Okay, one of the things that really hits you when you move out on your own is that you have to buy your own bike (my parents always had before!).
I currently have no bike and want to get one, but I am absolutely clueless. There are some indy bike shops around that I want to go to, but I’d like to at least learn a titch and get some advice before going in.
Basic facts:
26 year old female on the shorter (5’4") side
I know how to ride a bike (phew! ;))
I’m terrified of riding in busy streets because this is not a bike-friendly area at all, either in terms of people in cars or the road conditions themselves
I’d mainly use the bike either in residential streets or on nice paths like this, that are asphalt or decent dirt. I don’t really plan on mountain biking
I really don’t like the feeling of near “laying down” that some bikes have. I don’t care if it’s more efficient or whatever. I don’t want to feel scared when riding my bike.
I don’t want a super-skinny tired road bike or some beast of a mountain bike. Other than that, I’m not sure what to do. I wouldn’t even mind one of those little 1-speed “cruiser” bikes, since I loved mine as a kid. I primarily want to just use it to go out and get some exercise and fresh air (I currently run and do strength training). I know bikes can get expensive but I’d really rather pay less than $500 if possible.
Any advice to give? Is there any more details I should provide?
I would also suggest some form of hybrid/commuter bike: something with wide enough tires to be stable on loose gravel, that keeps you in an upright position. A cheap mountain bike would also do.
Inevitably, someone comes into these threads and recommends a recumbent. They ride differently, which will take getting used to. More importantly, they are not as visible, because you are lower down. That inevitable person will then state that they ride just as high. They don’t, at least not the ones I’ve seen. I passed one on Monday. The full grown man’s head did not reach my shoulders, maybe not even my waist.
When you’re not sure what you need, a hybrid is usually the way to go. I have a Trek hybrid and have enjoyed it immensely – it’s great for moderately rugged trails and streets. I also prefer it to the lightweight road bikes because I’m a pretty big guy, and it feels more stable and comfortable.
And is probably about the only thing you’ll find of reasonable quality in this price range. This is good, because it’s probably about exactly what you are looking for.
When you avoid going too far in either direction (road vs. mtb) you end up with the hybrid bike that is really quite versatile. More upright than a road bike means you’ll likely be more comfortable, slightly wider tires are all you really need to float over gravel and rough dirt. You won’t be off-roading on a bike like this, but you’re not interested in that anyway.
Most of the big manufacturers (Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc) make quite an array of hybrids, but frankly, they’re all fairly similar. There’s really only so much you can do with $500. As a bike newbie, the more important thing is finding a helpful shop where you can take your questions and mechanical problems and have them fixed right away. A good shop will be happy to, for example, swap out the saddle if you find the stock one to be uncomfortable. Or swap out the stem for a longer or shorter model to fit you better. And they’ll do it for free because you bought a bike from them.
Another thing to remember is that beyond the price of the bike, you’ll need a helmet (do yourself a favor and spend at least $50) a pump and a spare tube or two at a minimum.
Almost every bike you find in this price range will be Aluminum, so fairly stiff. Tires, tire pressure and saddle choice have more of an impact on comfort than anything. Fortunately, you can always change all three of these things at anytime. Pay attention to these things while test riding.
You might be able to find some steel models that will be more comfy, but at this price range they’ll be boat anchors too. One of my bikes is a steel single-speed Bianchi that I got for about $500, and it is a tank. I love it, can ride it anywhere, but lithe it absolutely is not.
Second, test ride the bikes on as varied terrain as you can manage. Hit some bumps, some gravel, stand on it, corner on it. If the bike feels a bit long or a bit short, try to figure out why.
Is the bar too far away? A shorter stem can be used.
Are you too far behind the pedals? A different seat post can be used to bring you closer.
Hybrid bikes have flat handle bars and you’re a girl likely with narrow shoulders (more narrow than a dude), does the handle bar feel too wide? Get a narrower one.
A good shop can help you through all these things before you’ve spent a cent.
Shark, I mostly plan on using it just for wandering around or going on bike paths, though I wouldn’t TOTALLY EXCLUDE trying to go to work (… maybe… someday…).
The hybrid sounds like a good idea. And I probably should learn bike maintenance (my dad would do that stuff when I was a kid). What kinds of things do you need to do regularly or at the beginning of each season? What kinds of locks are good (if I wanted to ride it to a store and then back)?
And yeah, hills suck with one speeds, though I live in a pretty dang flat area. I’m still getting used to the idea of how to use what gears when. I’m finding out that more complex (than a single speed kid bike) bike information was totally lost on me, since I didn’t need it until I got to an age where everyone assumes you know it already!
I use Kryptonite locks. They’re expensive, but they will cover the cost of your bike if someone is able to cut or break the lock.
You should know how to change a tire (and how to read the information on it, and know what it means), clean your chain, how to do minor brake adjustments, and take your front tire off. Take it in every spring for a tune-up (most bike stores offer free annual tune up’s when you buy from them). Don’t mess with the gears unless you know what you’re doing.
I agree with mostly all of the above. Probably the biggest decision is finding the right bike shop. Good clue is that they seem to care more about repairing bikes than selling shiny new ones.
Absolutely gears, especially if you’re riding for fitness (if you end up really getting into it, at some point you may want to go to a fixed gear, but you’ll know when you get to that point).
I personally think drop-handlebars are way under-rated and underused, and can’t imagine riding more than a mile or two without being able to change position, so I think more people should give them a try, but it’s not a disaster if you start out with flat handelbars. On the other hand a recumbent is a crazy (as in stupid) idea for any beginner.
Yeah, then I’d have to agree with the advice on getting a hybrid, and changing out accessories to tweak. If you’re going on rides or tours where the population can get a bit sparse, make sure you get a traveling pack or something similiar that’s big enough to carry a couple of spare tires, and make sure you’re able to mount a pump somewhere. Patch kits work in a pinch, but sometimes the leak can hide itself pretty well, and if it’s on the stem, forget it. Cans of fix a flat can work for small punctures.
I’d also agree with the advice on going to a bike shop as opposed to say, a Wal-Mart to buy a bike. Some bike shops will actually allow you to trade-in/trade-up your bikes.
Get properly sized and measured for a bike; most shops will do this for free. Had a friend who couldn’t understand why his legs kept falling asleep on long rides. Turns out his saddle wasn’t angled properly.
Word of warning: this is a sport that is EASY to get into, and easy to obsess over, especially when you (and others) start noticing the health benefits.
It has good reviews and seems to be a good combination: hybrid, upright position, looks nice and appears to be pretty rugged. I know it’s sold at a few bike shops around my area, too.
It’d be neat to get a basket or something so I could make quick runs to little stores if I wanted to.
But I really suggest you think about which shop you want to buy from first, and then which of their bikes you want, instead of deciding on a bike model first. It can be hard to find a bike shops where the people are friendly towards casual cyclists. (A lot of bike shops are run by, and cater only towards, the most avid bike enthusiasts. I am an enthusiast and even I have learned to avoid such shops.)
