Looking for the best "part-time" bike

[PartimeBiker]

So, I have a few questions and need some advice. I am currently new to cycling (unless you count that WalMart mountain bike I bought and rode in my early 20's) and am trying to find a good bike for me now in my early 30's.

I am currently looking at biking as just another fun way to exercise now and then (I'm doing running as my main form of exercise currently since it's a lot cheaper), but I really do enjoy biking and would like to throw in a few bike rides each week, maybe 10 mile rides or so.

In addition, I am 5'4", short-waisted, long-legged, and small-handed so I've been thinking the whole WSD line would work great for me from what I've read and researched so far.

I've currently been looking at Trek's line as I like the way they look and they seem the most affordable with good quality. I could get a cheap-o $100 bike at WalMart again, like I did in my 20's, but I got tired of always being left behind on bike rides with my friends because my equipment was so heavy/crummy/just flat-out lame that I just couldn't keep up.

So, here's my question. Should I spring for a $600 Trek 1000 WSD (which I understand doesn't have the greatest components, but is surely way better than a $100 WalMart bike) and possibly upgrade my components over time as I can afford (I'm currently in college and would be buying my bike with the leftovers of my loan money), or should I put off buying it for a semester or two and saving up for the $1,000 Trek 1500 WSD that already has the better components? I don't plan to become some sort of major bike racer, but I do enjoy going fast so I thought a decent Trek bike would be worth it to me as opposed to the WalMart bike.

In addition, I'd be riding it mostly on bike paths (I live in Tulsa, OK right across from Riverside Park - THE biking park in Tulsa) so I thought a road bike would be best for me. I'm looking for a bike I can keep for years and just upgrade components on, at least until I graduate and start making the big bucks anyway, lol.

So do you think I should I go for the Trek 1000 WSD or save up for the 1500 WSD? Are there any other good cheap bikes for what I want to use it for?

Also, I was quoted a price of $670 on a Trek 1000 WSD from a LBS here in town, is that considered a normal price considering the Trek website doesn't even list the bike that high? Maybe the quote was for the new 2006 line? I thought it was getting to be off season and so the bike should be somewhat cheaper this time of year? When is the best time to buy a new bike for cheap?

Thank you for reading this over, I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations you'd like to give me.

Thanks!

PartimeBiker in OK

[nuthatch]

I'd vote for a hybrid bike in the $250 to $300 range. Something lighter and more "ride-able" than WalMart but not a road bike. You can get something with a lot of adjustment to the stem length/height rather than a fixed stem. You can get a bit of suspension in the seatpost. And you can beat the heck out of it on bike paths and limestone trails if you want. You won't be nervous about getting it wet in the rain if you decide to start commuting around campus. Your legs will become mighty oaks riding around on a bike that weighs a bit more than a road bike. And when you are totally in love with riding, you can dream and plan for your next bike, which, if you're like most of us here, will be more expensive!

[drplasma64]

I agree with Nuthatch...A nice hybrid will turn into an excellent commuter...and is perfectly fine for 10 mile rides. Then, when you become a fanatic, and more experience, you will have money and time to find the perfect road bike and spend real $$$ on it. But you'll still have the hybrid for commuting and lousy weather.

I bought a trek 7200FX ($330) and am really enjoying it. But maybe next year I'll think about upgrading my old road bike (12 speed, downtube shifters) or getting a new one as my distances are increasing.

[nuthatch]

I bought a trek 7200FX ($330) and am really enjoying it. But maybe next year I'll think about upgrading my old road bike (12 speed, downtube shifters) or getting a new one as my distances are increasing.

Yeah, the thing about road bikes is they are built for speed and covering the distance and bike paths are not conducive to either of those things. Not to rain on your road bike parade, of course. If you do go with either of those Treks, you will find yourself wanting to ride like the wind!!

P.S. I think now is the time to buy anything cheap.

[CorsairMac]

me3 chiming in on the hybrid. If you decide to go with a road bike I would say go with the cheaper one for now in case you decide you don't really wanna be a biker or you need the money for school etc etc. Coz I can just about promise you - even if you go with the more expensive model, it won't be good enough for you down the road - you'll want an even MORE expensive model! LOL

I'm voting for the hybrid coz it is faster than a Wal-Mart special, it'll keep up with your friends, and it'll take a beating if it has too. I rode over 1000 miles on my "comfort" bike before I got a vintage road bike. I'm still thinking about using the comfort bike for my winter commuter - which brings up another point. If you're planning on riding through the winters - they can be pretty nasty in OK yes??......and the skinnier tires and the harrier handling of a road bike on slick roads could be scary. whereas the hybrid has slightly wider tires and the handling isn't so harrier fast.

[bcipam]

I'm not a fan of hybrid bikes. I believe each type of bike has a purpose. You need to assess what you plan on doing then decide on the bike. If your plan is to travel short distance, stay on bike paths or off road trails and use the bike for limited exercise, then the hybrid is OK. If you are looking for a means to improve fitness, do moderate to heavy exercise then chose either a road or mountain bike, the MTBike to be use off road or on trails only.

There are lot of good, inexpensive road bikes and MTBikes out there. There are also alot of good used bikes out there. Maybe that's the ticket. If you have a local bike club, check their website. Folks are always buying and selling and outgrading their bikes. See if someone you know has a bike you can borrow. That's even better and cheaper. RIde ti for awhile she if the sport is for you and then decide to get a bike. Even paying $300 for a hybrid bike is wasted if you don't ride.