The type of bike you ride depends on what you want it for. There are road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes (cross between mountain & road).
I have a hybrid because I like to ride on the trails near my house. They're not mountain trails, and some of it is paved, so my hybrid is perfect for this. I also have a mountain bike that I got for free (to clean out someone else's garage) to ride to school on nice days, since my hybrid is a little bit gussied up with a few toys.
Try your local bike clubs, you may find a really, really nice (cough higher end cough) that has been well maintained but is not ridden much anymore because they saw the newer, shinier model in the store for a reasonable resale price (and possibly negotiable).
Life is like a roller coaster, with lots of ups and downs, but the curves, spirals, loops and corkscrews are what make life interesting.
I bought a Raleigh 2 years ago at my brother's encouragement. I enjoyed it that first year but didn't get to ride it last summer. I just took it in for a tune up so I can get back on it this year. I have to say having a good bike really helps. I had an old junker bike and just didn't enjoy riding it (although I made a deal with myself the year prior that if I rode it once a week, I'd buy myself a new bike) but the new bike made riding really enjoyable. I think it's a hybrid but it might be a comfort.
I recommend going to a good bike shop (or the bike dept at REI has been quite good in my experience). This is a lot like buying good running shoes. The experts know the questions to ask and how to fit you to a bike. It makes a difference.
I bought a women's bike, much to my brother's chagrin! LOL He said it looked like a 'girl' bike. I said, that's ok, I'm a girl! LOL I love not having to heave my leg up and over the bar.
If you want to know the exact model I bought, let me know and I'll figure it out. It might even be on my claim ticket in the car.
There is a used sports equipment store in our area called "Play it Again" or it may be "Play it Again Sports" not sure which. You can buy all sorts of used equipment there. If you have one in your area they may have bikes.
"Live your life so that you are not afraid to sell the family parrot to the town gossip."
Posts: 4050 | Location: NE Atlanta (Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth) | Registered: March 15, 2004
hey jill, if you are not interested in anything terribly expensive, you may want to check out craigslist or some other used equipment place. I had a used bike that served me very well for 10 years.
Goals: 1. Stop thinking like a chronic dieter and start living to inspire. 2. HALT (hungry, anxious, lonely, tired) I will stop and tune in with myself should I experience these things, and respond with something healthy. 3. One word 2008: courage 4. Eat slow and mindfully.
