How do I know which bike to buy?

Question

I don't really know that much about bicycles and that's why I'm asking here... hoping for some experienced advice. Please don't just say "Go to a bike store and get fitted" I'm 6'3" and would say that my legs are longer than average. I purchased a 26" bike similar to this one:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4231518

I've got the seat posted as high as possible, but it still feels very small to me. If I try to pedal and turn at the same time, my feet knock against the front wheel, and my wife says my knees look to close to the handle-bars.

I noticed on some other standard frame bikes that the seat seems to be further back. Is there something specific that I can look for when purchasing a different one? Something that I could find at a d**k's, Sears, Meijer or Walmart?

I really wanna spend less than $200, $300 at the most, I am a very casual rider, no trails or off-roading. I would just be going for rides with my 4-yr old.

Any Advice?

Answer 1

At your height it might be hard to find a bike that truly fits properly at someplace other than a bike store, because many of the stores you listed only stock the most popular sizes.  You propably need a 60+ cm bike which is the Large to XL size of many bikes.

For style: A hardtail mountain bike, comfort or hybrid bike would best meet your needs.  Many hybrid and comfort bikes have a shock absorber on the seatpost that might help with the pain.  

For brand:  Trek or Giant have a few that are low $300.  Raleigh, Schwinn, Mongoose and K2 are not as big of brands but have models that meet your needs and budget.  If you look at Craig's List or classifieds you may find a used bike that is a good name brand for less.  A used or on sale name brand from a bike store will last longer and be more durable than one from a soprting goods or department store and in the long run save you money.

As far as seat, a gel cover put over your regular seat may help.

Answer 2

Diamondback Outlook $219.99

Comes in your size

Lighter then that Next Dual Suspension

For casual riding with you kid, you need a hardtail

Seat- Serfas RX Saddle

http://www.amazon.com/Serfas-RX-921-Mens...

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/controls/saddle/...

http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/mtn-har...

Answer 3

I've been asking myself that same question for about 20 years!  All I can tell you is which bike NOT to buy.

Sorry those department store bikes are what you call "toolshed" bikes... meaning you ride them for a while with your 4 year old then they fall apart and end up in your toolshed.

Avoid - even if you're just riding a little bit why do you want to bring home a piece of junk.  A low end Trek will run you around 300-400 and it's well worth it.  Get a better bike used - check Craig's list maybe.

Those department store bikes are poorly assembled, poorly constructed and use the cheapest least durable components to keep costs low.

A decent bike can be yours forever if properly maintained.  My commuter is 20 years old and still going strong.

My daughter is also 4 years old.  Someday - she'll ride one of my old bikes!  

It's like buying a pair of dress shoes.  Yeah you can go to Volume and get a $15 pair of man-made penny loafer rip offs that you'll toss in the trash in a couple of months.  Or go and drop $80.00 on a leather pair that if you treat with some TLC and polish once in a while could last a lifetime.  So let's see... $15 x a lifetime vs. $80.  See what I'm trying to say?

Yes you need to be fitted because you are so tall - just as I need to because I am so short.  

Answer 4

diamondback outlook $ 219.99

Answer 5

I can't see a frame size in the bike spec, 26" is the wheel size.  It seems to be a "one size fits all" and at 6'3" that's not much good.  You need probably a 60cm frame and 700c wheels.  In your price range and especially if your not going off road then forget suspension and disc brakes.  You won't need them and what you will get won't be worth having.  The money is better spent on other components.

You could try a Trek 7000, it's a bit above your budget but if you hunt around you should be able to find one in a sale.