Bicycle Newbie Questions....

[Deleted member 43491]

Bicycle Newbie Here!!! I will start with the disclaimer that my knowledge of Bicycles extends about as far They have frames, most have 2 wheels, they turn with handle bars, some have brakes and they can have different gears or speeds.

That being said i am wondering if someone could give me a rundown on a little more of bicycle basics. I am considering getting into bicycles as another form of overland transportation but need to see if riding a bicycle more often is really something i can get in to. I have read some previous post and from what i have glanced over i am drawn to the 29er i believe it is called. I am looking at purchasing a bike that i am able to ride both on road/ sidewalks and also be able to take off-road through the park on a dirt road and be used as a "lift raft" if my primary expedition vehicle were to break down. Not planning on attempting any mountain sides or anything to extreme but it could get some miles on it being that most things are a little ways away from me.

I am curios about the following things,
Road vs mountain bike vs other type bikes? Pros and cons of each?
Single speed vs multiple speeds? Advantages? pros? cons?
Brands? I think huffy is about the only brand that rings a bell... If someone could explain about different brands available?
Springs?
Solid forks vs I am assuming none solid forks?

Also suggestions on a bike? Like i said the 29er look rather appealing to me due to the fact i am 6'2 but i am open for suggestions.
Like i said any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Christophe Noel]

While there is an extensive wealth of knowledge here to answer your questions, you may be best served by a trip to your local bike shop so you can get a proper walk-through of your options, and so you can swing a leg over some bikes.

Just to give you a rough idea as to what drives bike selection, the primary factor is price. What's new, right? Your budget will largely define your choices right out of the gate. Next is the combo of where you plan to ride and how you plan to ride. Given the information you provided, road bikes are out as they really are only designed for pavement, and ultimately they're a breed of their own. The mountain bike world has a variety of options that may suit you, a few with 29" wheels. That said, you probably need to go get your paws on a few bikes and chat with a pro.

Your first task - find a good bike shop. Having spent over 20 years in the bike industry, take it from me, not all shops are great or even average. Ask around.

Welcome to bikes!!!!

 

[Gooseberry]

ya a good shop will walk through the levels of bikes and what each has over the other. A 29 hardtail ( front suspension fork) or rigid fork with a 2 X 10 gearing will be a good platform for you. 2x10 is 2 chaing rings on the pedels and 10 cogs on the rear.

I like my redline mono9 for mixed road and dirt riding. I dont feel like I'm wasting energy while on the road and it climbs ok but could use a lower gear. Idid ride it rigid for a year but my arms could not take the pounding on the trail so I put a fork.