Recreational & Family - A bike for the middle-aged non-cyclist?

I know nothing about bikes or cycling, have NO intention of getting into it seriously (already have a serious hobby), but would like to buy two bikes, one for myself and one for my wife. I went for a 8 mile ride on a borrowed bike with my ten year old daughter yesterday and had a great time. I spent this morning searching the internet for bike styles/models but am still lost. Here are the specifics...

Fairly inexpensive, I already spend way to much on my serious hobby, photography. I have to keep it at about $100-$200 each. Occational riding (3-6 times a month) as a family of 4 for 1 - 10 miles. Mostly flat terrian but some small hills (We live in nebraska). Mostly paved bike paths or hard packed bike trails, NO sand, off trail, extreame stuff. Basically, riding the established bike trials at the local lake, state park or wildlife area while photographing. Both of us are middle aged and in average shape meaning we are into nature photography so we walk/hike quite a bit but are by no means fitness nuts (no offense intended).

On the internet I learned a little and it appears we would want something in the comfort/crusing style. I'm temped to just go to Walmart and get something like their Schwinn skyliner (comfort style) but am tired of $75 department store bikes that the gears and brakes never work right etc. The skyliner is a bit more money so maybe it would be better. I also looked on Schwinn's website at the Sierra Sport which was a bit more than I wanted to spent but seemed to fit our needs. I only looked at Schwinn because I'm familiar with the name.

Keeping the above in mind, does anyone have in suggestions for specific bikes that would be parcticalfor what we want to do, work correctly, within the budget, I can find/buy somewhere locally or online, etc?

Thaks for the help :)

I know nothing about bikes or cycling, have NO intention of getting into it seriously (already have a serious hobby), but would like to buy two bikes, one for myself and one for my wife.

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I have to keep it at about $100-$200 each.

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Mostly paved bike paths or hard packed bike trails, NO sand, off trail, extreame stuff. Basically, riding the established bike trials at the local lake, state park or wildlife area while photographing.

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1. comfort bikes, or hybrids with 700c wheels... don't forget helmet, spare tube, rear rack (for carrying gear)...

2. $200 each? you should buy used bikes, NOT new... you'll get a much better bike for your money...

3. sounds like nice trails... i see photographer couples riding comfort/hybrid bikes around here all the time - so i know what you're looking for in a bike...

4. please don't buy a box-mart bike... you'd no sooner buy your photography gear at a box-mart, right?

JMHO, YMMV

and good luck on finding your bikes! if you had a tad more money, i'd say buy a pair of hybrid Giants at your LBS...

+1 on the Giant hybrids

My wife and I are looking, just like you, for inexpensive bikes for occasional pleasure riding and we want ours to be fairly light weight so we can put them on a bike rack and carry behind our SUV. I also am heavily into photography, both digital and film. We bought matching Schwinn steel frame cruisers several years ago, and still have them, but they are extremely heavy. No way to carry them on a vehicle!

We also looked at the Skyliners at WMart, but my wife is short, and also doesn't trust herself riding anything but bikes with coaster (rear hub) brakes... so we are still looking. Plus the Skyliners seem kind of heavy to us. Their "La Jolla" cuisers are much lighter and cheaper, but their rear hubs make a grinding noise when rolling them in the store. I just don't trust it to last too long because of that. If the brakes go, then there is no way to stop!

We looked at the Electra bike "Townies" at a local bike shop. They are NICE! we like the Single Speed or three speed. But they are more expensive.... $280 for Single speed, and $390 for 3 speed versions. Both have coaster brakes and a front hand brake and are fairly lightweight. Just don't want to spend that kind of money....Plus by a bike rack for the vehicle.

Any other suggestions for something less than $200, rear brake, 1 or 3 speed internal hub, and lightweight?

For a good bike, not one from a x-mart ***, you need to go to a bike shop, or buy used. Your budget is a bit low. But you should spend the extra money, if you can. If you go with a bike from your LBS(local bike shop), you will get a bike that acctually works like it should, the gears will shift, the brakes will brake, it will be the correct size, and the seat and bars will be adjusted correcty. The bike from a LBS will be assembled correctly, and receive a tune-up before going out the door or the shop, it will be safer to ride, than a bike assembled by God knows who, making minimum wage, without the proper tools, and no adjustments made just for you.. Also most shops have at least one free tune-up, many have one a year, for anywhere from 2 years to lifetime. An LBS can also give you advise, free.
IF you shop at an LBS ask if they have any leftovers, just like cars, bike have new models each year, the bikes amy be different, or may be not. But the bike shop want to move last years model to make room for this years model, you might get last years bike for less than last years price. I have done this in the past. Finally, a bike that fits you, is well adjusted, and ahs components that work is fun to ride! Which means you ride more, wich means you want another better bike, which means you ride more, which means you buy lycra shorts, which means you ride more, which means you start to look good in those shorts, which means you ride more, which means your wife notices you look good in lycra, which means you have to buy a new tricycle. ;-)

Why not Diamond Back Brand bikes? I know they are not much better than 'mart bikes... but they are assembled/backed by the LBS. I looked at them last time I was at LBS and they seem good for the money.

