Cyclists, Please Help. What Bike is Right For Me?

ohohraptor

So I've decided I want a bike, mainly for fitness and commuting to and from the gym. I have been told to get a touring or hybrid, but don't really know the difference. I am a stay at home mom and whatever I get will need to be able to tow a bike trailer with my two year old in it. I will be using it on the road only. I have no idea what brands are good, what size to order(in the case I buy online), or anything. I am not looking to spend a lot of money since this will be my first bike, maybe around 200-300. Can anyone help me out? All the bikes I've been seeing have been WAY out of my price range!

Pandorian

First step when buying a bike is to go to a bike specialty shop and get measured. All other decisions come after being properly fitted.

Pandorian

Bah posted way too fast.
IF you'll be on only paved trails / roads then a road bike may well work for you, I'm not sure with the trailer though, seems to me when I see trailers behind the bikes they've always been behind a mountain bike.

On a properly fitted bike you'll be able to ride FAR more distance comfortably which should mean more likely to stick with it. The specialty shop should be able to recommend the type of bike appropriate for your riding goals.

kayemme

it's also a little trial and error.

here's a good rule of thumb: the fatter the tire, the slower you go. so bubble tires = really slow. totally fine if you want to take it easy and they're great for a good workout because you have to really work to get speed.

i have a 1980 shwinn and i love that bike more than anything. it cost me $35 and I've been riding it 6 months; now i need new tires (i've been lucky so far with the ones i have - they're old)

if you're average height, you don't have to worry too much about the bike frame size; you can tell if it's too big or small for you by looking at it, but you absolutely must have it fitted for your body (adjusting seat height & handlebar height). too small of a bike won't give you enough lift: your lowered leg should extend completely when sitting on the bike.

if you buy a used bike, invest in a good seat. nothing sucks more than a crappy seat, srsly.

fatboypup

agreed 200% goto a local bike shop and get fitted tell them how and where you plan to ride they will help you. Or go get a cheap 100 dollar bicycle at walmart first and then end up doing step one ........

First step when buying a bike is to go to a bike specialty shop and get measured. All other decisions come after being properly fitted.

kayemme

agreed 200% goto a local bike shop and get fitted tell them how and where you plan to ride they will help you. Or go get a cheap 100 dollar bicycle at walmart first and then end up doing step one ........

First step when buying a bike is to go to a bike specialty shop and get measured. All other decisions come after being properly fitted.

do not spend $100 at walmart. you can get a much better bike for $100 used. check craigslist.

fatboypup

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/navigator/navigator10wsd/ if your gonna pull a trailer and arent doing serious mtn riding id suggest something like this it can prolly be had at your LBS for $350ish also check craigslist lots of people buy bikes and never ride them.

chuckyp

A hybrid type bike (looks like a mountain bike, but narrower road tires) would probably be good. Or you can even go with a beach cruiser type bike. A visit to the bike shop like someone said is a good idea to make sure you get the correct frame size. Most shops will let you test ride their bikes so you can see what you like. Some of the more purpose-built mountain and road bikes have you leaned over pretty far, and the resulting pressure on your wrists can get pretty uncomfortable.
If your budget just keeps you into department store type bikes, at least sit on some and/or ride them down the aisle to see what fits you. If you can afford to spend a bit extra, the lighter weight and better (smoother) components of a more expensive bike are usually worth it.

fatboypup

agreed 200% goto a local bike shop and get fitted tell them how and where you plan to ride they will help you. Or go get a cheap 100 dollar bicycle at walmart first and then end up doing step one ........

First step when buying a bike is to go to a bike specialty shop and get measured. All other decisions come after being properly fitted.

do not spend $100 at walmart. you can get a much better bike for $100 used. check craigslist.

i wasnt suggesting it i was just saying she will end up buying two bikes if she took that route

ohohraptor

Okay, so go down to the bike shop and get fitted. Perhaps I need a mountain bike instead? I guess these are all questions the shop can answer for me as well. Thanks guys.

fatboypup

hurry back and we can go riding!

ohohraptor

hurry back and we can go riding!

It may be a while to get the hubs on board, I've just recently brought up the idea and I think he is still brewing on it.

fatboypup

show him THIS ........ :laugh:

pinkgigi

Hybrid bikes don't do road or mountain biking very well.

A touring bike is probably the best bike for you as it looks like a road bike, but with slightly wider tyres and a bit more solid for towing. A mountain bike has way too much resistance for riding on the road and is much heavier. I would go for the top end of what you can afford and buy at a bike shop because they can help with fitting. They may even be able to advise if they know someone who is looking to upgrade and you can buy second hand.

Good luck, there is nothing better than a day on a bike!!!

GG

Pandorian

Yeah don't waste time with department store bikes, you might get lucky and get someone that actually knows how to put them together or you might get one that the pedal arm falls off in the first few minutes of riding, never did get that "Fixed" at the point of purchase, had to go to a bike shop and they did what was needed after a dozen return trips to the original point of purchase. Had another one that decided I didn't like and SOOO glad I wasn't keen on riding it, I pulled it out of the trunk to return it and the wheel fell off, it did NOT have one of those quick release levers either.

ohohraptor

show him THIS ........ :laugh:

LOL.

ohohraptor

Hybrid bikes don't do road or mountain biking very well.

A touring bike is probably the best bike for you as it looks like a road bike, but with slightly wider tyres and a bit more solid for towing. A mountain bike has way too much resistance for riding on the road and is much heavier. I would go for the top end of what you can afford and buy at a bike shop because they can help with fitting. They may even be able to advise if they know someone who is looking to upgrade and you can buy second hand.

Good luck, there is nothing better than a day on a bike!!!

GG

Awesome, thanks so much! I do like the look of the touring better than the hybrids, although I was unsure of whether or not I could tow with them.

ohohraptor

Yeah don't waste time with department store bikes, you might get lucky and get someone that actually knows how to put them together or you might get one that the pedal arm falls off in the first few minutes of riding, never did get that "Fixed" at the point of purchase, had to go to a bike shop and they did what was needed after a dozen return trips to the original point of purchase. Had another one that decided I didn't like and SOOO glad I wasn't keen on riding it, I pulled it out of the trunk to return it and the wheel fell off, it did NOT have one of those quick release levers either.

Oh jeez, what a nightmare.

kayemme

do not spend $100 at walmart. you can get a much better bike for $100 used. check craigslist.

i wasnt suggesting it i was just saying she will end up buying two bikes if she took that route

omg, i see! thx for clarifying... totally agreed!

kayemme

Hybrid bikes don't do road or mountain biking very well.

A touring bike is probably the best bike for you as it looks like a road bike, but with slightly wider tyres and a bit more solid for towing....Good luck, there is nothing better than a day on a bike!!!

GG

agreed!