As a beginner cyclist, what sort (brand, quality, price) of bike would you recommend?

Question

-I'm hoping to spend no more than $600 on a new, women's road bike.

-On my current beater, I tend to have back, neck, and shoulder pains.

-Must handle long rides.

-Lastibility is key.

Answer 1

"Which is a better bike, a Trek or a Specialized?

Or Cannondale or Orbea or Scott or Schwinn or Cervelo. We're asked "Which brand is better?" almost daily. While each brand has its diehard fans, we can't answer the question. It's not because of any political reason, but because it's not the right question to ask--you're buying a bicycle, not a brand. .."

Bike Buying Tips: Buyer Be Wise;...Here we answer 10 of the most common queries to help you find the right bike.

By Bicycling Staff

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...

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Answer 2

I highly recommend the Schwinn Circuit. It's a great beginner's road bike that you can find at any local shop that sells Schwinns for about $560.

It's outfitted with great Tru-vativ and Shimano parts and is also made of aluminum so it's pretty light for its price range.

If you're feeling pains, make sure the shop fits you for any bike you look at it. Pain tends to come from bikes that fit improperly more than anything else. You don't say what kind of bike you were riding, but a well fitted road bike will be comfortable for long distances where a hybrid or mountain bike won't because of the geometry.

While I agree that women don't need to buy women specific frames, I don't agree you can ride just any frame. As a woman, you don't necessarily need a special bike, just special attention to your fittings: longer seat tube, shorter top tube.

Women have very different proportions from men which a lot of male mechanics still haven't acknowledged in their thick heads. Longer legs and shorter torsos than men, and that means when you buy a bike that fits your legs, they don't feed your torso and that causes a lot of shoulder, back, and neck pain.

You can adjust the head of a bike to accommodate someone who's torso is too long for their frame, but you can't go the other way around. If the length of a bike fits a women, they tend to either sit really high up with their seat posts extended to the fullest and the bike will still be too short for them.

The reason the Schwinn Circuit is great is because it's a "sub-compact" frame which seems to give boys a lot of pain, but fits the proportions of a woman perfectly.

Answer 3

Go to your local bike shop and tell them the same things. You may not be able to find exactly what you want in that price range but you might come close. Avoid shopping at big box stores (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.).

The bike shop will give you a professional fit that will end your back/neck/shoulder pain. In that price range, frame material will likely be aluminum or maybe steel.

Also, don't worry too much about women specific frames. Modern designs will fit most any person. The bike shop should help with that too.

Answer 4

Guy above answered well. You may try and find a bike with a carbon fork or carbon rear stays. This will largely cut down on road vibration. You may also purchase an adjustable stem as it may take you a while to find your comfort zone. I always had hand pain on my road race bike. I went to what they call a wing style. The bar is flatter where your hands go.

Answer 5

Go to a good bike shop, a "pro shop", get a frame and equipment that fits, and buy a damned expensive bike, so you will feel guilty if you don't use it. Helps to join a club, either touring or racing, for the free coaching, and mental support.