Help needed! - Picking a bike and general advice

I am looking to get into riding for exercise and for fun in NYC. I am 5'10, 300lbs and a woman. I have no idea what kind of bike would be good for a not very strong beginner. I am pretty proportional weight wise, so there shouldn't be problems unless a bike is really tiny (ie no belly in the way, just fat all over lol). My legs are quite long though. My commute to school is about 2.5 miles of city traffic in a busy part of town.

Any bike suggestions, or any other suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

I encourage you to read Lovely Bicycle, especially her earlier post. She lives in Boston and offers some great ideas for commuting and branching out from there. My opinion is to go try a few different styles and see what you feel the most confident on. ENJOY

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Originally Posted by StayDreaming

I am looking to get into riding for exercise and for fun in NYC. I am 5'10, 300lbs and a woman. I have no idea what kind of bike would be good for a not very strong beginner. I am pretty proportional weight wise, so there shouldn't be problems unless a bike is really tiny (ie no belly in the way, just fat all over lol). My legs are quite long though. My commute to school is about 2.5 miles of city traffic in a busy part of town.

Any bike suggestions, or any other suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

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What is your budget?

Welcome! I don't really have any specific advice, except don't settle for a bike that's too heavy because you're a beginner. No-one deserves a terrible bike. And try them out. And don't let a shop push you into buying something you're not sure about. Smile and try another shop. A good one will be patient.

I love seeing people finding cycling though :) May you find much of the joy many of us find in it.

I would definitely look at some of the Crank Forward bikes that Rans makes if you have ~$1000 to spend.

Otherwise I'm with Muirenn, a Kona Dew is great and also Salsa Fargo's! I think a flatbar Surly Long Haul trucker might also be a nice choice :)

Make sure it fits properly. No other real advise.

Go to a LBS (Local Bike Shop) not a box store.

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Originally Posted by lph

Welcome! I don't really have any specific advice, except don't settle for a bike that's too heavy because you're a beginner. No-one deserves a terrible bike.

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Hey now, I love my terrible beginner bike! Sometimes when it's love at first sight, you just have to go with it. And I still love my 30 year old, high-ten department-store mixte despite the fact I have soma and know better :p

My advice is don't feel like you're settling if you happen to find a perfect bike that's also a pig. Lighter bikes are over-rated, and a heavier bike will make you stronger, haha.

It is hard to give advice on 'the best bike' because that's going to be different to everyone. Ask yourself questions, what's your budget? Is style important? Do you feel like you need disc breaks? Is theft a big concern? Will rust be an issue, or do you want a frame that can take rough treatment? Do you need your bike to take fenders & rack? Might you go off-road on this bike? Is it unreasonable to cheap out on this one, and then get a second bike when you get a better idea of what you need? (I did that and it worked out well for me)

Once you have your list of do's and don'ts finding a good bike will be easier, by process of elimination.

Antaresia, your heavy old mixte is beautiful!

StayDreaming, are you still out there? Looking at bikes?

I'm here! I assumed that I would get emails if I got any replies, and I assumed wrong haha, so I just checked back in today.

I really appreciate all the advice from everyone, and you have given me much to think about. Since I am a struggling grad student, I think my first priority would be my budget! I was hoping to spend $200-$400 maximum, because I am not a serious rider, I just need a vehicle first!

You all mentioned terms that I have never heard of let alone considered so I may be better off just going to a bike shop than trying to tease out the knowledge from google. However, if there are people buying $2200 bikes, will I be welcome?? lol

I will be looking at all of the suggestions made, and I will also see if I can get a bike secondhand, so if you know of anyone looking to unload an old bike in the NYC area, please let me know.

Are there any questions that I should know to ask?

Actually the Jamis that Muirenn linked to is pretty good.

I got my beater bike used from a bike rental company on the Upper West Side. I paid $100 for a 2010 Giant Cypress in good condition. The frame is steel, the seat is nice and comfy and the ride is smooth. A new one is about $350 but since this was a beater to put on a trainer, I wanted to spend the least amount possible. The Giant Cyress is actually considered a "Comfort" bike - great for beginner riders - it feels like I'm riding a couch!

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....w/3919/36573/

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Originally Posted by StayDreaming

I'm here! I assumed that I would get emails if I got any replies, and I assumed wrong haha, so I just checked back in today.

I really appreciate all the advice from everyone, and you have given me much to think about. Since I am a struggling grad student, I think my first priority would be my budget! I was hoping to spend $200-$400 maximum, because I am not a serious rider, I just need a vehicle first!

