Bike for a newbie?

[bandXtrb]

Hi,

What bike can I get for around $200? I am going to use it on roads and relatively flat surfaces. I hope I still remember how to ride.

Thx.

 

[Czar]

since you are a newbie at this then this might be best for your first bike

 

[yakko]

Originally posted by: Czar
since you are a newbie at this then this might be best for your first bike

That is way too much for him. Get this.

 

[DrumminBoy]

Trek 800 Sport 2x the cost of a Wal-Mart bike, 10x the quality. You should be able to find one at a local bike store for around $200. (I work in a bike shop )

 

[bandXtrb]

Thx for the link

DAPUNISHER has recommended the TREK 7100 How's that one?

Also, what size do I need? I am 5'9"

 

[DrumminBoy]

The 7100 is a nice bike, but its a different type than the 800 Sport. I guess i should have asked you what kind of you riding you would be doing before. The 7100 is a "hybrid" bike in that it's a combination of a mountain bike and a road bike (best of both basically). It would offer a much more comfortable ride than the 800, with the shock seatpost and the upright handlebars, but would probably be in the 275$ range. If you plan on going on heavy trails and dirt, i would recommend the 800 sport, but the 7100 would be alot better on roads and light trails.
As far as size goes, i would guess 19" to 21", but its really whatever makes you comfortable on the bike. Whichever you decide on, you've already made the right decision by not getting a wal-mart or k-mart bike.

 

[LuNoTiCK]

Do what drumminboy said, but the size would depend on how tall you are and how you like to ride. I would rather go for the 800 sport, because eventually you will ride trails, and the 7100 can't take the damage. I would personally never go for a hybrid.

 

[MrBond]

If you're doing roads/trails, the Trek 7100 is a good choice. Actually, any hybrid would be good, but the Trek's have excellent quality. My mom's got one, and it's rock solid. I have a Specialized bike, and the quality is nowhere near the level of the trek. I really like a hybrid bike for on-road / Bike path riding, it's the perfect balance between speed, traction, and weight.

Edit: For size, go to a bike shop and ask them. I'd suggest buying the bike there (because they should be able to service it). You might be able to get one online cheaper, but it's not worth the hassel. Go local

 

[zsir]

for $200 just about any bike you pick will be no better or worse that the other........

Just make sure you choose one at a real bike shop........

check out the Giant Sedona...........they're a comfortable bike that ride well.......

 

[virusag11]

This is what I have. I don't know how much it is because I won it, but it seems to be a pretty good bike. I used it this weekend here in the Rockies. I think it needs to be tuned because when I downshift to the 1 cog (whatever you call it), it hesitates.

 

[exp]

TREK 7100 How's that one?

That's as good as you're going to get for that price range. I have a Trek 7500 and it's been great for city and level trail riding, an excellent value too. The 7100 is probably much the same. But as others have mentioned if you plan on going off-road at all or frequenting rougher trails do not buy a hybrid--they can't take it. Sounds like that is not something that will be a problem for you, though.

Actually, the only complaint I have about the 7500 (besides those shortcomings that are inherent to hybrids in general, which I knew of beforehand anyway) is the awful saddle. Trek may have switched recently (I don't know) but two years ago they included some horribly mushy gel-filled POS that played havoc with my comfort. So anticipate the possibility that you may need to replace the stock saddle with a something firmer.

Also be sure to try out your bike of choice before buying and don't make the purchase if you have any reservations whatsoever, no matter what we recommend. That goes without saying of course, but I just wanted to emphasize it.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: virusag11
This is what I have. I don't know how much it is because I won it, but it seems to be a pretty good bike. I used it this weekend here in the Rockies. I think it needs to be tuned because when I downshift to the 1 cog (whatever you call it), it hesitates.

There's a simple way to fix this. On the back of the rear derailleur, there is an adjustment barrel. If the hesitation if from bigger to smaller cogs, turn the barrel 1/2 turn clockwise, check to see if this fixed it, repeat until fixed (only do 1/2 turn at a time tho). Turn counterclockwise if it's hesitating going to a bigger cog.

If this doesn't fix the problem, the cable and housing may be crudded up. Have your local bike shop install/lube a new cable.

Fausto

 

[Brutuskend]

these are good bikes for the $$$. At the shop where I work we sell a TON of these...