I need a bicycle!

[Imdanny]

I haven't bought one since I was a kid.

Any suggestions?

I just want something I can ride around the neighborhood on to get exercise.

Brands, pictures, advice, advice on buying used, maintenance, safety?

Thanks!

 

[Haven]

Road bike or hybrid? Will you be riding mainly on paved paths, or do you plan to go through grassy areas and other terrain?

 

[Imdanny]

Only on pavement.

 

[Skippy123]

I have one I love but forgot the brand, let me see if I can find it!

 

[Skippy123]

I own a Giant Sedona; super comfy to ride http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/sedona.dx.navy.blue/5690/36596/ . I found the thread where people were talking about the brands of bikes they like; check it out [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/advice-on-buying-a-bicycle-for-spring.110846/#post-1873042#p1873042']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/advice-on-buying-a-bicycle-for-spring.110846/#post-1873042#p1873042[/URL]

 

[Imdanny]

Thanks, Skippy!

Edit: And thanks for the links!

 

[Skippy123]

Danny, a lot of the bike stores will let you test drive them so make sure to do that if you can. Best wishes!!! eta: oh and if you get last years model you can save like $100!!!

 

[Haven]

Ooh, a road bike then. Fun!
Do you have a budget?

(I feel like we're talking diamonds--what shape? Antique or modern? Budget? Which specs are most important to you? )

My best advice is to pick a budget and then go to a bike shop and ride as many bikes as they have. And then go to another one. And maybe one more.

FWIW, I've been riding my cheapo Trek 7100 hybrid for over ten years, and I still love it. (Well, sometimes I cheat on it with DH's hand-me-down road bike, but that's only so I can keep up with him. The road bike is a Giant, and it's awesome. DH's main bike is currently a Trek Madone, and I must say, it is a pretty sweet little thing. More money than I'd want to spend on my own bike, though.

 

[Imdanny]

Thanks, Skippy!

 

[Imdanny]

Ooh, a road bike then. Fun!
Do you have a budget?

(I feel like we're talking diamonds--what shape? Antique or modern? Budget? Which specs are most important to you? )

Haven, LOL!

I haven't thought of a budget. I just got this idea yesterday (I need exercise and I'm never going to walk) and I have no idea what bikes cost!

Thanks!

 

[Haven]

I'd say you're wise to either spend:
~$400, or
~$1,000

The bikes that fall in the middle of that range don't have enough upgrades to make it worth the extra, IMO. This is just my own very personal experience with shopping around. If you want to go higher then we can really have some fun, you could spend tens of thousands if you want to.

ETA: Now that I know you haven't done much biking, I'm totally going to recommend that you borrow a friend's bike for a while. I'm sure you know at least ten people with perfectly lovely bicycles that they never use. That way you'll get a feel for what you want and don't want before you spend a lot of money on your own bike. Or you can buy used, too.

 

[Skippy123]

I think mine was $500? I would love to bike all over Hawaii!!!

 

[Lotus99]

If you're just planning to "try it out" it might be worth picking up something inexpensive on Craigslist until you figure out what it is you really want and whether you actually enjoy cycling around.

Our local Craigslist seems to have bikes from around $50 up.

 

[Imdanny]

Haven, thanks for the advice and suggestions! $1,000 is out! Maybe $400. I had an expensive bike once- actually it was free but the maintenance was expensive.

It was a Peugeot my mom's friend pawned off, I'm sorry, gave me. LOL! It was so temperamental.

Then I met a girl in college who had a Peugeot car. It caught fire while I was driving it! We escaped but the car was totaled.

Bad luck with Peugeots.

 

[Imdanny]

I think mine was $500? I would love to bike all over Hawaii!!!

You can visit and we'll do it!

 

[Imdanny]

If you're just planning to "try it out" it might be worth picking up something inexpensive on Craigslist until you figure out what it is you really want and whether you actually enjoy cycling around.

Our local Craigslist seems to have bikes from around $50 up.

Lotus99, thanks! Excellent suggestion. I bought my car from craigslist. Why not a bike?

 

[Skippy123]

I think mine was $500? I would love to bike all over Hawaii!!!

You can visit and we'll do it!

deal

 

[MsP]

If you're just planning to "try it out" it might be worth picking up something inexpensive on Craigslist until you figure out what it is you really want and whether you actually enjoy cycling around.

Our local Craigslist seems to have bikes from around $50 up.

Lotus99, thanks! Excellent suggestion. I bought my car from craigslist. Why not a bike?