You all mentioned terms that I have never heard of let alone considered so I may be better off just going to a bike shop than trying to tease out the knowledge from google. However, if there are people buying $2200 bikes, will I be welcome?? lol

I will be looking at all of the suggestions made, and I will also see if I can get a bike secondhand, so if you know of anyone looking to unload an old bike in the NYC area, please let me know.

Are there any questions that I should know to ask?

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We don't care what you ride, just that you ride it and enjoy it. :)

My only suggestion, born from experience, is make sure that you buy a bike that you love. It's just as easy to love a less expensive bike, and it's loving a bike that will get you riding and keep you riding.

I am very new to cycling. I have been out 4 times in the last 10 days and i have to say I have found my new passion. Now I need to buy myself a bike since I am using a man's hand me down! A few questions 1. What is the best brand of road bike? What componantary should I be asking about? Is there anything else I need to know? I am so excited, going for a 25km ride in the morning with my son!!:)

The best brand of road bike is the one that fits you well and you enjoy riding. Your best bet is to go to a Local Bike Shop (LBS) talk with them, look at options, ride several models, then go to another LBS. The point being you need to find out what is out there and how the LBS treat you as a new rider. You probably need to have a budget in mind since some of these bikes are very very expensive! When you buy a bike, the LBS you buy from will do repairs and have accessories for you to buy, so think of it as a long term relationship. With respect to brand, if it is being sold in a LBS, it is a decent brand. Some bikes won't fit you well, others won't be aesthetically pleasing to you. Keep looking until you find the one that makes you smile. Also, you might fit better on a unisex bike (formerly called mens) than a Women's Specific Designed one...try both. Enjoy the hunt for the perfect bike for you.

P2

WOW. Just checked out the Jamis site. Way cool bikes. Don't know how they ride, but I love the orange hard tail I found...Trail X2. Didn't look at specs, just looks like a beauty from page.

As a newbie over the summer I realized a couple of things.

Just because it's "in style" doesn't mean it's for you.

You really have to pick a bike for the road conditions you live in. A racing style of bike doesn't belong on a beat-up highways as I found out. Best purchase was my Surly Fargo 29er. It has drop bars with a mountain bike frame. Comfortable and goes over anything.

Most LBS have used bikes. Take a look at them. I've seen some really nice bikes of all prices in that section. There is nothing wrong with a used or an inexpensive bike or even an older bike.

Craigslist has lots of bikes. I just put up a bike for sale and was amazed what was out there. Haven't had any offers so maybe it's a sign I should keep it.

LBS guys are "different". I can't explain it but don't let it bother you when you go in. Leave if they truly make you feel like an idiot, ignore you or keep pushing you toward bikes you can't afford. Once I got to know mine a little better, I've had a better relationship.

The bike has to fit you right. If it's too small, you will be cramped. If it's too big, you'll be stretched out. I'm tall at 5'10 and a 56 cm or a 17.5 to 18 inch bike fits me best.

There isn't a best bike brand of bike out there. Every manufacturer makes some great bikes. Some of the bikes I've liked are from the smaller companies like Surly, Salsa and the Electra company. Electra company makes some nice affordable bikes of different ranges.

The more expensive the bike, the better the parts are. I didn't think there was a difference between chains, shifters, and other parts of a bike until I rode a few of them. Then I went to Wally World and you could see a huge difference in quality.

You'll know when you find the bike that's for you. You can always upgrade parts later when you are more experienced.

Try everything that fits in your budget, because there isn't a "best" brand. What works for me probably won't work for you. Check Craigslist once you have a better idea of what fits you.

Thankyou ladies, advice taken! I will be sure to enjoy looking for my new bike.
:)

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Originally Posted by StayDreaming

I am looking to get into riding for exercise and for fun in NYC. I am 5'10, 300lbs and a woman. I have no idea what kind of bike would be good for a not very strong beginner. I am pretty proportional weight wise, so there shouldn't be problems unless a bike is really tiny (ie no belly in the way, just fat all over lol). My legs are quite long though. My commute to school is about 2.5 miles of city traffic in a busy part of town.

Any bike suggestions, or any other suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

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I'm your size and recently purchased a specialized expedition low entry 7speed from my local bike shop, it's Large size & I love it! Very comfortable for my 5 mile rides. Mine was about $450 including tax. hope that helps!