Bike question

[lynne1982]

I'm looking to start biking for fitness. Walking isn't quite cutting it. I had a bike in the past and it wasn't comfortable to ride for a period of time. I'm looking for some suggestions on different types of bikes before I go shopping around.

[papperclippy]

It depends on what type of bike you are looking for. A mountain bike is very versatile, but it is also relatively heavy. A road bike, the one with the funny looking handlebars, are lighter and easier to pedal, but you have to be careful where you ride them. They obviously can't be ridden on trails. There are also some bikes that try to combine the best of both worlds. The frames are lighter than a mountain bike, but you sit more upright than you would on a road bike, and the tires are skinnier than a mountain bike making it easier to pedal.

Your best bet is to find a bike shop, a real one not walmart, that is close by. They will help you find the type of bike you are looking for as well as find the bike that will fit you best. You will spend a little more money at these bike shop, but the quality is well worth it. The bike that you find will fit your body style. Also, the quality in which they put the bike together is worth paying for. I remember checking bikes out at walmart, you press the brake lever all the way down and the brakes still weren't touching the tire. After you go and find a few models you like, if you can't decide which one to go with, post the models here and I am sure that someone has tried the bike you are looking at. Good luck, remember a good bike will last you a very long time with little maintenance, like putting oil on the chain.

[beach_plums]

Agreed, go to a bike shop; actually, go to more than one. And ask to try a number of the bikes before you commit. I've found that most shops are willing to let you take bikes out for a short ride. You don't want to spend a lot on something you're not comfortable riding.

[Anne916]

I am also looking for a bike to start cycling...it sounds like a good idea to go to a bike shop but aren't shops usually expensive. I don't want to buy a junk bike, but also don't want to pay thousands for one. Wouldn't it be better to buy online in that case?

[beach_plums]

Before buying anything online, I would still suggest at least going to a bike shop, talking to the experts, and testing several to get properly fitted and to just find what you like.

That said, my boyfriend bought a great frame and all of his components online-a mix of new and used (ebay and craigslist)-and put it together. He ended up saving about $500. But, he also knew exactly what he was looking for and has been riding for years. I bought my current bike used (craigslist), upgraded some of the components, and saved a lot as well. But, again, I knew what I wanted and had the help of someone who knows a lot about bikes.

I also think it's a good idea to develop a relationship with a bike shop in your area. Since you're just getting started with cycling, you'll probably need help/advice with tuning and maintaining your bike. Having someone that you trust and who knows your cycling style/needs is important.

[Pman]

Originally Posted by Anne916

I am also looking for a bike to start cycling...it sounds like a good idea to go to a bike shop but aren't shops usually expensive. I don't want to buy a junk bike, but also don't want to pay thousands for one. Wouldn't it be better to buy online in that case?

Bike shops do have bikes that cost thousands, but they also have bikes that cost hundreds. The most important thing a bike shop does is get you on a quality bike that fits you. The fit of the bike will ultimately determine whether you enjoy the ride or hurt from the ride.

[Karen P]

Originally Posted by lynne1982

I'm looking to start biking for fitness. Walking isn't quite cutting it. I had a bike in the past and it wasn't comfortable to ride for a period of time. I'm looking for some suggestions on different types of bikes before I go shopping around.

Hey. Let me know if you find a good inexpensive bike. I;ve been thinking about getting one, so let me know if you have any suggestions. Oterwise, I'll just take a trip to the bike store like everyone suggested.

[FishrCutB8]

Go directly to a local bike shop. Get a bike that fits. You won't need to spend thousands. You will spend, probably, hundreds (I saw nice beginner bikes starting at around $300 yesterday) on a bike that fits, feels good, fits, meets your needs, fits, looks good, fits, and that ultimately you will ride MORE because of these things. Trust me--it is soooooooo worth the extra investment.

[Anne916]

That was great feedback beach_plums...I am going to check out a few local bike shops this weekend. I am hoping to just get an idea of what I need and maybe find a better price online. Sounds like craigslist worked out for you...I have heard lots of horror stories about buying from classifieds...I would rather buy directly from a company.

