Zeta4PhiSius Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Well, after the stress of the last 2 years is gone and getting debt free has put me in the frame of mind to kick some serious ass this new year (Whoo-hoo!!) I have some additional time that I can use to resume some of my favorite hobbies (and start some new ones!). I'm getting back into video games again, but I can't allow all of my hobbies to be couch potato ones, so I want to pick up some form of consistent exercise that doesn't leave me bored and hating it. I'm thinking of buying a bike (not a motorcycle, but a bicycle). I would like some exercise that's actually fun (like riding a bike) rather than a stationary bike or some fool boring thing like that, and think that either biking or rollerblading (well, I'll probably save that for later) would be kick ass. So what's a good bike to buy? What do I need to look for? And, of course, where the heck do I start in looking for a good bike that doesn't result in an empty wallet? Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 IMO, it all depends what you like doing. I've had a 'hybrid' (very similar to a cyclo-cross bike as I configured it) for nearly 20 years and find it can do nearly anything for me. It's called a Miyata TripleCross. I used it when cyclo-camping back in the 90's. I've got 3 sets of wheels for it, all special purpose; one for centuries and road-racing, another, treaded, for cruising and rain-riding, and another with knobbies for off-road and techincal work. I'm not a cyclist; just a regular guy. I added a combo aero bar/mountain bar and panniers/rack for hauling stuff. The only thing it lacks, and I'd probably get if riding a lot now, would be a suspended front fork for trails and technical stuff. I don't do rock-climbing and that stuff, but it's more comfortable off-road having some suspension. TBH, if you're just riding for fun and a little exercise, I'd recommend a 'cruiser'. Two reasons. One, it's not that efficient, so you don't have to ride far to get good exercise and, two, if you do happen to stop somewhere, it's not as attractive a target as a nice road or mountain bike so theft is less of an issue. At most, a cruiser with a simple 3-speed rear hub or 5 speed rear derailleur would get you some efficiency if you needed it but still keep costs low. Here's an example Link to post Share on other sites
cybersister Posted January 3, 2010 Share Posted January 3, 2010 Carhill's right- depends what sort of cycling you want to do. cruisers look cool and are comfy to ride. I have a town bike- really a hybrid for everyday use but like to keep a traditional touring bike for longer rides. personally I do not like mountain bikes and would not get one unless you know you are going to do a lot of off road stuff. What I would say is spend as much as you can on one, there really is a difference in quality as you go upmarket that is worth paying for and can make the difference as to whether its broke and sitting in the garage or being ridden and enjoyed. Link to post Share on other sites
on edge Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 my two cents: avoid beach cruisers. they are heavy and uncomfortable on longer rides. hybrids are the most comfortable, and decent one should cost around $400. (electra and townie make good hybrids). i would also consider buying a used one on ebay. personally, I have two road bikes. A 2007 Trek and a 1981 Centurion. the Trek is for real riding, and the Centurion is for riding around town. if you really like your hybrid, you could invest in a road bike next. Link to post Share on other sites
carhill Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 OP, just thought of something....cruise the garage and estate sales and see what you can scare up. I sold a number of bikes at my mom's estate sale for 15-30.00. They all worked perfectly fine. You might find what you're looking for at a dirt-cheap price. Link to post Share on other sites
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