I'm planning on buying a bike. Suggestions?

[stellar26]

It's been years since I've had one- so I don't want to spend a ton of money on one just in case I don't end up using it as much as I plan on using it.
I plan on using it for city riding (bike trails and streets). I've gone into a few bike stores just to look at the bike selection and was told that a 'hybrid' model would probably be best for the type of riding that I was speaking of- so that's what I plan on looking for.
Do you have any particular brands that you'd recommend to me? Would you suggest looking at a second hand shop- or is it best to get a new bike in your opinion? What's the difference between a 13", a 14", and a 15" and if I'm 5'7", which size should I get? :help:

[rabid_child]

My suggestions are:
Get a helmet
Don't crash

Other than that, I know nothing about bikes!

[cakeies]

I just got a new bike for christmas. (my boyfriend is the best!!!!!!)

Mine is a hybrid... its great for streets and off road trails.

my personal preference is a schwinn they are good quality on either end or the price range. (my last one is still in working condition, and I had it for 15 years.)

as far as size goes, I'm 5' 0" and my bike is an xs frame. At 5'7" you are probobly a medium...i'm not sure how they go in inches...like i said this new bike was a gift.

and wear a helmet!!!!

sorry i couldn't help more

[veganinohio]

I've never seen a hybrid that I was a big fan of. I say get a mountain bike, even for city riding. A road bike would be better, but they're expensive.

[mazikeen]

I use a hybrid for biking in the city where I live now and I've also got a mountain bike back home. Both are good, but I guess that a hybrid would be most suited for inner-city travel - I'm a bit biased in that, since I mostly ride my hybrid now though. Whichever you go for, make sure you give it a trial ride first; that will help you determine the frame size. See that both your feet can easily touch the ground (remember the seat can be adjusted), and that you feel comfortable riding it. Check both brakes and ask the people at the store to adjust them for you if you feel they're too tight or too lax. Keep in mind that your new bike will take some getting used to at first anyway. If you go for a 2nd-hand one, follow all the tips mentioned above, check for overall condition (esp. brakes and tyres) and don't be afraid to ask questions (how old it is, does it need any repairs etc.).

Also on frame size: the only factor that really determines what's right for you is feeling comfortable riding it (and not having to stretch or stoop, of course). I'm sure many would say that my hybrid is a bit too big for me, and I would agree (being 5 2" makes it hard for me to find suitable bikes, my hybrid was the only one they had!), but I feel confident riding it, so I hardly care for "which frame size is right for me". Some people feel better if their bike is much smaller (in height, mostly) than them, others want it bigger. I say try them all.

Oh, and I have to repeat what everyone else said about getting a helmet and also add that you'll need bike lights as well (make sure you've got reflectors too). And if you need anything else, like a water bottle holder or a rack (or a basket!), just ask them for it. Will probably take them 5-10 minutes to install it.

[brownieB26]

I could have written this same post in August! I bougt my first bike since I was about 12 last year.

I went with the Trek 7000, but I wish I had bought the 7100. It was a difference of maybe $50, and the 7100 has enough eatures that it's worth it. If you've got longer legs, get the 17 in., but make sure to test ride any bike you're thinking of buying.

(also, girls bike vs. boys bike: there isn't really a difference!)

[Jim Gagnepain]

I would suggest posing the same question on the Bike Forum.
http://www.bikeforums.net/

How much you are willing to spend has a lot of bearing on the bike. A hybrid would be a good choice. Frames are made of different materials, that really affect the cost. But I don't consider myself an expert, but there are many on the above forum, and a lot of them are straight-shooters.

[stellar26]

So I think that I've decided that I want to go with the Trek 7200- but I've been running into the same problem all over town:
The bike shops either don't carry it at all, don't carry it in a women's style, or don't carry it in any decent color (I want black or silver. I don't want blue, I don't want brown, and I definetly don't want pink.)
I'm getting really impatient and angry.

[brownieB26]

Does any shop have the guy's bike in black and silver? The only reason that rod is different is because in the '50s designers thought it'd be good for girls who wore long skirts- they wouldn't flash the guys trying to swing their leg over the seat. It doesn't really make the ride better or worse, so if you really want it, go for it!

[stellar26]

Does any shop have the guy's bike in black and silver? The only reason that rod is different is because in the '50s designers thought it'd be good for girls who wore long skirts- they wouldn't flash the guys trying to swing their leg over the seat. It doesn't really make the ride better or worse, so if you really want it, go for it!

Yes, they did have the men's style bikes in silver and black (they had at least 10- I'm serious!). Thanks for the tip :)
I know that it's not necessary to buy a woman's style bike. After talking to a few different people in the bike shops that I've visited, I've decided that I'd still prefer to have a women's-style bike- because I do like to wear skirts during the summer, and because the handle bars have a more narrow grip (I test rode a few different bikes and felt more secure on the women's style for this reason).

[goatee]

So I think that I've decided that I want to go with the Trek 7200- but I've been running into the same problem all over town:
The bike shops either don't carry it at all, don't carry it in a women's style, or don't carry it in any decent color (I want black or silver. I don't want blue, I don't want brown, and I definetly don't want pink.)
I'm getting really impatient and angry.

Sounds like you need to get out for a ride to de-stress.

If you ever do decide to go second hand take someone along who knows about bikes -- you could end up having to replace the whole drive system. Brake pads aren't such a big deal, though.

Someone who knows about bikes can also tell you if you are getting quality (derailers, brakes, drive system etc.)

Good luck and have fun. And wear a helmet!!!

[stellar26]

I found my bike!
It's a Trek 7200, black and silver, and it's 17.5".
I went to a small, locally owned bike shop where I found the bike that I wanted for $60 less than the other places that I'd looked! They also gave me a 15% discount that I can use for the next 3 months on merchandise!
Weee!
Thanks for the help, everybody. I truely appreciated it!