Clueless newbie - what kind of bike to get?

[lxb87]

I haven't bicycled in over two decades, when I got a bike for Christmas as a kid. We moved to a non-kid-friendly place, I outgrew it, and here I am 20 years later really wanting to bicycle!

How do I go about choosing a bike? I don't even know if I could ride one. This is very embarrassing, as I am a certified Spinning instructor and I teach 4 classes a week that are packed. No one has any idea I've not been on a real bike!

I tried my dad's bike today but it was huge on me and I couldn't get my leg over the top. He is 5'11" and I'm 5'2".

I don't know if I want a road bike or a comfort bike (not sure those are even the right terms!) There is a local bike shop but I'm afraid I'm going to get talked into a $1,000 bike I won't use. Should I start cheap and go from there? I was at ****'s sporting goods and saw a Hybrid Vital 2 and a Vital 3, both by Diamondback, each listed for $300. I also saw a Serene Classic comfort bike for $300. I guess I don't know if those are good beginning bikes or I should spring for something nicer.

Also, do I need something to fit on the back of my car to carry the bikes? The one at the LBS's website was $399 but the one at ****'s was $40! What's the difference?

[KnottedYet]

You've come to the right place!

We love to shop vicariously through others...

From the bikes you listed, I'm guessing your budget is in the $300-$400 range?
Knowing how much you want to spend is a great starting place.

I'd suggest starting with Marin or Kona "hybrid" or "asphalt" or "commuter" bikes. Look for something with more of a cyclocross geometry rather than more of a cruiser geometry. At that price level most bikes are going to be aluminum. Not a problem, aluminum is a fine bike material. If you do eventually move up to steel or titanium or carbon; you will still love your aluminum hybrid for running errands and sunny-day jaunts and as a spare for visitors to use.

The Kona Dew is a great starter bike. Bombproof and friendly. I used mine for commuting, grocery shopping, errands, and a triathlon. The steel fork gave me a lot of confidence in the integrity of the bike, but wasn't enough steel to take care of the road buzz I experienced on longer (40 miles or more) rides. Some people never feel buzz, some feel it instantly. YMMV. And softer/fatter tires can eliminate it if you love the bike and want to fine-tune it.

Here's the Kona Dew: http://konaworld.com/asphalt_commuter.cfm?content=dew (price has gone up since I bought mine a few years ago) and the Dew City http://konaworld.com/asphalt_commute...ntent=dew_city The Kona Roundabout is incredibly cute, but limited gear range and probably double your budget... but I include it just for its drool-worthiness http://konaworld.com/asphalt_simplic...ent=roundabout

Marin has many good bikes in the neighborhood of $400. Check out the "street" category http://www.marinbikes.com/2012/bike_...catcode=STREET I know a few people who love their Kentfield's. I've not owned a Marin, so I have no direct experience to talk about.

In the $400 zone your best bet is brands that aren't one of the "Big Four." You will get a good quality bike for less money. Honestly, if you find an independent bike shop (not one with contracts selling one of the Big Four and only that Big Four brand, bike serfdom) they will steer you toward whatever bike they think suits you.

Ride many bikes before you buy one. Take notes. Go back and ride again. If the bike shop won't let you take a good long test ride (at least 1/2 hour) go to another shop.

---
Transporting bikes is easier than you think. Your shop will show you how to take off the front wheel. Pop off the wheel, put the bike in the back seat (towel over the seat) and toss the front wheel in after it. Free transport, with the added bonus of a secured bike!

[lxb87]

Forgive me, is road buzz a good thing or a bad thing? I don't know what that is!

And I guess my budget is $300. I could spend a lot more but I guess I don't want to, not knowing if I'll like it. The Spinner I have my eye on is around $1400 and I'm more ready to spend that because I know I love indoor cycling.

Also, do bikes get stolen when they're locked up? I can't imagine spending $1k+ and having it stolen - that would make me ill!

[KnottedYet]

Road buzz is an annoying thing. Some say it is a mythical thing. It's a vibration through the bike frame of an aluminum bike that some people swear they feel and others swear doesn't exist.

Honestly, for the style of bike you'd get at that price range, you won't be riding for distances that would really matter as far as road buzz is concerned.

Bikes do get stolen, even when locked up. That's where having a cheaper bike is a benefit if you are riding for errands. All kinds of bikes get stolen all the time, from cheap ones to expensive ones. Never lock up a bike which would break your heart if it were stolen. (take it inside with you)

[lxb87]

I'm thinking of buying a bike off Craigslist used. What height should I look for, since I'm 5'2"?

Does it go by frame size? I keep seeing 17" and 26" in the listings - what do those heights mean?

[zoom-zoom]

And I guess my budget is $300. I could spend a lot more but I guess I don't want to, not knowing if I'll like it. The Spinner I have my eye on is around $1400 and I'm more ready to spend that because I know I love indoor cycling.

So...what if you spent $1000 on a bike and got a good indoor trainer for it? Then you would have a bike that you'd likely enjoy more on the roads, but also be able to ride indoors. If you're willing to spend $1400 on a bike that can only be used indoors, seems that you could get more bang-for-your-buck and spend the same amount on a set-up that gets you indoors or outdoors.

[lxb87]

I didn't know that an indoor trainer existed until Googling it just now. I am so new to this! I guess I don't know the difference between a Spinner and putting an outdoor bike on a trainer.

[redrhodie]

So...what if you spent $1000 on a bike and got a good indoor trainer for it? Then you would have a bike that you'd likely enjoy more on the roads, but also be able to ride indoors. If you're willing to spend $1400 on a bike that can only be used indoors, seems that you could get more bang-for-your-buck and spend the same amount on a set-up that gets you indoors or outdoors.

I love this advice.

[Nick]

So...what if you spent $1000 on a bike and got a good indoor trainer for it? Then you would have a bike that you'd likely enjoy more on the roads, but also be able to ride indoors. If you're willing to spend $1400 on a bike that can only be used indoors, seems that you could get more bang-for-your-buck and spend the same amount on a set-up that gets you indoors or outdoors.

I'm with redrhodie -- this sounds like an excellent approach.

[zoom-zoom]

On the running message board I frequent there was someone contemplating spending comparable money on a spin bike. I gave them the same advice. I can't fathom spending that kind of money on a device that forces the user to be stuck indoors (where time passes SO slowly...I loathe those months when I can't be outdoors on my bike and have to really push myself to do 50 miles/week, vs. easily and happily logging double that during the warmer months) when they can spend the same money on something that gets them outdoors or indoors. Change of scenery is a beautiful thing.

[Aquila]

A quick thought about size. Different brands and bike geometries (how the different tubes and such are angled) give very different results from the same numbers.

Happily, many bike shops will let you go in and try their bikes out, and they'll usually have some basic ideas about what bike will fit you. Write down some notes, and then you'll get a good idea about whether you want a cruiser or a road bike, or whatever. Try lots of bikes, and don't be tempted to buy at the first shop or on the first day.

That will also be useful if you decide to buy a bike off craigslist or whatever, since you'll be able to that bike and compare it with what you've felt on other bikes.

Good luck!