Quote Originally Posted by lph View Post
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.
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

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.