lee J Buividas

 

Just curious - what does a "hybrid" look like?

 

The best thing to do would be to go to the local bike shop and take a look.

There is one by Harris Teeters by rt 7.

A hybrid is generally straight handle bars, medium size tires cheaper parts and a little heavier, usually cheaper but not always and is for the average bike rider. Good way to start.

there can be a big difference in gearing between these bikes also which is important to the kind of riding you do.

Lee

 

I am also curious to know about this...

how much it will cost to buy a decent bike for Road biking?

 

Spokes is the shop by the Rt 7 Harris Teeter. They have numerous bikes for just about every level and type of biking. Washington Bike Center in Fair Lakes is also a decent shop with different manufactures than Spokes. I think some of the bikes they carry are less costly than Spokes.

For this area I would certainly recommend a hybrid. They are almost as fast and easy to pedal as a road bike, while being almost as comfortable and versatile as a mountain bike. A "good" hybrid typically will start in the $250 range and up.

 

I just bought a Diamondback Wildwood Citi for my wife and I. Pretty good for casual riding around the neighborhood and maybe some light trails. 21 speeds, front suspension, considered a "comfort bike" but looks like a mountainbike.

Got it at the big sporting goods store in the mall (filter will not allow me to use it's name) in the mall, ~ $200 for the bike plus another $80 for the child seat in the back.

 

I almost forgot, make sure they fit you to the bike like first the right size bike and the seat adjusted so that when you are sitting and the pedal is down your leg should almost be straight, makes for easier pedaling. might feel a bit awkward at first but once you get used to it you will spend less energy pedaling.

Again you don't need to spend a lot of money on a bike just make sure it fits right. One fun thing to do is take it to a ski resort in the summer especially a mountian bike. You take the lift up and ride down. Tons of fun.

Lee J Buividas

 

Yeah Lee, send a novice biker to do some serious mountain biking. Good advice, NOT!

 

Someone mentioned costco as an option. Not sure of what brand or type though.

 

T8erman is right, I did mention the helmet but forgot to mention make sure you have good insurance, now you will be ready to bike the ski slope. Wink

Lee