[beach_plums]

Anne916, Good luck with your search.
Classifieds can be risky. I'm lucky enough to know several people who know a lot more about bikes than I do and really know what to look for. So, I was really able to have the used bike I bought checked out before committing to it.
If you're looking to buy direct from a company, you might be able to find some deals on last year's models (the same can be said about a local bike shop though too).

[Kaiser]

Originally Posted by FishrCutB8

Go directly to a local bike shop. Get a bike that fits. You won't need to spend thousands. You will spend, probably, hundreds (I saw nice beginner bikes starting at around $300 yesterday) on a bike that fits, feels good, fits, meets your needs, fits, looks good, fits, and that ultimately you will ride MORE because of these things. Trust me--it is soooooooo worth the extra investment.

Glad people were able to give you good advice Anne. I agree with what Fish said above.

[silly]

Buy your first bike from your Local bike shop. You'll appreciate the relationship you establish much more than the fifty bucks you would save buying online, which often isn't worth it anyway. Besides paying for shipping, you may have to pay for assembly (depending on whom you purchase from), a fitting, and accessories. Any reputable bike shop should provide all assembly and a fitting with the purchase and you can usually get a break on accessories (shorts, gloves, bike rack, helmet).

If you want to purchase online, please do not go into the local bike shop and pick the sales person's brain and test ride a lot of bikes before doing so. This is for your own good, as we remember you when you do this. You may not get bad service, but you can be guaranteed that the customers who are more considerate of our time definitely get much better service and, in most cases, better pricing than you. It sounds shitty, but it's the truth in the retail / service business that loyalty is valued. And, eventually, you will have that one emergency when you'll need your LBS.

[FishrCutB8]

I got my fit at the LBS and they took that cost of the price of my new bike. FWIW

[kmwest]

I bought my first real bike at the LBS as well, and since it was last year's model, got it almost at cost. It's worth making contact with a real person who knows what they're talking about, and not the worker at the bigbox store who just can assemble a bike and doesn't know anything about it.

And I agree with silly about test riding bikes, then buying them online. That is just a kick in the nuts for the store owner. Same for running shoes.

[beach_plums]

Silly, I can see your point. I probably take my LBS for granted because of the relationship I have with them. I've been go to them for years, since before I bought my used bike online. They were excited to see it when I brought it in and were impressed with the deal I got. Since then, they've switched out the shifters for me, done a couple of tunes, and most recently, I bought new wheels from them. They've done a lot of the work for free to mimimal costs because of the amount of referrals I send their way.
Loyalty is a big thing for them, and they recognize it, but I can't see them giving anyone less then quality service because they helped a customer who opted to buy elsewhere (although, again, that opinion could be skewed because of my relationship with them).

[silly]

They'd get quality service no matter what. I can guarantee that you get better service than Joe Ebay who took up an hour of the sales staff's time, then bought online for cheaper. While Joe Ebay would get quality service, he probably wouldn't get the special treatment that you do.

[Anne916]

So I hit up a couple of shops in the area last weekend...seemed like they are very knowledgeable. And I saw that most of the customers had been going to them for awhile....so I did decide to tell them upfront I was looking for a deal and was thinking about buying online. They were still quite helpful! Said they usually have last years models for sale, but recently sold the last of them.

I did find a website (Sonoma) which has free shipping and they look like quality bikes. They also carry Tony Hawk bikes and other good names. I am thinking about the Women's Cityscape bike...it says I can take on the road and beach, which I like the sounds of! I wanted to get some feedback before I actually buy.

[silly]

That bike isn't great quality. The "suspension stays" will not last, and it will possibly be difficult to find a lbs who will work on it, as most of the parts are super LOW quality and unserviceable (hence $300 with free shipping). Why not find your local Giant dealer and try something like this Sedona ST for $275?

Giant Bicycles - Sedona® ST w (2008)

or by the time you pay for the online bike to be assembled, you could get this upgraded model for $360.
Giant Bicycles - Sedona® w Green (2008)

[Kaiser]

Anne, in case you don't know, Silly's word on this is better than gold. The woman knows her bikes and works at one of the top bike shops in her area. She's also one mean bike racer.