What's the best beginner's bike that won't cost me an arm & a leg?

Question

Seeing as how gas prices are on the rise, I'm looking for a good road bike. I don't need anything fancy, just something that will get me around town. I've only ever had a cheap bike from wal-mart that fell apart on me, (inducing a few close calls & a visit to the emergency room).

I finally threw it out.

Now I need a new bike that's not going to cost me thousands, but will still be safe & sturdy enough to last me a while.

Anyone??

Answer 1

Yeah gas is out of control....Just got a DB Wilderness Deluxe ($400) very good.  or Raleigh (they make BD)

Answer 2

I have a specialized hardrock and it's held up amazing to the torture I've put it through. It cost about 400 bucks, and for it's features it's money well spent. If you're just going around town though you may want to get street tires.

Answer 3

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,...

The Burning Questions

12 common bike-shopping dilemmas explained, demystified and simplified

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...

Answer 4

i have to agree. specialized hardrock

i have also put my ardrock through some beatings and it is stil in great condition.

they are affordable and very durable.

their cheap price will benefit you if you ever wanted better parts. fork, disc brakes. etc

Answer 5

Check the 'Bicycling' magazine buyer's guide issue.

They usually have a 'best bang for the buck' bike, and for the past few years  the T 1.2, formerly the 1000, won that honor for road bikes, it comes in at $700 or so.

Essentially most bikes you buy at an LBS (local bike shop) will outperform any department store bike--no matter if a 'toy bike' is built and worked on by a good mechanic, it will NEVER run like the lowest price shop built bicycle.

Talk with your LBS, tell them a ballpark price, and what you want to ride.  They should be able to handle that request.  Remember too, that if you tell them you will only ride  X-number of miles and end up riding more, it will make a difference.

A solid sport mountain bike should be around $500, so you should easily be able to find an affordable bike that will be safe, and ride very well.

Answer 6

The best new bike you can buy for the money will come from Bikes Direct. Local bike shops will tell you different (I used to own a bike shop) because they can't match the price.