Bike Recommendations?

[CurseTheSky]

Bicycle, by the way; otherwise this would be in the Garage.

The good weather is finally coming, and I'd like to take up bike riding again. I'll primarily be riding on quiet paved country roads, with the occasional dirt path / trail (rocks, streams, etc.).

I'm looking for something that's fairly comfortable and relaxed, decently light, and not too expensive. Say, $200-350 or so.

Any suggestions, or anything else that I need to take into consideration?

 

[Sid59]

You'll probably be looking at used Specialized mountain bikes in your money range. Hit up CL. If you have local shop, stop by, chop it up and they'll help you with the correct size bike. Take that info and start looking used.

 

[Onita]

I'd get something like a hybrid, over a mountain bike. Keep an eye on Craigslist.

 

[manimal]

get a tricycle or a recumbent so people consider you and your bike so retarded they dont steal it...

 

[MiniDoom]

get a tricycle or a recumbent so people consider you and your bike so retarded they dont steal it...

fixed gears too.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Good luck finding anything <$500 and is decently light. You could get steel frame mountain bikes for that price range, but a good bike will be $700+

 

[ibex333]

Bicycle, by the way; otherwise this would be in the Garage.

The good weather is finally coming, and I'd like to take up bike riding again. I'll primarily be riding on quiet paved country roads, with the occasional dirt path / trail (rocks, streams, etc.).

I'm looking for something that's fairly comfortable and relaxed, decently light, and not too expensive. Say, $200-350 or so.

Any suggestions, or anything else that I need to take into consideration?

I was faced with the same dilemma a few years back. I ended up getting a Specialized HardRock. Cost me $500.... I think I overpayed, but after much searching around, I really don't believe you can get a new bike that is GOOD at the same time anywhere near $200-300. Used one, that's another story.

Anyway, even though the HardRock is great, it has many disadvantages as well as advantages. I feel jealous every time people speed by on those bikes built purely for speed with those narrow wheels. I cannot do even half that speed. But on the other hand, I feel great when I pass through dirt and sand and see those other folks CARRYING their bikes.

So you have to decide what is more important for you.

One thing I want to point out is that I never really truly understood how important the physical fitness level is when riding a bicycle. Maybe that is because the last time I rode one was when I was 13? Anyway, the raw physical strength in the legs makes all the difference in the world! Not only does it prolong the duration of your ride, but it also significantly increases your speed AND off road capability!

When I just started, I was always lagging behind my friend, and I simply couldn't go places he went. He would ride up hills, steep slopes, etc. Sometimes the road would go uphill for quite a long time, and in those cases I would have to just give up half way, and walk the bike uphill... Embarrassing! Also, there is a place not too far from the beach where we had to ride through a long patch of sand. This is where most people carry or walk their bikes. Try to ride it and you fall over most of the time or just get stuck. Only a few folks, including my friend could power through that sand on low gear.

So then I started working out my legs. I would do squats almost every day, with a heavy backpack on at home. Hitting those quads... I went like this for over a month and I rode the bike during that and the previous month as well.

I couldn't believe the difference! Now I could ride uphill for long periods of time, my speed increased, and I even managed to go through that annoying sand! It is as if my bike suddenly became better....

I know all these things I am saying are probably obvious to many, but you cant fully realize it until you actually do it.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Double Post.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Good luck finding anything <$500 and is decently light. You could get steel frame mountain bikes for that price range, but a good bike will be $700+

Well, I should specify that by "light," I mean not absurdly heavy. I hopped on someone's "mountain" bike with shock absorbers and some other frills a while ago and the thing weighed a ton. It was probably a good 20-30 pounds heavier than your average steel frame bike.

I'm not really looking to spend a ton because this will simply be for exercise and occasional fun. I'll probably only be riding once a week tops due to my busy schedule and the fact that I lift on other days. If the difference between a $200 bike and a $500 bike is night and day I'll consider it, but if it's only going to give a few benefits that only expert riders would notice, it's pointless for me. Similar to buying a GTX 580 for my fiancée's computer.

I know all these things I am saying are probably obvious to many, but you cant fully realize it until you actually do it.

It may be obvious, but that doesn't make it any less true. I've always enjoyed riding bikes so I already know what I'm getting myself into, but I also know that the first few weeks are going to be rough. The hills around here are absolutely brutal and endless, but it also makes the trip that much more enjoyable when you can conquer a route.

