What is a good bike for this situation?

Question

My work is only a few miles from where I live and I want to start biking to work. I don't want a bike that is too expensive, but I want one that is good quality.

Answer 1

i got a bike under the exact same circumstances last week.

I bought a 230 dollar basic schwinn hybid bike.    I think they call it a hybrid because it's basically a mountain bike, but it has fairly thin road tires so you aren't working against knobby tires.

It's light, rides like a road bike, but is more comfortable like a mountain bike.  It also has basic shock absorbers which is nice.

There are certainly more expensive bikes that are much lighter, stronger, and have better suspension systems.  But i like to get a cheaper bike that's good quality because otherwise, it will take like 5 years for it to pay for itself (by not using gasoline).  The expensive bikes also have very good shifters which are dead-nuts accurate and bulletproof, but you don't need those unless you're a fanatic.

I've owned 5 bikes over the last 20 years and i find that getting the cheapest ones u can find is a BAD idea, but the expensive ones are completely pointless unless you have money to burn.  I recommend 220 - 300 dollar price range.

Just my opinion  :)

Answer 2

Get a hard-tail mountain bike. If you can, get one without a front suspension. You don't need the weight or complexity. After you wear down the tires, replace them with 1-1/2 inch slicks with an 80 psi max pressure. The hard-tail will be very cost effective because it's popular and there's lots of competition. It will also ride reasonably well and can take a beating. Just do yourself one favor -- go to a real bike shop and let them fit you properly. Stay out of the big box stores. The bikes they sell are heavy, don't work very well, and don't last very long. You may spend $100 - $200 less on the bike,  but it will end up costing you more in the long run.

HTH

Answer 3

Ask for the 2008 TREK bike catalog from your nearest TREK bike dealer.  They have cool WSD ( women-specific design) bikes ( road, mountain and cruiser types) and look feminine---

Answer 4

1) street legal.....brakes, lights, reflectors

2) road conditions - solid. gravel needs more sturdiness to the frame and shock system.  

3)  Mountain bike will last longer with multiple drops, the # gears to use in city is about 3~8 max. 12 speed is OK.

4) wear helmet and long pants and long selves. Pack shoes & extra clothes with you.

Congrats and good luck w/ the job...........