General Cycling Discussion - What type of bike should I look into?

Hi, I am new to this forum, althouth I have been looking at different topics for the last several days. I will be 15-years-old on June 27, I am 5'6", and I weigh around 120lbs. I discovered this forum after I searched for bike related sites on google. I did the search because I had just gone on a bike ride for the first time in about two years. It was just short of a 15 mile ride, and man, it felt GREAT. I rode my dad's mountain bike and I was pretty sore afterward. I'm in pretty good physical condition. I play a lot of soccer and I also run a lot. A typical run is 4 miles and I usually run it in 22 minutes.

I gave you all this information for two reasons... to introduce myself to the board, but to also ask a question. What kind of bike do I need? I really want one, and I want to become a fairly serious cyclist. I have dreams of touring europe on a bike once I'm out of college. So I need to start somewhere, and what better time than now. I'll be riding on mostly on paved streets and sidewalks. However, I might want to ride on the close by trail which consists of gravel paths. So, basically my question is: what kind of bike would be right for me? Any information is helpful.




Thanks for the help,
Scott N.

Hi, I am new to this forum, althouth I have been looking at different topics for the last several days. I will be 15-years-old on June 27, I am 5'6", and I weigh around 120lbs. I discovered this forum after I searched for bike related sites on google. I did the search because I had just gone on a bike ride for the first time in about two years. It was just short of a 15 mile ride, and man, it felt GREAT. I rode my dad's mountain bike and I was pretty sore afterward. I'm in pretty good physical condition. I play a lot of soccer and I also run a lot. A typical run is 4 miles and I usually run it in 22 minutes.

I gave you all this information for two reasons... to introduce myself to the board, but to also ask a question. What kind of bike do I need? I really want one, and I want to become a fairly serious cyclist. I have dreams of touring europe on a bike once I'm out of college. So I need to start somewhere, and what better time than now. I'll be riding on mostly on paved streets and sidewalks. However, I might want to ride on the close by trail which consists of gravel paths. So, basically my question is: what kind of bike would be right for me? Any information is helpful.





Thanks for the help,
Scott N.

Where you you intend to ride? Bike paths and trails? Streets and roads? Singletrack? (mountain bike trails) What is your budget?

Depending on what you want to spend, I'd probably go for a cross bike. You say you might want to ride on the gravel paths in addition to the road, and that is exactly what a cyclocross bike was designed for. It's like a sturdy road bike with slightly beefier tires. It won't be as fast on the road as a real road bike due to the tires (which you can change to skinny road slicks if you want) and it won't be able to handle the serious drops and rough terrain that a full suspension mountain bike can, but if you are only riding on gravel paths and and loose dirt, it will be a great bike.

i would say a cyclocross rig or a road bike. If your only going to be doing gravel once in a while and 80% road then i would just get a roadie

You might consider a touing bike because you can ride it as a road bike and yet at the same time you can still put a wider cyclo cross tire on because the rear end will take it. 700c x 23 vs. 700c x 38
Cross tires are capable of handling off road quite well. It has a little more relax geometry but you get the best of both worlds.

See this thread for some great advice ...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=113437

See this thread for some great advice ...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=113437

thanks, that was really helpful.

But, really thank-you for all of the help so far. I did forget to mention my budget. The reason being, I'm not sure of it yet. I don't want to (or can) spend an incredible amount of money on this bike. What is a reasonable price for a beginner to spend to get on a bike and still get a decent quality bike?


edit// also who makes quality bikes? which brand?

Bare minimum: (new bikes)

Mountain Bike: $300

Road Bike $500

I don't want to (or can) spend an incredible amount of money on this bike.

Look around at city police bicycle auctions or GARAGE SALES! You'll be amazed at the variety and fantastic prices you can find at other people's garages. Look for good components rather than for specific brands. If the bike fits you and seems to be in good shape, negotiate with the owner. The owner will sometimes give a significant price break if she/he thinks you'll give their old friend a good new home.