What kind of bike do I need to start cycling around my neighborhood?

Kirby: What kind of bike do I need to start cycling around my neighborhood?
I am interested in cycling for the fitness aspect. I have begun working out and am looking for another activity. I am a female, about 5’4″. I want to ride in our neighborhood and local parks, possibly with my son. I want to get the right type of bike, but I also need something pretty cheap. Any suggestions?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Bob A
Sounds like you want a fitness bike or hybrid. Forge has several bikes that are around the $ 200 range. The only problem is they are only mail order and you have to assemble them or have a bike shop do it. These are bike shop quality bikes. I have the Saranac and I am very happy with it. If you are a AAA member you can get 10% off.

https://forgebikes.com/comfort-bikes.php

Answer by Paul W
Is your terrain hilly or flat? If it is fairly flat, I’d get a single speed balloon tire cruiser (aka beach bike). Hilly, get a comfort or ‘mountain’ bike with some gears.

Try thrift stores (Goodwill, Volunteers of America, etc). Usually you can get a used one for less then $ 20.

Multi speed bikes are a bit problematic if used (or exceedingly cheap) as they need to shift smoothly. I’d avoid the Wally World Specials for multi-speed bikes and get a inexpensive bike from a bike shop as they are typically set up better. They might even have a used one cheap.

One speeds are simpler so a box store bike doesn’t have quite the same issues.

Answer by Nikki
I suggest you stay away from the big box stores like Walmart.

Try your local bike shops, visit a few, ask questions, test ride. You’ll find out more every time & if you’re going to do riding of any amount it’s best to get a good bike you like. You wouldn’t believe the difference between a good bike & a Walmart special. & its some thing that will last for years if you take care of it. & there’s always a used bike.

Answer by LymeW
Other suggestions were good, but maybe visit something in between, like a general sporting goods store..their bikes will usually be a little better than the discount stores, and not as expensive as a bike only shop. Dont fall for all of the gimicks, just get as simple of a bike as possible that fits you well and is comfortable.

Answer by Fancy
Hi there. I had the same question as you. I had a friend who was around 45 who was 5’3″ and told me about some of the new technology out there. Hybrids. Higher handlebars to keep your back straight so your back won’t hurt from leaning forward (good for women) and larger (as Iike to call them “big-butt”) seats.

I still thought I could just go out there and get a bike for $ 100 and buy any bike and call it a day. But, once I got on one and then a second and then a third I realized it was important to get a good fit. I tried MANY bikes. Everything from Treks to Electras to cheapies at the local sporting goods store.

The one I found that I felt was amazing is a hybrid bike called Specialized. The model is the Crossroads 2008. They have a new one coming into the stores called the Specialized Globe, the 2009 model. I didn’t like that as much. The 2008 has shock seating that bounces with you and higher handlebars that put you in a more upright position. This bike was perfect for me. Set me back $ 320.00 and I went from a person who did zero riding to a person who rides 2-3 times a week around town and on my local trails. I am 5’4″ and was not and still not in top physical shape. But, investing in a decent bike that was the right fit has given me a new pastime that I actually enjoy and gets me fit. It was worth the money. I have so much fun!

So get a good fit, look into hybrids (even if you need a cheapie and get a REALLY good seat for around $ 20 to add to it) and think about checking out the Specialized Crossroads 2008. Good luck to you!