Basically I'm taking up bike riding again because it's great exercise, much more interesting than running on a treadmill, and because I can't just stop when I get tired (you still have to get home). I don't mind lifting weights, but I've always hated cardio. We have a lot of really peaceful roads around my area, and I take a good 3-4 mile walk / jog about once every 2-3 weeks. I'd love to see more of the area, but it's iffy on foot, since I usually can't start until I get done working at 5.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I have a trek mountain bike. I paid like $550 and it's been solid for a couple years now. I really would suggest staying with a name brand bike. Giant, trek, specialized. Yes the difference is night and day $200 bike vs $500 bike. I owned a Cannondale road bike (skinny tires) and I just didn't enjoy it as much as the mountain bike. I sold the cannondale and ride my trek.
Go to a bike shop and let em size ya up for a bike and get a decent one. Ask them what they recommend.
Lastly have some fun. Bicycling is some fun stuff. If you're married maybe look into getting the wife a bicycle. My wife loves riding bikes more than I do now. She's usually the one dragging me out to ride.

 

[Dirigible]

What distance do you expect to ride? Hilly terrain or mostly flat? How occasional are the dirt path/trail, and how big are the rocks/streams/etc.? This kind of rocks/streams and you'll want a real mountain bike:

"Comfortable and relaxed" uttered by a bike newb usually means they don't want a drop bar road bike. That means hybrid or mountain bike.

If you'll be doing longer mileage with mostly smooth terrain, I'd say hybrid type. Shorter mileage with rougher terrain, mountain bike. Although at your price point, there won't be a hell of a lot of difference between a hybrid and mountain bike's capability. (I'd actually just say mountain bike 'cause I hate hybrids, but that's my prejudices talking.)

I'd avoid any suspension, and if you can't resist a suspension fork, at least steer clear of rear suspension. They add complexity and weight, the cheap designs aren't worth a damn, and they cost the manufacturer money, which means the other parts'll be cheaper and crappier than on a comparatively priced non-suspension bike.

 

[FleshLight]

You can find an older Giant TCR, Specialized Allez, Trek 2.X for $500ish on craigslist.

 

[iGas]

Get a used hardtail MTB with good parts for the off road occasions. A cyclo-cross is the best combo if you stay on trails & roads.

$500~600 will get you into the beginning territory of decent used bike.

 

[MegaVovaN]

I find it amusing how everyone's saying OP should spend $500-700.

IMO, main thing you should aim for is correct fit. Go read up on the Internet about the measurements, and how it should feel. Then hit up Craigslist for a nice restored steel frame road bike. Should be right up your budget. Road because you will mostly be doing paved roads.

When I see people chugging along on MTB (mountain bike) on a pavement, I feel sorry for them. SPEED is fun!

Forget fixed gear/single speed. This is too advanced for a hilly area.

Read wealth of information on bikeforums.net


edit: Consider that you also need to buy, in order of priority:
1. helmet (any will do, so long as it was not crashed before)
2. bike gloves
3. emergency kit - patch kit, co2 cartridge/pump, multitool, $$, cell phone
4. you get off work at 5, and can ride into the night. If so, get a good front light and a rear blinkie.

 

[GoSharks]

IMO, main thing you should aim for is correct fit. Go read up on the Internet about the measurements, and how it should feel. Then hit up Craigslist for a nice restored steel frame road bike. Should be right up your budget. Road because you will mostly be doing paved roads.

Good advice, but OP's definition of what feels right is definitely going to change as he puts more miles in. I would not count on getting a bike that will be the most comfortable for you on the first try as you just won't know what a good fit should feel like.

 

[CurseTheSky]

The main reason for the $200-300 price point is because we will essentially be buying two bikes. I can probably afford to spend $500-600 between the two, but $1k+ is out of the question. My fianc&#233;e wants to get back into riding, and though we have a few older bikes laying around, it's no fun for one person to get the shiny new object / incentive to go out while the other is stuck on some old POS.

Again, I want to stress that this is going to be for the occasional joy ride. We're not looking to bike every day, or perhaps even every week. The terrain is mostly hilly pavement with the occasional woods trail. The trails around here are fairly narrow and rough, but far from dangerous (no drop-offs, no jumps except for the occasional fallen tree, only a few 3-4 foot wide streams, etc.) The awesome part is, they literally stretch on for dozens of miles, in and out of various towns in the area.

My main concern is finding something that isn't a complete piece of junk that we can have a little fun on, and knowing what to avoid. It sounds like the most important thing is finding a bike with a proper fit. There's a local bike shop around here, so that's what I'll hit up first. Thanks all.

 

[Tattare]

Id go hitup a dealer in your town or area. See what older models they have in your price range. With a dealer you usually get a year of free service with the bike.

For as much riding as you do id go find a old school bike shop and see what single speeds they have laying around.
If your old bikes are single speeds fix them up with some new components. Tires, seats, handle bars, peddles.
The nice thing about single speed is you dont have maintenance issues with gears. Slap on some chromag handle bars, seat, and some good tires and it will look like a completely different ride.

 

[iGas]

I find it amusing how everyone's saying OP should spend $500-700.

IMO, main thing you should aim for is correct fit. Go read up on the Internet about the measurements, and how it should feel. Then hit up Craigslist for a nice restored steel frame road bike. Should be right up your budget. Road because you will mostly be doing paved roads.

