Looking into cycling?

Question

Im looking for a new hobby and was thinking about cycling. can any1 give me a rough layout about this hobby any information would be great? also how much do you think a good used bike would cost?

Answer 1

well basically, you have to decide what type of riding. The two basic are road and mountain for a beginner.

-road bikes are made for speed, are light, and have skinny tires.

-mountain bikes are usually heavier and beefy with thick tires, shocks and decent ones have disc brakes.

That is an EXTREMELY simple description of cycling, there are always variations with bikes. all of your questions will be answered here http://sheldonbrown.com/

A good used bike will be probably around 1/3 the price of it new. (at least thats what i got mine for, and if i didn't tell you it was used, you wouldnt know!)

Answer 2

Well its a great sport, and can become quiet addictive.  Especially if you join a club, do some group rides, or some tours.  you meet the best people.  

I'd assume thinking of getting into road cycling.   If you are going with a used bike, get a good used one.  There are a lot of people that have to have the "latest and greatest" so there are a lot of good used bikes out there.  However realize these can be expensive machines, however quality bikes last a long time.  My old road bike I've had for 9 years, riding and club races, and other than routine service, I’ve never had to replace a major component and it shifts and rides like new.

In shopping for a bike, first I would go to a shop and see what fits.   A good fitting bike is very very important.  I would highly recommend getting a triple. (three chain wheels on the front crank)   That will give you a lot of gearing for hills.  i would also recommend Shimano 105 components.  They are well built and durable and not super pricy.   As far as bike brands, it really boils down to what fits and what is comfortable.   If you are looking into mostly leisure club rides, i would go for a steel frame, steal frames can be heavy but they are super supple and comfortable.   I would avoid an aluminum frame unless it has carbon seat stays (this would be a high end bike)  Aluminum bikes are very light, but tend to ride pretty rough.    Titanium frames are going to be too pricy.  If you find a good carbon frame that’s good, however they are also going to be pricy.

Honestly I wouldn't spend less than $700 on a used bike and probably $1200 to $1400 on a new bike.  This may seem shocking but remember these bikes are true cycling machines, not toys.

Answer 3

1/2 the price of the original price,the lighter the bike,the more expensive it is,most cycles come with 26" rims,27 in. rims here(higher off the ground)you can upgrade to aluminum rims

Answer 4

On the contrary to what the above poster said, a new 500~600$ bike will last you a life time if properly cared for. I would not recommend spending less than 400$ on a bike. Count that you will also need a couple accessories (water bottle, extra tube and pump, lock, etc). However, you may only need a higher end bike if you end up doing lots of downhill or technical mountain-biking or end up *racing*. that is, participating in races. I own such a "cheap" bike myself. Yet it's usually only so few pounds heavier than road bikes and always lighter than mountain bikes. I put well over 5000km/year on it; bike year round (we have rough winters here... 4M of snow last winter) and can go faster and longer than most people of 2500$ bikes with fake racing jerseys. The "team poseurs". What really matters is, as mentioned, getting a bike that fits properly and getting advices on how to ride a bike properly. Yes, I did say "how to ride a bike properly". No, it is not true that there is "nothing" to it or no more than balance.

Answer 5

Cycling could be one of most enjoyable hobby or sports if done right

first you should consider going professional bicycle shop to get  advice for right size bike for yourself

second choose what kind of bike would you prefer to ride mountain bike ore regular recreational bike

third go easy on the bike first couple of day excitement may make you ride for hours but let your body adjust

enjoy