I want to learn to ride a bike?

Question

I've ridden a bike exactly three times in my life, never more than half a block. Here at college, kick scooters are pretty popular, but mine isn't really cutting it when groceries are concerned, and driving two to five blocks for milk seems like such a waste.

I guess if I try to learn, I'll just look like one more drunk frat boy, so embarrasing myself isn't too big of a deal. There's a couple of bike shops, but what with people going back home all the time, there's plenty of selection for dirt cheap already.

The problem is I have no idea what I'm looking for in a bike. I mean of course I want a basket, and I guess I'd like a chain guard, and tire guards, but after that I'm totally lost, and most of the people selling them will have some kind of hand-me-down.

What am I supposed to be looking for on the bike? How can I tell it's good stuff, and not stolen?

Answer 1

Some people will even steal good bike, believe it or not, so you can't tell if good stuff is or isn't stolen...

You'll want something simple to start with. Something you can bump things with or fall off of to begin with. You'll want  straight wheels that don't wobble (spin and look where the wheels go between the brakes), otherwise you will never be able to adjust your brakes properly. You'll want a few speeds in the back (in the front, it won't really matter for now), say at least 5. You should also be able to get to all gears easily. A kickstand is nice to have. Brakes should be in working order.

Check if the chain or anything else is rusty or cracked. A comfy seat. Chain and seat are easy to change, but for the sake of the investment...

Good luck