How to choose a bike?

[USFveggie]

I would like to start integrating a bike into my life more for obvious reasons (health, environmental, and just plain fun). In the past I have found riding bikes to be moderately to highly uncomfortable. I want to spend a little money on a quality bike, so that I can be comfortable on it and hopefully it will inspire me to use it more. I really dont want to spend more than 250 dollars, what kind of bike would you suggest? Brands? I want to buy from a local owned bicycle shop but they dont seem to have much below 300. The one I visited today had their cheapest bike at 390$. Any suggestions?

[saedierose]

If you go to a bike store, someone who works there can assist you to find the bike that best suits your needs and is comfortable. Generally this doesn't take very long and you might be able to test-ride it before you buy, depending on which store you go to.
The brand of the bike you get will also depend on what type of bike you get (eg, road racing, BMX, city commuting etc).
Genrally a good first hand bike will not be cheap. However, if you can find a second hand store that sells bicyles then it might be a good idea to look there first. Obviously the range of bikes at a second hand store might be limited, but they'll certainly be cheaper.

[SotallyTober]

I change the seat on my bike and it made a world of difference. I have on that supports me on my butt now rather than my crotch. There's a picture of it in the albums. Maybe consider changing up the seat no matter what kind of bike you get? I also found that not being bent over so far is more comfortable for me so that's the kind of bike I went with.

[Doktormartini]

Haha nice I was just going to make a topic about this! I hate driving to the bookstore when it is like 10 minutes from my house when I could just as easily take a bike!

[Skylark]

If comfort is a supremely important goal for you, as it is for me, you may want to look into recumbents. They're not mass-produced yet, so the least expensive ones usually cost about $500.

You'd probably want to rule out less expensive options before you decided you had to have a pricey recumbent. They do require re-learning to balance a bicycle, and the position of pedals vs. the seat requires you to use different muscle groups than you do on a traditional bicycle.

Look around online, get an idea of what recumbents you might like to test ride. Ask your local bike shops if they have any you can test ride. If you live near enough to one of the manufacturers or distributors, you may be able to test ride a good variety.

[WonderRandy]

As was noted earlier, go down to your local used bike shop. Tell the guy there what kinds of roads or trails you plan on riding, distances, comfort issues, price range, etc. They'll set you up with a good bike and do any upgrades you ask for (water bottle thingie, seat, lights, whatever). My local shop always has LOTS to choose from, and spare parts all over the place. If you don't mind a Frankenstein bike, you can get hooked up pretty nice for $250.

[xNewNoisex]

Craigslist is amazing, you can find 100 dollar road bikes that are in great condition.

[Michael]

You may want to check out http://www.bikeforums.net/. When I was looking for a bike I got some good advice there. They're kind of hardcore so they may try and talk you into raising your price range.

When you go to a bike shop don't be afraid to go for a nice long ride. They should let you, if not go somewhere else if you have options.

[animallover7249]

Craigslist is amazing, you can find 100 dollar road bikes that are in great condition.

I got a moutain bike for $15. :D (it's a cheaper brand, but still..great condition and around $200 new at target)
I can't reccomend craigslist enough!
Even if you go to a store and find what type of bike you want, you could look for it on craigslist or post an ad looking for one. :)

[megbot]

Craigslist is amazing, you can find 100 dollar road bikes that are in great condition.

definitely do craigslist.


You may want to check out http://www.bikeforums.net/. When I was looking for a bike I got some good advice there. They're kind of hardcore so they may try and talk you into raising your price range.


They're awesome there, I read that and this forum everyday. They are hardcore, but you can ask in the beginners section. I would say, honestly, get a decent bike off craig's list, not necessarily a mountain bike, and swap in a better seat and make any necessary adjustments. If you're not getting into long commutes, you should be fine.

[Cocoa]

You should choose a bike based on what you are going to do with that bike.
The bike should have a good sturdy frame, forget walmart or any other discount type store if you are buying new.

If your going on the road choose a bike for roadtops, mountain bikes are offroad dont get me wrong they can be used on road but you do use bokes differantly on a road than on a trail so everything from tires to brakes react differantly on blackop, I personaly have a hybred because I like both and because I tend to hop over curbs, go down steps or whatever on my bike I chose a hybred with a realy tough frame.

Will you be riding in the rain?
Choose a bike with good disc breaks IMO they are much better than old style breaks.

Rear suspention, do not get the old up and down type it is a pain and it breaks all the time and most your impact does not even come from up and down anyway.

Now if you are just looking for any old bike to get you from point A to point B well then you have alot to choose from.

Craigslist is a great spot to get a good bike brand name and all and you can just fix it up how you want it.
Just be sure and get the frame you want dont sweat the small stuff like tires those are easy to replace.

For comfort there are lots of wider gel seats and such to choose from.