Bike riding

MaryEffingPoppins

I'd LOVE to begin bike riding everyday for about 60-90 minutes. I'm not sure which type of bike I need to purchase. A mountain bike, a Schwin... What? Bike riders, HELP!

twiztedgrl69

Well, what kind of bike depends on what kind of riding you're going to be doing...road, mountain, combination...and you also have to get fitted to a bike...I know that sounds crazy but it's best to go to a store that specializes in bikes...when I bought my new one recently I got one that is good for a combination of riding and I'd love to get into mountain biking once I get more in shape...when I was doing my sizing for my bike, I ended up needed an extra small bike b/c of how short I am...it's a great way to exercise...I usually ride to the gym, workout and then ride back home...good luck!

trud72

i am also starting bike riding(when i get my bike at xmas)! lol(not that i know shhh)
i will be geting a mountain bike...that's what most people have over here!

yeabby

Think about where you'll be riding. If it's on the road I'd highly recommend a road bike or hybrid (hybrid is a lot heavier than road). If you'll be on paths go hybrid and on trails think about mountain. Like with running shoes it's very important that you get fitted for the bike. A bike that doesn't fit is NO fun. I'd recommend going to a reputable shop and talking with the experts. If you buy used make sure it's tuned.

edit - I'd also highly recommend INVESTING in a good pair of bike shorts. Don't go cheap on them or they won't work as well or last as long (made that mistake a few times and wish I'd invested the first time). You won't be sorry.

Pandorian

I'll third the being sized recommendation! It's very important, if you're going to spend more than 10 minutes on your bike being sized will make a huge difference between being sore and hating it or being able to go nigh on forever.

Charger440

I have a Schwinn mountain bike that I ride...I have about 1000 miles on it at the moment. It's a 21 speed with extra grips and an aerobar for road riding. I like it pretty well but it seems like a lot of "bike people" bad mouth Schwinn though.

MaryEffingPoppins

Well I'll be riding on concrete throughout the city etc... (Gainesville, Fl) No mountain, or trail riding. I'm also 5'11 so being fitted is probably a great idea.

yeabby

Well I'll be riding on concrete throughout the city etc... (Gainesville, Fl) No mountain, or trail riding. I'm also 5'11 so being fitted is probably a great idea.

Get a road bike then. When you get fitted talk to them about aluminum vs. steel vs. other metals. Each type has it's pros and cons. I went steel because the aluminum flexed too much for the riding I do. However, I have friends who ride aluminum and it's perfect for what they do.

SailingMike

I love my bike. It is a 21 speed Raleigh Comfort bike about $300. I ride it about 10 miles 3-4x per week (about 60 min.)

My wife loves her bike. Its an Electra 21 Speed comfort bike and sells for about $500. The route we take has a lot of hills so at the end of 60 min we have burned 500-650 calories.

Personally I hate to sit on popsicle sticks hunched over getting a crick in my neck.

I DO believe strongly in wearing a helmet after my 15 year old son was smart enough to wear his before he was hit by a Volvo going 45 mph and survived!

Test some out... decide what kind of riding you will do. If you want to ride with the pros and wear spandex shorts, you will be spending $1000+ on a road bike and need to learn how to change a tire, etc...

MOST IMPORTANT: Enjoy it and have fun.

baptistgirl23

I got a Schwinn (can't remember the model but it's NOT a mountain bike...I live in FL too) a few years ago...LOVE it! It has shock absorbers...something like that, anyway. I don't feel anything when I ride over small bumps, curbs, etc...HIGHLY recommend it! Also, I made sure I had a seat a little wider than normal. Those two things have helped me be able to ride 12 miles at a time now. All the bikes I had before this one would make my butt sore or my shoulders/back would ache (absorbing all the shock). Also, definitely buy at a bike shop. They set everything up for you (for your height) and usually you get free yearly adjustments too.

MaryEffingPoppins

I love my bike. It is a 21 speed Raleigh Comfort bike about $300. I ride it about 10 miles 3-4x per week (about 60 min.)

My wife loves her bike. Its an Electra 21 Speed comfort bike and sells for about $500. The route we take has a lot of hills so at the end of 60 min we have burned 500-650 calories.

Personally I hate to sit on popsicle sticks hunched over getting a crick in my neck.

I DO believe strongly in wearing a helmet after my 15 year old son was smart enough to wear his before he was hit by a Volvo going 45 mph and survived!

Test some out... decide what kind of riding you will do. If you want to ride with the pros and wear spandex shorts, you will be spending $1000+ on a road bike and need to learn how to change a tire, etc...

MOST IMPORTANT: Enjoy it and have fun.

Thank God your son is ok. When I was 15 I was intentionally hit by a Ford Explorer traveling at 45 mph while I was standing in someone's yard! Jumped the curb, burnt the grass out, and everything. The truck was TOTALED! I could have moved but I was like a deer in headlights, literally. I have issues w/ my back to this day! I'm also very lucky to have survived. So I definitely know the feeling. You're truly blessed to have your son.

wb1411

Hybrid "sport" bikes are good for general riding. They've got straight handle bars, and give you a more upright riding position. They make good commuter bikes. Road bikes are lighter with more aggressive gearing and drop bars. If you're going to be riding where there's a lot of hills, mountain bikes are cool. They've got really low gears.
Don't worry too much about the brand, the majority of bikes have drive trains made from Shimano or SRAM parts. So really all your getting is their frame. The difference will be in the quality of parts used.
Definitely get sized for the frame you need. You're knees will thank you.

MaryEffingPoppins

Welp, I got fitted and I'm going w/ the Trek 7.2 FX. LOVED IT!