Do any of you ride a bike?

[Winter]

Nice Serotta! A buddy of mine has a beautiful rust colored Serotta that he rides quite a bit. I second the local bike shop recommendation as they will have bikes that are of decent quality at various prices and will also be able to help you find the bike for your type of riding. I used to work at BTI here in town and let me tell you, nothing is cheap in the bike industry even at wholesale . Also if looking for a MTB bike check out mtbr.com as they have tons of reviews on all kinds of mtb bikes, just take everything with a grain of salt there because like on this and many other forums most people (myself included) fail at being completely objective.

[NWPilgrim]

I have and used to commute every day on a Cannondale 400. Perfect blend of road and commuter bike. I used to have a pure road bike but in suburban traffic it was not ideal. Very thin rims and tires were easily bent y unexpected sewer grates and emergency curb ramming and strategically placed potholes. Also, the full bent over position was not ideal for 360 rotation of eyes to keep a look out for what is going on around you from all road traffic.

Looks like Cannondale does not make it any more, but I have slightly wider rims and tires than a road bike. Tires are kevlar with thorn resistant tubes (very thick) since you inevitably go through glass or in my case a mile of broken acorn shells. The seating position is a little more upright though you can easily scrunch down for the fast downhills. In semi-upright you are more visible to motorists and you can look around more easily. If you have rain where you're at you want fenders, and if commuting probably a rear bike rack, though I usually used a small backpack. Then you need a good headlight and one or more rear lights (I had one on fender, seat post and my back pack).

For commuting you want a bike sturdy enough to take the bumps, jump curbs, can transit sewer grates and broken glass on the shoulders or sidewalks. If you can, leave your monster size chain and lock at your workplace so you don't have to lug it around.

[chuckman]

Bikes and components are made better and cheaper today than they used to be. My 15-year-old $1,500 mountain bike today would fetch about $100. How do I know? I am trying to sell it and it ain't pretty.

Go to a bike shop and ride some bikes. Each manufacturer rides a bit different and fits a bit different. Unless you are going ride hard and heavy or race, no reason to buy high-end. You can get a good, quality new bike today with great components for under $500, and deals on Craigs List (or eBay if you are willing to pay $$ for shipping) can be had. Also look at 'last year's models' at bike shops as they are often marked down.

Good luck, and be careful...biking is as addictive as shooting and can be WAY more expensive.

[TommyG]

I rode, raced and wrenched for a number of years. You can get a really nice ride anymore for reasonable $$$. Do the same thing you would with a firearm purchase: determine your needs (be honest with yourself) and buy accordingly.

Cyclocross bikes make a good commuter/general purpose ride. They have relaxed road bike ergonomics and are beefed up just enough to handle dirt roads and light trails. I run mine with slick road tires in good weather and switch to true cyclocross tires in bad weather.

As has been mentioned, fit is king. I would rather ride 50 miles on a $500 bike that fit me right than a $3000 one that did not.

[mike boufford]

I rode, raced and wrenched for a number of years. You can get a really nice ride anymore for reasonable $$$. Do the same thing you would with a firearm purchase: determine your needs (be honest with yourself) and buy accordingly.

As has been mentioned, fit is king. I would rather ride 50 miles on a $500 bike that fit me right than a $3000 one that did not.

This is right on the money. Find out from a reputable dealer what you really want, save the money and buy the quality because in the end you will be selling the cheaper bike in order to upgrade and you will be out dollars you didn't really need to spend.

[drsal]

I just use a plain old single speed 'beach cruiser'

[orionz06]

I commute daily on a road (race) bike. I can't speak to the Schwinn that Consumer Reports mentioned but I am not a huge Consumer Reports fan after seeing some of their suggestions on other matters.

Head down to the local bike shop, all of them even, and let them know what you need to do. They will have a bike that will work or they will point you in that direction.

[kartoffel]

Cyclocross bikes make a good commuter/general purpose ride. They have relaxed road bike ergonomics and are beefed up just enough to handle dirt roads and light trails. I run mine with slick road tires in good weather and switch to true cyclocross tires in bad weather.

Knobs on cx tires are surprisingly ineffective. Or, I should say, slick tires work far better than most would expect. Only time I trade out my 32c Avocet Fasgrip slicks is when there's serious frozen slush or deep soupy mud, and then I swap something skinnier to cut through without floating as much.

[jc000]

Hey there, lifelong cycling fanatic here currently riding an obscenely priced custom ride.

I think craigslist is a great option but don't buy a used bike without a knowledgable friend to check it out.

It always surprises me how little folks are willing to spend on a bike which quite literally could transport you thousands of miles. That being said I understand the hesitation to drop a lot of money on any "unnecessary" expenditures these days.

It would be hard to buy a new, quality bike for less than $300. I know that you can find cheaper bikes at many dept stores like walmart. In the industry those are known as "bicycle-shaped objects"--they may look like, and somewhat behave like bikes but they will let you down real quick. They are often made of low quality steel with non-serviceable components, bad machining, and boat anchor weight. Unfortunately many one reputable brands like schwinn and mongoose have cheap b.s.o. lines for dept stores. Def stay away. As I mentioned I'd be wary of any new bike selling for under $300.

I'm a total gun noob, but highly experienced with bikes. If anyone ever has questions I'd be happy to help as best I can.

[SkiDevil]

Does anyone here ride a bike regularly? I was thinking of a buying a bike and am looking for suggestions that won't break in a week and won't brake the bank. Consumer reports says go with the Schwinn midmore or something like that. What do you guys think? Thanks for the help.
Mike

What kind of bike are you looking for and what is your anticipated use for the bike.

If you are looking for a quality straight roadbike or hybrid, then count on spending at least a grand or near that for something with decent components.

I picked-up a Scott Hybrid from REI for just under $1,000.00 and have really been pleased with it as a recreational and fitness ride.

The best piece of advice for you is to visit several reputable bicycle shops in your area and actually ride several models. You will find a preference or particular style that fits you.

Also, regarding fit it is essential to find the right size. Let a professional help with that part.

Lastly, just about every sub-$2K bicycle is made in China or Taiwan so let the type of components and comfort/ fit and ride quality dictate your selection.

In my opinion, buying a bicycle is almost like buying an AR the devil really is in the details. As other have said, define your needs, wants, and let the ultimate use determine the appropriate choice.

SkiDevil

P.S. Unless racing is in your future stay away from anything Carbon framed. Aluminum is excellent and steel has a following with many for the smoother ride. Go ride a few bikes and you will make a better decision rather than blindly choosing one.