I have been craving to go out bike riding...but I don't have a bike. My last bike was stolen back in college.

I have been thinking about purchasing one, but I'm not sure really where to start. I could go to Target or Walmart but I don't know...Maybe I should go to a bike shop or a sporting goods store. Are there pros and cons to buying a really cheap bike to one that may be just a bit more expensive?

Does anyone have any tips or know of any good websites that helps to guide someone or gives pointers on deciding on a bike?

Thanks!

bump

You also might want to look into biking groups in your area. My father cycles almost everyday and loves it to death. You might just look up times for groups that sound interesting, show up 10-20 minutes early and just talk to the cyclists about their gear, what shops the frequent, etc. It sounds a little scary but from what my father tells me (he travels very often and cycles around the country) cyclists are extremely nice and helpful.

Heather

I just went out for a bike ride today. I have two bikes, one is a mountain bike I got cheap and one that is a "real" road bike (though a low-end one) that cost quite a bit. I don't think you can get a good cheap road bike, but cheap mountain bikes are easier to find.

I like both but for different purposes. The road bike is what I use for races and it goes really fast and is superlight. I feel every bump in the road, though. I love my cheapo mountain bike for riding around town and on trails.

Someday I'd like to get a real tri bike but can't really justify the expense ($1000 and up) until I am a better racer. I tried a tri bike that I loved at Danskin, a Trek that is specifically designed for women. The women's-specific design is good for me because I have long legs and a very short torso. But, for now what I have is good.

There are a few questions you'll be asked should you decide to check out bikes at a bike shop. They will want to know the kind of riding you like (or picture liking). Do you want to be able to go for rides with your kids, downtown for a newspaper, that type of stuff (comfort or mountain bikes), or do you want to go 5 or 10 miles at a time (hybrid or road bikes)? Or you could look at it from a time point of view: maybe you want a 30 minute workout (8-10 miles for me), or an hour (15 miles plus). This will determine the types of bikes you would consider, no matter where you shop. Of course, also decide what you can spend! Just as KD's baby step philosophy says, start somewhere, just start!

I don't doubt that any good bike will be great fun! My experience was that I started getting the biking itch, and considering what I wanted. Then I got on a road bike, and wow. WOW! No bike I ever had as a kid (even good ones) ever felt like that! For me the cost actually helped me commit! I got a Trek hybrid with mountain bike handlebars and road bike wheels, which just means I'm not going for speed as much as glide. I've logged over 350 miles since March. I'm lovin' it!

Good luck and let us know!

Lynne

I bought a bike last weekend. I went to a mid-size bike shop (they have 4-5 locations, I think) and was fitted by someone who seemed to know what he was doing.

Right now is a really excellent time to try bike shops, especially if you live somewhere that gets a winter. A lot of shops have big sales going on right now to unload stuff at the end of the season. Mine offered to double the $25 coupon which they had given me when I got there, without me even asking. The bike shop also offered 1 year of free service and tunes ups (new bikes can have issues with the chains as you break it in), which is something you may not get at Target or Walmert. A tune up can cost $60, so that's worth adding into your decision.

That said, I'm sure you can get a decent bike at Target. The difference won't so much be the bike, but the service and expertise of the staff available to help you.

Wherever you go, make sure you can try the bike out first, and not just a superficial spin down an aisle. I spent 30 minutes riding two different bikes before deciding. It was time well spent.

Well, my friend just spent $300 on a bike that she rarely uses. I consider myself a real biker, I love to ride and spend hours each week on my bike. I don't think you have to run out and spend a lot of money on a bike. If you ride for a while and find yourself committed and want to spend more for a lighter bike or one with higher gears etc... that is great, then do it. But if you are just looking to enjoy a ride, get some exercise and experiment with biking, Schwinn has made quality bikes for a long time. I had my last bike for 10 years and loved it. I don't think you need to go to a specialty shop unless you have the means financially and just want to spend the money.

I highly recommend being properly fitted for a bike and at least talking with someone at a bike shop about your specific needs and wants around biking. Think of it as an educational process. You might decide you need a cheepo, or mid grade or whatever, but it is worth tsking some time with "real" bikers to get a handle on what you need.
You might enjoy the process.

I bought my Schwinn mountain bike at Target. I absolutely love it. I ride my bike about 4-5 miles a day and my bike works like a charm. I did buy a bigger cushiony seat at Toys R Us for $25 bucks. It has 10 speads, it is red and black and was about $200. I say start inexpensive until you know how serious you are and you can buy up as your needs change!!