Do you bicycle often?

go to a specialty bike store...have them "fit you" into a bike that fits your needs. then go online and buy the bike cheaper. some folks have to have the newest thing on the market and revolve their bikes quickly. just a thought....Have fun!

^This is pretty good advice.

Me, I ride about 1-2 a week. I ride a heavy as heck single speed (the Schwinn "Cream" Cruiser). I LOVE it. I did buy mine at a bike shop, but on sale.


*edited for typo

Know any good websites for finding cheap, good used bikes like you refer to from people trading up?

go to a specialty bike store...have them "fit you" into a bike that fits your needs. then go online and buy the bike cheaper. some folks have to have the newest thing on the market and revolve their bikes quickly. just a thought....Have fun!

Then buy the bike from them. The shop needs the sales to stay in business, and you will need them to service the bike every year. The service is usually cheaper if they sold you the bike.

^THIS!!! Not to mention, if you buy it from them, they can fit the bike to you free of charge (If you just brought it in, you'll have to pay up $75 or so for a fitting). Without a proper fitting, you'll likely injure yourself riding the bike, and you won't be nearly as comfortable or efficient.

Go to your local bike shop. They often have used ones too if you aren't ready to commit to a newer more expensive bike. They will not only fit you for the type of bike that you are looking for, but will help fit it to you - seat adjustment, handlebars, etc. It will make a great deal of difference in your comfort and then you will bike more often. They can help recommend places, times, groups to bike with. Buying through a local shop helps your community and in the long run, they will be there to help you with your maintenance needs and support.

go to a specialty bike store...have them "fit you" into a bike that fits your needs. then go online and buy the bike cheaper. some folks have to have the newest thing on the market and revolve their bikes quickly. just a thought....Have fun!

Then buy the bike from them. The shop needs the sales to stay in business, and you will need them to service the bike every year. The service is usually cheaper if they sold you the bike.

Definitely buy the bike from them, you will have a "face" to take it back to if any thing goes wrong, plus they are usually fairly competitive these days and some shops will price match including internet deals.

I ride 20 miles a day 4 days a week out of choice (company vehicle gets left at home) it keeps you very fit provided you work hard on the bike.

Please, please, please buy the bike from a local shop if you can.

One thing people don't realize, is that the online prices aren't that much better, and most good bikes aren't available outside of a bike shop.

Know how to cut a steerer tube properly? Adjust the torque in your bottom bracket? Online retailers assume you do.

As someone who helps out a small business owner-- if you're going to enlist their services, you really should buy the bike from them. Not to mention, you might quickly make up the difference in shipping the bike and the fact you'll have to assemble it. (Shipping is usually around ~$60 USD).

It would be different if we were talking about a television from Best Buy.

I would suggest a hybrid -- judging by the lengths of rides you want to complete and the flexibility you're looking for.

Make sure you get fitted for the bike as well <-- This cannot be understated. It is vital to enjoying time in the saddle.

I don't know about bikes, but make sure you get padded pants or shorts or you will be very sorry!

this, one thousand times over.

I RIDE A HYBRID TO WORK (7 MILES ONE WAY). You can get a great workout and it can handle the abuse of crummy streets.

1. Think of how you will ride. (Road/Bike trail only, Mountains/Off Road, Combination on the road/trail and off road)
2. Go to a LBS (local bike shop)
3. Get measured for a bike.
4. Try the different bikes they offer once you have decided "how" you will ride.
5. Get clips ( might feel REALLY weird at first, but your feet will thank you later). Its takes a while to get used to them and DO NOT ever think unclipping one while stopped is a good idea...lol..that nasty wind WILL show up one day and knock you over (speaking from experience).
6. Get PADDED (Chamois) shorts. Not GEL! That stuff his horrible and slips out of the way. Get used to the bike seat and sit on your SIT bones. Do NOT replace the seat with a lazyboy cushion.

if you have to go with a cheap bike --> www.bikesdirect.com (personally, for my first bike, I wouldn't do it.)

I bought a Trek 1.2 and LOVE it. Its about 21lbs and it FEELS great. It has a more of an upright position that other (Specialized, Cannondale, etc...) road bikes, but for me, that's OK. I can easily switch from Bike Trail, Sidewalk and Street as needed and not be too bent over.

I have been riding to work for over a year now and I cannot tell you how important it is to get FITTED for a bike. If nothing else, do it. Also, before you buy, see if they will properly adjust the bike to you after about riding for a month or so. My LBS charges about $120 for it, had I known I would have negotiated it in the price since I bought the discounted "floor model". Oh well, live and learn and pass on the lesson learned.

Also, when buying a bike, budget in the accessories:
Helmet
Padded Shorts
Vest with pockets in the back
Rain/Wind jacket (mine-->Canari Eclipse Bike Jacket - Green - sleeves zip off good for a cold morning and warm afternoon, also it converts into itself and then it has a waste band so its like a fanny pack)
Gloves
Leg warmers/Arm sleeves (if you plan on riding in cold weather)
Clips for the bike
Shoes
Bottle Holders
Bottles
Computer to track mileage(very important) and speed (maybe cadence/heart rate if you are into that)
Heart rate monitor if your computer tracks your heart rate
Multi-tool
Seat bag
Inner tubes
CO2 for inflating
Tire patch kit
Front light (mine --> NiteRider MiNewt.600)
Rear light (mine --> Portland Design Works Radbot 1000 1W )

whew! I think thats it....as you can see, not a cheap sport if you want to do it daily :happy:

you could also try the goodwills in your area:)

I did a ton of research, then went to a specialty store and tried them out. My advice: invest in the most you can afford. You won't regret it. It makes a world of difference to have a good quality bike.

go to a specialty bike store...have them "fit you" into a bike that fits your needs. then go online and buy the bike cheaper. some folks have to have the newest thing on the market and revolve their bikes quickly. just a thought....Have fun!

Great advice, so when your bike needs tuning up or adjustments are you going to send it back to the on-line vendor? If you bought it from the bricks & mortar store (you know, the one that gave you advice & guidance) chances are they'll throw in adjustments and tune ups (for a year or two anyway). There's more to value than price. (Usually the on-line vendors ship the bikes disassembled or very hastily put together......no thanks.)

what are some good manufacturers besides Trek, it seems everyone I talk to has a trek. Or are they just the best at all types?

Trek makes great bikes, I'm partial to Giant and there are many others out there. Each one has minor variances in terms of frame geometry so it's more a case of finding what suits you.

I bought a Specialized Vita and love it.

Decide on the type of riding you will be doing?
What kind or road, gravel or dirt paths?
Commuting?
Do you need to carry stuff?
All weather?

The best time to get a bike is coming up - late season sales as they try to unload the last inventory before new modes for x-mas.

Helmet, gloves.
Do NOT get clips - they are useless on a first bike. Power gain is minimal on short rides with an everyday bike and an untrained rider but they will screw up you knees whie you earn to pedal distances and to fit your bike.