What type of bicycle should I buy?

Question

I have two major goals, one is to use my bike for fitness so I can loose weight. Second is, eventually I would like to get into cycling for competition a sport. What type of bike should I buy?

Answer 1

The best one you can afford.

Things to consider would be frame material (carbon, aluminum, etc.), gruppo (Shimano vs. Campagnolo, Dura Ace vs. Ultegra vs. Record) and wheel set (preferably one for training and one for racing).

That just scratches the surface. Be sure you have all the clothing you'll need (helmet, gloves, bibs, etc.). Don't forget water bottles and cages, a computer, a saddle bag, the list goes on. Take a look at a site like performancebike.com and just browse through their store for what you might need.

One thing, don't get hung up on weight. There is an old saying when it comes to bikes: light, stiff, cheap, pick two.

Go to your local bike shop and ask for advice. Just know your budgetary limits ahead of time.

Answer 2

I bought a Trek hybrid 7.3 fx 2-1/2 months ago and have put over 800 miles on it so far.  I love it.  I haven't lost a ton of weight, but my legs have become rock-solid and I'm doing 35-45 mi group rides now.  Not only that, but I was able to get off of the high blood pressure medicine I was on because of the exercise.  It is the best thing I've done for fitness in years.  And riding it is a blast.

The hybrid that I bought has slightly wider tires than a road bike and it has flat handlebars instead of the curved under road-bike style.  I'm a big guy and I didn't think the real skinny tires would be a good idea.  If I had to go back and buy a bike tomorrow, I'd probably buy the same one.  Its kinda pricey. Mine (2008 model) was ~$540 and I think the 2009's have gone up by about $100, but they're very good bikes and well-worth the investment. Good luck!

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Answer 3

Specialized Road Bike but thos are exspensive OR Trek road bike,i RIDE SPONSERED FOR sPECIALIZED MTB (mountain Bike) And You lose more weight full suspension bikes are exspensive but front suspension is About 350 any kind and that gets the job done. Road bikes can go up into thousands so if your going to spend that get a MTB you can use it on and ofroad

Answer 4

In adult bikes, there are four major categories of bikes that break down to several subcategories.  Two of the groups, BMX and hybrid probably aren't going to interest you, so that leaves road bikes and mountain bikes.

Competitive road bikes are definitely not made for comfort or someone who is not used to spending long hours in the saddle.

That leaves mountain bikes.  Mountain bikes have smaller frames, larger tires, and (generally) have more upright riding positions than road bikes.  All these things work together to make cycling more enjoyable and versatile for the beginning cyclist.  A $1000 XC hardtail would probably be your best bet.  XC refers to cross-country.  XC frames, while more delicate than other types, are lighter in weight and are designed for longer rides.  Hardtail means that the bike has a front suspension, but not a rear.  Unless you're tearing-up singletrack, you really don't need a rear suspension, anyway.  Every major manufacturer makes a decent XC hardtail, so it should be easy to find one that suits you.

Also be sure to buy a helmet, cycling gloves, and cycling shorts.  Gloves and shorts will make the breaking-in period much easier on your posterior.

Good luck!