Introductions - Newbie From Chicago

Hi Everyone,
New guy from Chicago here. Havent owned a bike since around 1982. I'm 38. Started looking at new bikes, and boy are there a lot out there. Big difference from the old "racer 10 speeds" that was real common in the 70's & 80's. I want to get back into biking, so I will be looking for some help in making decisions from this forum.

we need you to narrow the field a bit. what kind of riding will you be doing and what is your budget?

Welcome to the forums! There are several members from your town here. One, Koffee Brown, just finished a tour of Italy and has been writing about it in the TOURING forum. There are others just as active, and I hope you will become one of them.

Ask all the questions you want and all we ask in return is that you share some of your experiences and knowlege with us.

Looking to spend somwhere around $300 - $350. Most riding will be on path, maybe a little dirt path. No Jumping or rough riding. Been looking at the Trek 800. I like the way the handle bars are more upright, might be more comfortable for longer rides on smooth roads. Dealer by me has it for $252 out the door. I also looked at a (4300) I think. I Thought it was a 3700, but cant remember, it was last years model brand new. Anyway, he was gonna give me that one for $300 out the door. reg price is $329 + tax. I liked it, but not sure if I want a full blown mountain bike since I would be leaned over more. I also read a few complaints on the derailer and pedals being kinda cheap. I had the same impression when I saw the bike. I know these things can be upgraded, but would rather spend the money on a bike I can take out the door and just ride with no worrys, or having to upgrade right away. I kinda like the way the Schwinn Frontiers look also, are they pretty reliable ? Here is a list, maybe you guys can recommend 1 or the other, I mostly have Trek, Schwinn dealers by me. I would like to stick with either brand since I can just make a short trip to the dealer if necesary.

1. Trek 800 - I like the bike, not sure if I would rather have the "twist grip" shifter or not. It's up in the air on that one. Plus, a few complaints about not being able to upgrade the fork on this model.

2. Navigator 100 - They only had a 19" way on the top rack, so I didnt get to really check it out. Wouldnt mind looking at it though. Looks comfortable.

3. Trek 4300 - Not sure if I want to lean over that much on long smooth roads.

4. Schwinn Frontier - Are they any good ? I kept getting pointed towards the "treks". So I didnt get a chance to really look at the Schwinns.

Last thing - I'm 5" 11", and on the 21" bikes, Im just able to stand up, and the bar just "touches" me a very little, ahould I consider a 19" or stick with a 21".

Thanks,
I would really like to get a bike early this week. But with all these decisions,,,,,,,,

I'd go with the shorter frame IF when you are in the saddle it feels like a comfortable fit. FIT is far more important than cost. In the price range you are looking at, all the equipment will be "entry level" but will be useable for your type of riding.

I have had a Schwinn Frontier for about 5 years now. I have had no problems with it at all. I do like the shifting in the handle bars, the only draw back is that it takes up room for mounting goodies. I am looking to upgrade to a road bike for some longer rides, but for less than 20 miles, I have been very happy with my Frontier.

Just wondering if you went to Village Cycle to look at bikes or the Performance Bike? I went to Village Cycle to look for my bike for touring, and they took me through all the bikes, with the pros and cons. I told them what I wanted and what my price range was, and they worked with me. Performance Bike is ok, but they just don't have a good variety of bikes.

There were other stores, but they didn't seem to have the time to talk to a clueless gal about bikes, so I didn't even bother.


Koffee

Found It !
I went to Kozy's Sunday and picked up a Trek 4100 in a 19.5". They had a lot of bikes there. I did kinda want to buy local, but no-one around here had what I wanted. The hadlebars on this 4100 sit upright more comfortably then the 4300 I looked at by the local shop here by me. Plus, I got it a little better deal, they had it for $269. Bike ride is really nice, it is nice on the bike path and also on the dirt trails around the lake. I looked at the Frontiers also, but got the little better deal on the Trek. Now all I have to do is take back the Bell computer that I bought for the bike cause It acts up really crazy. It shows double the speed, and then drops to 0 then acts goofy. I bought that locally so not a problem. I should have got the cats eye computer, but got a little cheap for a minute, now I have to go back and get the one I should have right from the start.

Thanks to everyone for the help.
I will be in touch !

Welecome to the addictions. Once cycling gets in your blood, your hooked forever....and this forum is just as bad.

Exactly right !
I been going riding 2-3 times a day after work, about 3-5 miles each trip. (need to work on endurance a little at a time) Went today and purchased a better computer. The Cat Eye Mity 3. Boy does that thing work great. I'm already getting addicted to riding all over again. Soon it will be time for somw bike upgrades. I love the mountain bike, but maybe in the near future I might upgrade to a little different gearing to give me a little more top speed. For now its great. I got off road and dropped the nike in 1st gear to climb a hill, and WOW is first gear low. The thing would probably climb a wall if needed. So far I love the bike !