I want to get a bike, but don't know much about it?

Question

i did some research,but i'd still like some suggestions:

How i'd like to use it: just for riding around the neighborhood, and when i go off to college in a few months i'll use it around campus (it will be in st. louis, in MO)

-for exercising, not too many long distances, though

1. brand of bike?

-a friend told me schwinn was good

2. type?

- i think either hybrid or road bike, but i don't like the vertical handles on road bikes

3. height? (i'm 5 ft 2 in with short legs)

4. where to buy?

- is online a good idea? or bike shop?

other preferences: comfortable, seat below handles for upright seating

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,...

Bicycling & Mountain Bike reviews  

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/channel/0,...

Answer 2

Any decent (read: bike shop) brand will do for your needs. Type? For commuting and riding around, I'd stick with a comfort/hybrid. Not sure what you mean be "vertical" bars on roadies. They use drop bars, mostly, or a combination of drop/aero bars. At your height, probably a 15" frame. A good bike shop will fit you. Do a bit of online research, and you can find some great deals online, once you make a choice. If you do a lot of riding, you can't beat a Brooks saddle. Once their broken it (oh, 500 miles or so), you'll never want to ride on anything else. Might want to consider a rear cargo rack and trunk bag, too, for storage.

Answer 3

I dont know much about bikes, but I think you're best bet is to just go to a bike shop, walmart, or wherever they sell bikes and try them out for size. Find the one that is right for you.

Answer 4

Second day of class during my freshman year in college, my roommate locked up his thousand-dollar bike outside the lecture hall and went off to class.   He returns an hour later to find the wheels and seatpost gone.

If you want a bike for just riding around campus, get the cheapest beater bike you can find, so that no thief would bother stealing parts off it.  When you are rushing off to class you don't have time to mess with the quick-release wheels or seatpost.

I do want to encourage you to get a nice bike though--  Just don't use it for tooling around the campus.  Save the nice custom-fitted and equipped bike for recreational rides.

Good luck in school!