I want to ride my bicycle...

[carbcounter999]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about purchasing a bike and wondering if anyone has some pointers about what to look for. Price will be a factor. I realized today that I haven't owned a bike in about 8 years and have only ridden one once in that time! Hopefully I haven't forgotten how to ride when I get back on. I figure it's a great form of exercise and may motivate me to join the local YMCA since it's not too far by bike but is a bit time consuming to walk to and from.

Thanks!

[FightingTheFight]

Walmart has some great prices on bikes. Its really up to you based on style or if you are going to need it for off road.

[Isabeau]

What I usually do when budget is a concern is actually go to a high end place. So, go to a high end bike shop. The great thing about that is that the people selling the bikes typically know a lot about cycling. You can learn a lot about proper sizing, type of bike (road, mountain, hybrid etc) how things like gears work etc. Even if they are out of your price range, you now have the information when you go to buy a less expensive bike. You can choose what you are willing to trade off to spend less. For example, a high end bike may be made of aluminum and other alloys making it really light. That could be something that isn't important to you so you don't mind getting a heavier bike for less money. You gotta be strong though and not buy the expensive bike just because you're there and getting caught up in the excitement of it!

[carbcounter999]

Thanks for the advice. I went to the local pro shop where the mountain bikes start at $350!! But they also had some used ones and I was able to buy a woman's bike with "comfort handlebars" like a moutain bike (but with the thinner tires) for only $75 including tax (Canadian). And this morning I got up and went for a ride by the river. What a great workout! Apparently I'm one of those people who gets beet red - I must have been a sight! But it doesn't matter what I looked like - I was working out and enjoying the scenery :yes

[Labarum]

some bike info sites

http://www.bikeforall.net/

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/index.html#articles

http://www.battewell.freeserve.co.uk/bike.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle

http://www.jimlangley.net/sitemap303.html

http://www.bikeforums.net/

http://www.cyclingforums.com/

You did well to go to a specialist shop and buy secondhand.

After a while you may find the comfort bike limiting, and may want something with drop handlebars.

Road bikes of the racing or touring variety are faster, more fun and better excercise machines as your fitness improves.

Bryan's site http://www.battewell.freeserve.co.uk/bike.html (even though the focus is British) offers sound advice.