Which type of bike(s) should I consider to include style, brand and size?

Question

I would like to start riding but it has been well over 10 years since I last rode anything. Typically, I would like to ride with my wife and 12 yr old around the neighborhood ect. We do have some nice nature trails near by that we could ride on as well. I recently had knee surgery and am looking at using this as part of my physical therapy as well as trying to lose some of the weight Ihave gained due to being inactive because of my knee problems (I used to be very active). I am not looking to spend a large amount of money and I would like to find something where I am not bent over as much due to back problems. I am a 6'1" ft male. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Answer 1

A hybrid (cross between a mtn bike and a road bike) or a "cross bike" as in cycle cross.

Both types of bikes will be comfortable yet allow you to ride both paved roads without getting bogged down (as on a mountain bike) and unpaved trails.  You can also change the types of tires (knobby or slicks) depending on what you think you will be doing most.

Also, a good bike fit, done by the bike shop when you get your bike, will allow you to decide how much you want to be bent over the bike.

For starters go check out your bike shop- tell them you will be riding both roads and trails and you need to be comfortable.  If anything feels clunky- its not right!  Most bike shops are more than willing to help with injury recovery!

Answer 2

Try a comfort bike not a "cross" or "hybrid"  comfort bikes will handle the nature trails better due to the wider tires whereas the others have narrow tires for speed.  My wife and I both just got the Diamond Back Wilderness Deluxe ($400) and love so far.  Raleigh who makes DB has some nice ones too.  We like the DB personally because they had good parts and we likes the rapid shifters vs the normal twist style.  Make sure to go to a decent bike shop so they can fit you.