I need a bike--help!

[leftofthedial]

I have not owned a bike for the past 10 years and I didn't ride the one I had for 10 years before that.

Now I want to buy a decent, inexpensive bike for transportation around town. I live in a city with excellent bike paths. 90% of the riding will be on paved roads or paths and 10% will be on dirt trials (not too demanding). I will occasionally need to carry me and a small suitcase-sized bag or groceries or other small loads. I'm a middleaged guy not looking for the extreme sports experience--just basic non-petroleum-based transportation and healthful exercise as part of my lifestyle.

I don't know the first thing about bikes. Last time I looked into bikes, there were nowhere near the variety or choices there are now.

Anyone have any suggestions? Durable and inexpensive are my guidelines.

Thanks, DU bikers!

[Lex]

1. I bought one described as a "hybrid"

because it didn't have the thin wheels like a 10 speed, but not the heavy-knobbed wheels of an off-road bike either.

The tires were somewhere in between and so was the bike's style--so it was very versatile and was comfortable for me to ride around the neighborhood and over broken asphalt too if necessary.

[leftofthedial]

2. cool!

how much did it cost?

[Lex]

5. Here's a link to the "hybrids"

and mine cost about $200, but you can get one less expensively, if you look around:

Info about hybrid bikes: http://bicycleoutfitter.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=22

[leftofthedial]

6. Thanks!

that looks like the ticket. I can swing up to about $300 I think. (If I don't eat for the next two weeks.)

$20 to DU, that leaves $280 for the bike.

[Lex]

7. I forgot to say that the brand I got

is a "Specialized" and the kind is a "Crossroads."

http://www.specialized.com/sbcSSComfortBikes.jsp?my=2005&JServSessionIdroot=qx4dwb2i5v.j27002

I got it about 5 years ago and it's still going strong--no problems whatsoever.


Good luck on your bike search!

[Baclava]

3. I've got a bike...

...you can ride it if you like, it's got a basket, a bell that rings and things to make it look good ...

(sorry - couldn't resist)

[leftofthedial]

4. does it have tassles on the ends of the handlebars?

if not, forget it.

[wtmusic]

8. Giant makes some excellent hybrids

and very affordable too

http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?range=205

[Hoping4Change]

9. I have biked my whole life. I commute 16 miles everyday to work.

I'll bike through the winter so long as the road are clear and the weather is above 25 degrees. My bike is 12 years old. It cost 125.00. It looks almost identical to the "Giant" another poster referred to. Price in my opinion is not a factor, comfort is.

The frame on my bike is extremely comfortable. Being a hybrid I get the advantages of a mountain bike (thick wheels)but the comfort of a touring bike specifically the handle bar. On a mountain bike the handle bar is horizontal requiring the rider to bend. The handled bar on my bike is not horizontal but is raised at the centre enabling me to ride in an upright position which I find more comfortable.

There is another advantage to an inexpensive bike and that is it is not so attractive to thieves and if it does get stolen it is not going to break the bank.

Other suggestions. If the bike doesn't come with full front and rear fenders have them added because if you go through a puddle your clothing will be ruined. The other thing is to have a solid bike rack over you're rear tire which will enable you to attach a rear basket which is really indispensable.

p.s. The one important safety precaution is to always do a shoulder check when you proceed through an intersection because most bike accidents occur when drivers are doing right hand turns and hit cyclists who assume they have the right of way. I mention this because I always see cyclists zoom across intersections oblivious to drivers barreling down beside them to make a right hand turn and its only a miracle that many have not collided.

[leftofthedial]

10. thanks! I'm definitely looking at hybrids

I'll see if I can find a "Giant" dealer nearby.

I'm looking forward to take advantage of the great bike path less than a block from my front door.

Thanks for the tips. The upright thing will be important for me. I occasionally suffer from lower back issues.

[wtmusic]

11. better yet

get out in that lane so you do have the right of way

[northzax]

12. you can be 'dead right' you know

I find that while on a bicycle, one should not argue with automobiles.

[wtmusic]

14. no argument

it's a matter of letting them know where you are. Get a flashing red light and become part of traffic, otherwise drivers don't know what to expect, and may guess (wrongly)

[Hoping4Change]

13. I will do that but I wouldn't suggest that for someone who has

not ridden a bike in a number of years. I think it better to stick by the curb and develop good habits such as consistent shoulder checks. One of the excellent benefits of biking is that one has to train oneself to be extremely alert, a cyclist can't zone out and remain safe, alertness is the name of the game.

[leftofthedial]

18. Thanks, Hoping4Change

I went out today and looked at Treks, Specialized's, a couple other brands and Giants.

I purchased a Giant Sedona hybrid for $159. I think it was a pretty good deal.

I rode a couple of miles and rediscovered a few muscles I had forgotten about. Now I'm walking around on jelly legs! I'll try another ride tomorrow and maybe stretch myself out to 10 or 12 miles soon.

Man, am I out of shape!

Thank you for the advice.

[prolesunited]

15. Not to hijack, but we are trying to get a DU bike group going

Please sign in if you're interested.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2881371

As to your question, one of my bikes is a Trek hybrid. It's a good all-purpose bike that I've used in the city (lots of pot holes) and on crushed limestone (like the KATY trail) and well-groomed dirt trails (like the IM Canal trail).

I'm quite happy with it. Although, if you're going to do any long-distance riding, you'll definitely need a road bike. I like having both so I have the right bike for the occasion.

[leftofthedial]

17. thanks

signed in

[seemunkee]

16. Breezer and Townies are nice

upright riding. You can get them in 7 speed with the shifter built into the rear hub. Nice and durable.
The Bianchi Milani is similar, just bought one for my wife.

[R. A. Fuqua]

19. Can I ask a bike question too?

Hey--this is my first post!

I have been reading here for a couple of years--and I became a member during the past election season--but I don't have anything to say--so I just keep quiet and read. I mostly come here just to know what is going on and to help me stay sane.

Anyway--I saw this thread and I have a bike problem that I would appreciate some help with. I enjoy biking--and my girlfriend would like to get more into it. But she is NEVER happy with the bikes she rides. she is really tiny--4 ft 11 inches tall! So--the bikes for adults don't "fit" her right--and they are really to heavy for her. She rides a kids bike--but it is not a REALLY good bike and she doesn't enjoy it as much as I know she would if she had a really good bike.

I would love to get her a really good bike that would fit her. Are there any other small people (or friends and family of small people) who have had this problem? Can they recommend a bike type or brand that will be a good fit and relatively light weight--but an ADULT style bike?

I would appreciate it. And hello to everyone!