When I see people chugging along on MTB (mountain bike) on a pavement, I feel sorry for them. SPEED is fun!

Forget fixed gear/single speed. This is too advanced for a hilly area.

Read wealth of information on bikeforums.net


edit: Consider that you also need to buy, in order of priority:
1. helmet (any will do, so long as it was not crashed before)
2. bike gloves
3. emergency kit - patch kit, co2 cartridge/pump, multitool, $$, cell phone
4. you get off work at 5, and can ride into the night. If so, get a good front light and a rear blinkie.

Sizing and safety gears are an obvious giving.

It is nice to ride with gloves, but it is not critical.
Screw the patch kit and pack an extra inner tube.

 

[hohop]

Keep an eye on Craigslist.

 

[Ricemarine]

Keep an eye on Craigslist.

second.
MTB's are pretty cheap. I also saw an '09 Kona Jake cyclocross for $200 the other day. The seller didn't get back to me though...

 

[HybridSquirrel]

a huffy.

 

[Pheran]

The main reason for the $200-300 price point is because we will essentially be buying two bikes. I can probably afford to spend $500-600 between the two, but $1k+ is out of the question. My fianc&#233;e wants to get back into riding, and though we have a few older bikes laying around, it's no fun for one person to get the shiny new object / incentive to go out while the other is stuck on some old POS.

Again, I want to stress that this is going to be for the occasional joy ride. We're not looking to bike every day, or perhaps even every week. The terrain is mostly hilly pavement with the occasional woods trail. The trails around here are fairly narrow and rough, but far from dangerous (no drop-offs, no jumps except for the occasional fallen tree, only a few 3-4 foot wide streams, etc.) The awesome part is, they literally stretch on for dozens of miles, in and out of various towns in the area.

My main concern is finding something that isn't a complete piece of junk that we can have a little fun on, and knowing what to avoid. It sounds like the most important thing is finding a bike with a proper fit. There's a local bike shop around here, so that's what I'll hit up first. Thanks all.

I'm sure I will get yelled at for recommending something that's pretty low-end, but like you I was looking for a bike for casual riding/exercise and I ended up picking up this Schwinn Trailway Hybrid from Target. You can find some other reviews at Amazon. The primary complaint I saw is that the valve stems on the wheels are unusual and you have to look around a bit to replace a tire - see some of the reviews discussions on Amazon for more on this.

 

[dougp]

I'm sure I will get yelled at for recommending something that's pretty low-end, but like you I was looking for a bike for casual riding/exercise and I ended up picking up this Schwinn Trailway Hybrid from Target. You can find some other reviews at Amazon. The primary complaint I saw is that the valve stems on the wheels are unusual and you have to look around a bit to replace a tire - see some of the reviews discussions on Amazon for more on this.

You probably mean Presta tubes, which really aren't hard to find if you walk into a bike shop. Though honestly, I'm really surprised neither Target or Wal-mart have started to carry Presta tubes - but heck, even Academy doesn't have them.

 

[Pheran]

You probably mean Presta tubes, which really aren't hard to find if you walk into a bike shop. Though honestly, I'm really surprised neither Target or Wal-mart have started to carry Presta tubes - but heck, even Academy doesn't have them.

I haven't had to replace them yet, but it sounds more complicated than that. From an Amazon comment:

The wheel is a deep "aero" design found usually on road bikes. If you ride primarily on the road, this is a great value. Wheels like this cost a lot.

The downside: such wheels usually use Presta valve tubes. The wheels were drilled for Schrader valves (8mm instead of 6mm diameter). The bike comes with Schrader tubes with a longer valve than usual.

This means you need to be resourceful and creative. You can use normal Schrader tubes, but you'll need a valve-stem extender sold at your autoparts store. Or, you can buy a Schrader-to-Presta converter from mailorder bike-parts stores. This acts like an extension and lets you use Presta pumps (which is desirable if you want to go with a small pump like the Blackburn SL Airstick).

Or, buy a 2 rubber grommets (per wheel) and begin using Presta tubes. You can find the rubber grommets online (to convert Schrader to Presta). Don't use the metal "stem saver" adapters. The wheel's inner channel is too narrow for that sleeve to seat prpperly. Then go to REI (or almost anywhere) and buy Presta tubes (32-38mm) with a 48mm valve length. If you can only find 36mm stems, you can buy a Topeak Presta-valve extender for about $5.

I know it sounds mind boggling. But, if you're going to ride on the street, these are great wheels. It's worth the time spent getting your mind around the tube/valve topic.

 

[ScoobMaster]

Bike Nashbar (nashbar.com) has a sale on some pretty decent comfort bikes: Link to list sorted by price

That $229 GT Passage comfort bike looks like a nice inexpensive ride. It reminds me of my 2003 Raleigh SC 40 comfort bike that I bought new years ago and still ride.