Buying a bicycle.. I need advice please! :)

Just bought a new bike myself after spending weeks going over the possibilities. Agree with the previous poster's advice - go to your local bike shop and try a few different types out to see what feels right. You don't want to spend loads only to end up not liking the bike and having it sitting around.

Personally I ended up getting a Voodoo hybrid for £250 (about $300) - quite chunky tyres were the main reason as I felt very wobbly on thin road slicks. Weight is about 13kg which isn't too bad. The road bikes are about 10kg, but as I'm about 110kg at the moment I wouldn't feel any benefits and I feel like I might crush one.

Craigslist will have a lot of bikes for under $200. Older bikes (from the 70s) will be heavier as they wil most likely have steel frames. Road bikes tend to be light. I prefer an upright riding position, which is more a commuter style, which is heavier. Things that add weight: steel frame, fenders, chain guard, rear rack, basket. Personally I like those options as they are great for commuting. I'd say the biggest thing is to find one that has a comfortable posture for you, then mess around with the weight.

Go to a used bike shop, and test ride many bikes. You need the right size frame no matter the use--if it is comfortable, you'll use it more! ARe you in a college town? There are usually shops that sell used bikes near the universities. HTH!

A used bike is a good idea -IF you know something about bikes. Suggest you call around and see if the bike shops can recommend a good used bike. My wife found a great deal on a used bike JUST BY ASKING. As you are shopping remember you are going to need extras: helmet, bike shorts (not necessarily the spandex versions), spare tire, shoes (highly recommend), etc.

ok, to your needs - for a good new bike expect to pay a minimum of $600 (US)- as a new rider you need to know the frame size is critical, so back to the bike store and see what size frame they recommend. Some manufacturers make women specific bikes.

There are many adjustments that can be made to a bike, frame size is not one of them.

Next- you will want a bike with multiple gears - minimum ten (yee olde 10-speed) - most will come with 10-16. If you are in a hilly area- you might want to consider a "triple" (three gear rings up front). You will need to learn to work the gears. One of the secrets to riding is not having to push real hard on the pedals. The trade is high rpm and low effort on the pedals, especially if you want to pull a trailer.

There are many bike models out there- most beginners go with a "hybrid" - more upright sitting position and a good compromise between a road bike and a dirt bike. Usually have bigger tires and little easier "ride".

As usual, start easy and build slowly. look around and you will find a bike club- look up their website for family rides, beginner classes, fix a tire classes (AAA doesn't work here) and they are usually very welcoming to new people.

Welcome to world of moving meditation,

Len

Go to a reputable bike shop or two, definitely shop around for prices! At any rate, you should be able to get a decent hybrid for roughly 600-750$ I would think. I paid for mine 700$ last year (canadian but the exchange rate was nearly par), it was a Marin bike, made in California and it's not top of the line but way lighter than what I had before. If you find a small local store, you can sometimes work out a deal if you buy other stuff on top of the bike at the same time!

I'll 13th the bike shop purchase.

I bought an awesome Trek 7.2 FX a few years back for about $500 only... and it's awesome. Still in great shape today, and I've used it quite a bit. It's a hybrid bike. I think my next one is going to be an actual road bike... but that'll have to wait until I move to a bike friendly city down south.