I am interested in buying a bike and cycling but don't know where to begin?

Question

I want to bike for exercise as well as recreation with my two little boys. What's the best bike to start out with? Road bike? Cruiser? What brands are the best and don't cost a fortune?

Answer 1

For someone just getting into cycling, the best bike to start with is one with a relaxed geometry (you sit more upright).  That would be something like a road bike with straight handle bars (rather than the ramhorn-shaped drop bars), a mountain bike, or a hybrid bike.

You want to get a bike with a framesize that is properly fitted to you, otherwise the bike will be uncomfortable to ride.  If a frame is too big, you will feel stretched out and put too much strain on your back and arms.  If a frame is too small, it will feel like your knees are going to bump into the handlebars.

Go to a bike shop.  They will be able to fit you to a right frame size.  Good brands include Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc.  They cost anywhere from $300 all the way up to the thousands depending on the features and component grades.

Good luck!

Answer 2

a mountain bike, or a street bike. These bike are best for what you are planning to use it for. You can by them at a local wal mart. Some good brands are mongoose or schwin. These range from $100- $170. Some other brands are NEXT, and roadster. They are cheaper(70-100), but they don't hold up as long.

Answer 3

I agree with 3 out of the 4 answers. Don't buy a bike from Amazon, department store or on-line. I strongly recommend purchasing it from a bike shop, sizing is important to your comfort.  You just tell them what you want it for, your budget and they will guide you. You will get personalized attention and a bike sized to fit you. You will get answers to all your questions and somewhere to repair it and the kid's. But most of all you will get friends for life. You will probably be know as the lady with the two kids.

With regards to brands there are so many: Trek, Specialized, Orbea, Raleigh, Giant, Gary Fisher, Fuji, GT and that's a few that come to mind. They all have low end models and can stand the test of time. I will recommend a mountain bike for comfort and durability and if you ever decide to upgrade the components, it's easier. One last thing - BUY A HELMET.

Who knows, you might get promoted to the "Speed Mom with the two kids".

Enjoy, Get away...Ride and be free.

Answer 4

I would start at a real bike shop.  You may have to spend $300 to get a good bike but in my experience a $150 bike from a department store will ending costing the same as the one you buy from a bike shop.  Bikes do need to be repaired and serviced to run properly.  If you buy from a bike shop they will probably throw in free lifetime tune ups.  If you buy from department store you'll end up paying $30 to $80 dollars on each service at a bike shop.  If your just riding with your little boys a cruiser is probably your best choice.  A single speed or maybe a three speeds all you would need.  A commuter style bike with internal gears would work as well.  Internally geared bikes are more reliable than bikes with derailleurs and 21 to 30 speeds.  If you aren't going ride through mountain passes or go for fast rides you don't need all those gears.  Keep it simple rule applies here