buying my first bicycle. need tips on what to look for

[Semidevil]

So I just learned how to ride a bike, and will most likely buy one so I can bike around the neighborhood. What do I need to look for when I buy a bicycle?

- I am looking for something inexpensive (up to $150. maybe a bit more if there is a good enough reason)
- This is for recreational biking only (around the neighbordhood. Maybe to the grocery store, etc etc).

Are there features that I need to consider? As of now, based on my future use, I'm guessing a mountain bike is my best choice?

Anything else I need to consider in terms of specs?

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Training wheels are a must.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Buy a used bike. Check out your local bike reseller. Every community has at least one. Learn how to adjust your bike to fit you. Learn how to fix a flat.

 

[allae]

used bike is a good choice.

 

[iGas]

1. Buy a used bike that size for your height/legs.
2. Buy a fitting helmet, learn the rules of the road and stick with it.
3. Buy a basic set off bike tune up tools such as spoke wrench, floor standing pump, spare inner tube, oil & grease.
4. Join a cycling club, and take defensive riding if such things offers in your area.

 

[chusteczka]

Training wheels are a must.

That is what I came in here to say.
Training wheels

 

[FleshLight]

Get a single speed:
http://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm

 

[Alone]

You're buying your first bike. Find something with two wheels, pedals, and handlebars. A seat would be a good thing to have, too.

Seriously, it's a fucking bike.

 

[MegaVovaN]

bikeforums.net

 

[So]

I bought a trek fx series at the beginning of the summer. Pretty happy with it. Mostly, you want an aluminum frame, and decent quality shifters and cranks. I'm sure the bike afficionados on AT will prove me wrong.

 

[So]

You're buying your first bike. Find something with two wheels, pedals, and handlebars. A seat would be a good thing to have, too.

Seriously, it's a fucking bike.

Just noticed the budget. Actually, around here, there are a couple of charitable bike associations. They want to get biking out with the public. They give away bikes to the poor (and college students) but they sell refurbished bikes pretty cheap too, to fund their efforts. If you live in a city, it's probably worth looking one up, at least for advice.

 

[iGas]

I bought a trek fx series at the beginning of the summer. Pretty happy with it. Mostly, you want an aluminum frame, and decent quality shifters and cranks. I'm sure the bike afficionados on AT will prove me wrong.

Aluminum frame is alright for a budget bike, but IMHO, the OP could get a good used steel frame bike from the 80s/early 90s that is better than an aluminum/titainium/carbon fiber frame bike/s.

<--- have owned aluminum/titainium/steel frame BMX/MTB/road/hybrid bikes, and my old fav Specilized Allez Comp (circa 1990/1991) have more than 50,000 kms on the steel frame (gone through 2 sets of components) and it still is good for many more kms.

 

[BoomerD]

A lock that is easy to break...or a chain that's easy to cut.

Oh....you mean BUY a bike...I think everyone else has covered it pretty well then...BUT, do get a secure lock/cable/chain/whatever.

 

[JMapleton]

Make sure it's got two wheels and a place to sit.

 

[Ms. DICKINSON]

Get a hybrid bike. And if it's a used one, be very careful and do safety checks.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Get a hybrid bike. And if it's a used one, be very careful and do safety checks.

Is that the one that uses hamsters to extend your cycling range?

 

[Ms. DICKINSON]

Is that the one that uses hamsters to extend your cycling range?

Kidding or not, here's a wiki: "It combines features from the road bike and the mountain bike, and includes variants such as the city bike, cross bike and commuter."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_bicycle

 

[iGas]

Kidding or not, here's a wiki: "It combines features from the road bike and the mountain bike, and includes variants such as the city bike, cross bike and commuter."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_bicycle

Depends on the type of riding that the OP going to do.

I have owed pretty much every bicycle variation, and raced MTB as well as road. And, IMHO hybrid is more or less a city bike so as cross over (I have rode a hybrid hard like an MTB and it collapsed under me after a 3'~4' drop trail jumped, and it was the only time that I had to be moved by an ambulance). But, and MTB & road bikes are a must if the OP is going to be serious at riding trail & road.

 

[wetomb]

I would recommend going second hand at the price point but there are some things to look out for. There is some good advice here http://www.usedbicycleguide.com/

 

[xSauronx]

Is that the one that uses hamsters to extend your cycling range?

Yeah. And when you brake, the hamsters get a little pin prick to rile them up so theyll go faster when you start moving again

 

[MiniDoom]

get a ulock, not a cable... unless you live in japan. then you don't need a lock.

 

[Sea Moose]