Advice for bike to get?

Question

Due to the crazy price of gas, I'm going to start riding a bicycle to work and need some help on a bike. Here is the situation - I don't need a super spectacular bike or anything, I am a complete novice at riding.

I'm looking to spend no more than $150 if possible

The ride will be about 4.5 miles one way

I currently run, so riding the bike will probably take the place of my daily runs

I want something that should last and should be dependable

6 foot about 190 lbs if that matters

I don't know whether to get a mountain bike or a cruiser I guess they're called. I've read some other posts, but figured I'd ask myself, and I know everyone suggests going to a bike shop but I think my town only has about 2 mom and pop stores and one I will not go to because I disagree with some of the antics of the owner and looking online the other one might have closed, so if I'm buying from retail it will probably be big box - target, di cks sporting goods, wal-mart, etc.

Thanks

Answer 1

I would suggest a Schwinn Ranger they  are pretty good mountain bikes. My friends have them and they can take a beating. They only cost about 150-170 dollars, and you can buy them at Target, and I think Wal-Mart. They are pretty comfortable but you might wanna buy a new seat, because the stock seat is pretty hard, and uncomfortable.

Answer 2

At 6 foot tall, it's unlikely you'll find a bike to fit you in a department store. Their one-size-fits-all sizing is meant for kids, not tall adults. OTOH, you'll have a tough time finding a bike in a shop for $150 or less. If you have a friend that knows about bikes, maybe he/she can help you buy a nice used bike for that amount of money.

Answer 3

If I were you I would buy a good quality used bike from craigslist.  If you spend $150 on a brand new bike, all you will get is junk.  If you really want a new bike you'll need to spend at least $350 to get something reliable.  I would look for a mountain bike.  They are a little easier to handle on sometimes rough streets and more durable.  You can get a good ride if you put some so-called city tires on it.  They are 26  x 1.5.

Answer 4

i think that you should probably spend just a little but more money and get a good bike with sealed bearings and decent parts etc. because the problem with getting a wal-mart or target bike is that though they will be cheap they are quite bad and are not reliable. i recommend that you spend a little bit more money and go and buy a giant or specialized, they are really really good and will last you for ever...hope i could help : )