Inexpensive bike recommendations

[p nut]

^^ Whole-heartedly agree with cyclist. Personal gripes about bikesdirect aside, internet bike shopping is not for the novice. Even with a little less than 2 decades of cycling under my belt, I even hesitate to buy online. Fit is king. Get a bike you can sit on and ride around at a shop. As some have said, a hybrid "comfort" bike would work well. For instance:

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/lifestyle/sport-comfort/venture-13/

I would personally get a rigid fork (and not suspension). Though a little more harsh on the bumpy stuff, it's a lot more efficient and virtually maintenance-free.

 

[Adventure IQ]

My wife cracked her collar bone several years ago....comfort bike was the only post crash option. We eventually outfitted it with Judy shocks and knobbies to do Dagger Flat in Big Bend. Even now that I am in my post MTB race days...looking at a multi speed comfort bike due to back issues.

Agree with all...as much as I hate most local bike shops that tend to carry an elitist attitude....go there to get fitted. But also find a shop you gel with. I buy on line and as said above, with years of experience in building and modding out bikes...I order something sub par...


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[Ray Hyland]

Those BAMF bikes look fun, good pricing. I love the attitude.

 

[ywen]

If you don't know anything about bikes don't buy from bikesdirect, yes you get better parts for the money but you will then need to pay to get it put together and serviced which your local shop will not be happy about. If you want to learn about bikes buying used can be a good option, if you never want to think about it go to the local shop that treats you the best and pay for not having to think about it. As a bike shop employee, if you bring in a bikes direct bike and ask me to assemble it I am going to charge at least $100 and not be happy about it because that is cutting into our core business. I have much less issue with used bikes the prior owner either bought a new bike or doesn't like riding so this doesn't affect our business. If buying used be careful on sizing, the seller will have little incentive to try and make sure the bike fits you properly, and that is often impossible or expensive to fix if you get it wrong.

As for the type question, a hybrid will be better around town and on paths as it will have a more upright position and faster tires. If you envision riding on any real 4wd trails you will want a real mtb, a $500ish hardtail will be fine. The mtb will be heavier and slower on the road than a hybrid but will be much more durable and comfortable off road.

Uhh maybe that's the sentiment at some bike shops.. not at performance bikes where I had my first bikesdirect bike assembled, back when I didn't know anything about bike wrenching.. The guys there were great about it and charged just $50. Even with the additional $100, it's still good deal. Think about it.. the same individual that needs bikes to be assembled also needs continued services via the LBS.. you can still make money that way...

Plus it could be an impetus to start learning some bike mechanics.. not like it's hard or anything...

 

[bushnut]

I'm a professional bike mechanic/ sales guy. A human powered transportation specialist if you will.

You can ride almost any bike anywhere. If you have lots of off road riding experience you will have the skill to get through hard parts and you will have the sense to get off and push when it's necessary. If you don't have the skill to ride rough terrain you will push any bike you buy anyway. (may as well find a light walking stick.)
Bikes are like vehicles, each one has a specific purpose. the "commuter" is a 4door hatch back, very practical,zippy, easy to park in the city good for city streets and the occasional short cut/ gravel road. The "comfort" bike is a mini van..practical, comfortable, good on gas yet inspires no passion in driving. The Mountain bike is an Off Road/ SUV type vehicle. No one buys a 4x4 for its fuel efficiency. great off road but suffers "slowness" on pavement, hard on gas. uncomfortable on long flat stretches. It is geared for low end torque not top end speed. The Duel sport bike lives between the the Hybrid/commuter bike and the 29 inch wheeled mountain bike (think Subaru forester). The Road bike is an Italian Super car. Very fast on smooth pavement only. The cycle cross bike is a Rally race car. It goes as fast as a Lamborghini but you can drive on a gravel road.

There is no Unicorn. AKA...a 4x4 vehicle that fits 8 people goes 0-60 in 4seconds and gets 65mpg.
you will have to pick your compromises.

Regardless of the brand a bike, It has to fit you 3 ways.... your intended purpose (where will you be riding this bike 70% of the time)
It has to fit your body...if its a size to big or small you will be uncomfortable and you will not ride your bike. It will live in the garage until you sell it to some other guy.
It has to fit your budget.
One brand is as good as another as long as you are comparing price points and intended use. each brand will ride differently and interact with your body differently. Think jeans..two brands of the same sizing WILL fit differently. Pick the one you feel most comfortable and confident on.
when all these thing align you will have a bike that will be used and enjoyed for years. (with proper maintenance)
most importantly buy a bike from an independent retailer who gives you the best customer service.
I'd say come see me in canada but it might be a long drive.

 

[madmax718]

You can just about do magic on a bike that fits perfect. And scream bloody murder on a bike that doesnt.

 

[jamesfuller]

I can Highly Recommend a Trek Navigator S200 fitted with cx tyres. It's cheap, simple, comfortable and is very well built for the money (though not sure about how much they cost in the U.S.A)