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Author Topic: Can anyone help me choose a bike?  (Read 4568 times)
terri
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« on: August 17, 2011, 06:16:20 AM »

I want to begin bike riding for exercise.  I will be mainly riding on paved neighborhood trails and a little gravel and grass.   I know that I should go to a bike shop instead of a big box store, but I don't know what I should look for and what questions I should ask.  I'm living on a teacher's salary, so I would like the best deal for the money.  Any advice out there?  What brands do I want to look at?  What features do I want (besides a very comfortable seat)?  Thanks for your help!
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Old_Hippie
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« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2011, 03:21:14 PM »

You want to buy the best bike your pocketbook can afford in any brand - Raleigh, Trek, Specialized, Giant, Cannondale, etc.  How do you determine the "best" bicycle for you?  Extensive test rides - more than once around the block.  Many of the bikes will look almost identical & sometimes have identical components.  The one thing that does change is "frame geometry".  That's why you go for a nice, long test ride.  The one that "feels" the best & rides the best to you - buy it.  

Better bikes will have an 8 speed rear cog known as a "cassette" and not the cheaper 7 speed "freewheel".  Look for close-out & over-stock sales.  What's the use in paying extra $$$ for a 2012 model when the 2011 or 2010 model is the same - or better.  Check out R.E.I. Outlet website.  You'll probably want or need a hybrid vs. an outright mountain bike.  Better on paved roads & can still handle light off-road use.
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john_m
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« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2011, 08:06:45 PM »

Google bike shops + your zip and start there.  Tell them where you want to ride and they can help you with the correct bike and the correct size.  A hybrid or comfort bike will handle paved and gravel surfaces.  The hybrid will do a little better on paved surfaces and the comfort will do a little better on gravel bike paths.  There are no comfortable saddles for a beginner you have to take short rides until you get use to it.  Cycling shorts will help and so will cycling jerseys.
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Johnny_B_Goode
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« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2011, 10:32:29 PM »

I might also suggest Bikes Direct if you can assemble one.  They ship directly to you & no middle man.  The downside being that there is no free dealer follow up service.  Maybe you have a friend that's bicycle knowledgeable.  I've bought two from them & happy with both.

A few links...
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Sienna2
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« Reply #4 on: November 25, 2011, 04:49:18 AM »

I might also suggest Bikes Direct if you can assemble one. They ship directly to you & no middle man. The downside being that there is no free dealer follow up service. Maybe you have a friend that's bicycle knowledgeable. I've bought two from them & happy with both.
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