What kind of bike should I get for...........?

Question

exercising (riding around roads) and mountain biking/riding on trails. im not a hard-core cyclist or anything but i want a good bike to get back in shape again. which bikes are good and not too overpriced?

Answer 1

I think you should get any fit or giant brand

Answer 2

This depends on a) what kind of off-road trails you'll be riding on...ie are they manicured neighborhood paths or tougher singletrack? and b) how much of your riding will on road vs. on dirt.  

If you'll be doing more off-road riding, you'll get a great starter mountain bike for the money if you go with Raleigh, Jamis, or Novara (REI brand)...or go for something used.  If you'll be on the road more, I'd go with a hybrid or, if you'd like to go a bit faster, a cyclocross bike (basically a durably built road bike that can handle some abuse).  

However, if I were in your place, I'd actually start by borrowing your friends' mountain and road bikes, use them for their designed purposes, and then choose what kind of riding you prefer.  Then get a bike that is really good at what it does, instead of compromising with a hybrid/cyclocross. If you'd like to branch out later, you can get another bike. A buck really goes a long way if you're patient and don't mind buying something lightly used....but that's a personal preference. I don't know how into this you're planning on getting.

Answer 3

kona dirt jumpers and their cross country bikes tend to be good but they are a little pricy

Answer 4

exercising the ones with thin tires those are good and fast

dont forget your helmet!

Answer 5

I got a DB Wilderness Deluxe ($400) (comfort category) Its great on roads and has  wider more mtn bike style tires.  It does decent on off road trails. Raleigh has similar bikes.

Answer 6

If you are just riding on roads and want comfort, go for a hybrid, such as a trek 7000.  If you are going off road, you want a mountain bike.  If you want both, get a mountain bike with quick release wheels.  That way, when you go on the road, you can take off the stubbies and put the slicks on.  If you go on the trails, you can take off the slicks and put on the stubbies.

A tip:  Don't do what I did and ride the street with mt bike tires, you will go slow.

Answer 7

I don't know what overpriced is to you.  You generally get what you pay for in bikes.  Your demands and usage will dictate the level of quality and features you need...and thus will pay for.

If you're going to do legitimate mtn biking, then as M R states, you'll want a mountain bike.  For typical use on rough (but less technical) trails, a "hardtail" equipped with only a front (fork) suspension will be fine.

But if you're "mountain biking" will really be riding on relatively smooth, hard packed surfaces, then you won't really need a bike with a suspension fork.  This is especially true if you find the bulk of your riding is on paved roads.  The front suspension will add unnecessary weight and will lessen your efficiency (unless the fork has a "lock out" mode, which is usually a feature of mid- and high-range mtn bikes.  In addition to weight and efficiency issues, the suspension fork will add to the overall cost of the bike, and you will eventually have additional maintenance issues with it.

If you choose to go with a "rigid fork" bike for fitness riding as well as riding on smooth, off-road trails, there are many options.

Trek has the 7.2FX:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/200...

Jamis has the Trail XR for not much more than you'd pay for an xmart bike:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_b...

Jamis also has the more street-oriented Coda Femme:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_b...

There are many.  Visit your local bike shop and talk to the staff.  Take your time to make certain you buy the best bike for you and your needs.

Answer 8

What kind of bike? You answered your own question really. You want to mountain bike. Only a mountain bike will do.

Answer 9

A hybrid bike (cross between mtn and road bike) which often has flat bars, or a cycle cross bike, which will have road bike "drop" bars.  

Either option will allow you to ride on both paved roads, or trails. In addition, you will be able to swtich the tires, knobby or slicks, depending on what type of riding you see yourself doing most.  However, If you are truly going down mountains- then only a mountain bike will do!

To get a decent bike you will probably spend between $500 and $800.  These bikes don't usually get overpriced as they don't focus on "how fast" and "how light" its more about practicality.  They make great commuters too!

For starters go to your local bike shop, let them know what you are looking for (something to ride both trail and roads) and see what they have.  You need to shop first- see what you like and don't like.  Test ride as many bikes as you can- then make a decision.  There is no need to buy the first bike someone shows you!