Also, if you know the model and size you want, don't be afraid of buying online or on ebay. Shipping a bike is easier than it sounds.

 

[Imdanny]

Thanks for your advice, MissPrudential

 

[Imdanny]

I think mine was $500? I would love to bike all over Hawaii!!!

You can visit and we'll do it!

deal

I can show you my upcoming Cartier ring and you can bring you can bring your bling!

Aloha, Skippy!

 

[Aoife]

Danny, are you near anyplace that rents bikes? It might be worthwhile renting a couple of different styles to see what feels comfortable. A crosstown rides very differently than a cruiser, and a road bike is a whole different thing. Even $400 is a lot to spend to end up with something that doesn't fit, or doesn't fit your needs. Make sure that wherever you end up getting your bike that you get fit correctly, and on the right brand for your body. Not all brands have the same geometry, and getting the right fit on the right brand of bike can make a huge difference to how you feel, and how long you stick with it.

A good bike is a wonderful thing!

For some reason I thought you were in Hawaii? If so, which island--there are some good bike rental shops on a couple of the islands.

 

[Imdanny]

Aoife, thanks! I'm on Maui.

 

[Aoife]

Okay, here are the ones we have experience with:

West Maui Cycles in Lahaina rent Specialized. Nice guys, and seem to know their stuff.

Boss Frog's (believe it or not!) in Kihei. They rent Fuji, so you could try out the Fuji brand, but you'd have to buy elsewhere. My DD who is on a racing team tried out a carbon frame Fuji bike here, and loved it so much that she switched brands and now rides a Fuji.

South Maui Bicycles in Kihei. Again, super nice and knowledgeable, and are Trek fit specialists, so if the geometry of the Trek worked for you, they could do a great job getting you the right fit.

Island Biker in Kahului rents Specialized, and seem very competent.

Do any of those ring a bell?

 

[lyra]

My daughter and I (and husband) have Specialized bikes. They are wonderful. However, I got a lot of enjoyment out of the Schwinns we had before that. It's all about attitude and perseverance. I think it's important to get the right size bike for you, and maybe you could google for measurements. I always like the lightest bike possible--less work, more enjoyment. I'd definitely do craigslist first. Also, if you really want to make a serious go of it, invest in cycling shorts. Yeah they look funny (IMO), but they offer comfort and protect the goods so to speak. Always wear a helmet! I've managed to fall off my bike and onto my back while standing still!!

 

[tuffyluvr]

I LOVE the Townie by Electra. It's a great all-purpose bike--awesome on hills and for cruising around town or on the beach

http://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/townie-bikes-electra

 

[Imdanny]

Okay, here are the ones we have experience with:

West Maui Cycles in Lahaina rent Specialized. Nice guys, and seem to know their stuff.

Boss Frog's (believe it or not!) in Kihei. They rent Fuji, so you could try out the Fuji brand, but you'd have to buy elsewhere. My DD who is on a racing team tried out a carbon frame Fuji bike here, and loved it so much that she switched brands and now rides a Fuji.

South Maui Bicycles in Kihei. Again, super nice and knowledgeable, and are Trek fit specialists, so if the geometry of the Trek worked for you, they could do a great job getting you the right fit.

Island Biker in Kahului rents Specialized, and seem very competent.

Do any of those ring a bell?

You know Maui better than I do! LOL, no but they're all accessible. Thanks for your post!

 

[Imdanny]

My daughter and I (and husband) have Specialized bikes. They are wonderful. However, I got a lot of enjoyment out of the Schwinns we had before that. It's all about attitude and perseverance. I think it's important to get the right size bike for you, and maybe you could google for measurements. I always like the lightest bike possible--less work, more enjoyment. I'd definitely do craigslist first. Also, if you really want to make a serious go of it, invest in cycling shorts. Yeah they look funny (IMO), but they offer comfort and protect the goods so to speak. Always wear a helmet! I've managed to fall off my bike and onto my back while standing still!!

It sounds fun! Except your last sentence is why I told SO he couldn't ride one but now I'm kind of scared I might just fall off (I did when I was younger).

 

[Imdanny]

I LOVE the Townie by Electra. It's a great all-purpose bike--awesome on hills and for cruising around town or on the beach

http://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/townie-bikes-electra

Ok, I want the white tires.

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Made from all natural fibers:

 

[Missy]

Hi Danny, you have received great advice in this thread so I just want to add to make sure you wear a helmet while riding. Enjoy!! Bike riding is so much fun!!