Help needed! - Picking a bike and general advice

[goldfinch]

Antaresia, your heavy old mixte is beautiful!

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

[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?

[jyyanks]

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/

[crows]

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!!

[pinsonp2]

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

[Bethany1]

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.

[Owlie]

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.

[Owlie]

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?

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

[hebe]

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.