Check out the Iron Horse Adventure from Performance with 10% off coupon.
Over $200, but I don't know of a better value in bikes.
Just bought an Adventure LX from Nashbar and I couldn't be more impressed.
For under $200, you are better off gambling on a used bike.

I'd go for a cruiser bike. Very comfortable, stable, fun to ride.

Trek Classic cruiser. Aluminum, singlespeed, coaster brake, fenders, comfortable saddle, $250.


Cruiseliner for $360 adds a 3-speed hub.
Calypso comes with 7 speeds for $320.

Felt has a large selection of cruisers. LINK (http://www.feltracing.com/products/default.asp?catID=18,24)

You can put a rack on the back to carry stuff or a basket on the front. You can put your feet on the ground while sitting. They also come in womens and lowstep versions.

A new $200 bike won't be nearly as good as a used bike for the same price nor will it ride as well. Cheap bikes and their poor riding experience turns more people away from cycling.

The above posters all have given good advice. Please remember you are taking your life on those wheels so you might want to really think about spending a little more and getting something decent that is safe. Also if you buy a cheap bike you probably won't want to ride it much as it may be uncomfortable and sub standard quality.

Flat terrain...sure, get a "cruiser." They were the typical bike 40 years ago, and still are all over the world, or at least where it is not hilly. Either buy something like the Trek for $250 - $400 or look for a used one.

Paul

Since you want to take photos on your excursions, I would get a cruiser bike. With a more upright riding position, you are able to see more of your surroundings. Add a handlebar bag or a basket and you have your camera within easy reach. Plenty of nice bikes in the $90-200 range...new and used. It all depends on what you want.. a hybrid, mountain, or road bike might be more to your personal liking.

I just picked up one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Chrysler-PT-CruiserTurbo-Mens-Cruiser/dp/B000B8J8O0/ref=pd_sim_sg_1/102-7532230-7622507?ie=UTF8

It's a nice comfy cruiser for going shopping and riding along the beach or on the road. The included fenders are a definite plus (just had a flash storm today) to keep any dirt/rocks/mud from flying up at speed. Static weight of the bike is pretty much average for an alloy bike in that price range...mine weighed 27 pounds and that's with a Topeak explorer rack and front basket.

It's a nice change of pace from my road bike.

My LBS is selling their 1 yr old Schwinn GS hybrid rental bikes for $179. They looked to be in good shape. You could check your local stores for something like that.

You might be able to find a 2006 Trek Navigator 50 or Schwinn Sierra Sport for close to $200. I've seen them in the $210-$220 range within the last couple of weeks.

Get a Trek 7200. Nice entry level bike, about $400.00 bk

An entry level hybrid style bike from a major brand will do all that you need.
Crusier style bikes have very inefficient frames and tend to weigh more that neccessary, a lighter bike is always nicer.
Hub gears are clean and simple to use but modern exposed derailleur systems are pretty reliable.
You can improve reliability by using a good bike shop for assemly and preparation and by upgrading the tyres to some kevlar protected ones with suitable tread for your needs.

The Schwinn Skyliner that the OP mentioned isn't a bad choice for a light-use bike. I've riden one and it seemed okay. I would still favor a low-end Trek, like a Navigator 50 or 100 or 7000, but for $150 the Skyliner is a decent value.

First, I would say stay away from mountain bikes. They are wholely impractical an unecessary on good roads.

It sound like your idea toward the comfort bike design would be a good choice for you.

In my opinion, an old english style three speed would be ideal. Call me old school, but an old Raleigh 3-speed (1960's to 1970's) was much better made, easier to ride, and more comfortable than just about any of the "comfort bikes" on the market today. Today's comfort bikes have wider, heavier tires than necessary. Those bikes in the $100 to $200 dollar range are pretty heavy clunkers compaired with the and old Raleigh three speed also.

I have done a lot of repair work on old bikes as well as new bicycles. The old Raleigh (and it's cousins Robin Hood and Hercules) were really art in machinery. They were exceptionally made machines. Today's $200 bicycles are really cheap in comparison. Neither the parts nor the assembly match the quality of some of the better Raleigh, Hercules, Robin Hood, Schwinn, and old Huffy :eek: produced in England and the USA pre 1983.

Other possibilities would be a Schwinn Collegiate (1970's) or a Schwinn Typhoon (Three Speed Version). These are VERY nice rides - superior in quality to any comparible comfort bike on the market today. The Huffy Escape three-speed (1970's) was also a good ride (Yes, a Huffy - made in the USA). Although they are now collectible, you can buy them for $5.00 to $150 which is right in your price range (and depending on if you buy it at a garage sale or from a collector). Look at thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales or on ebay; http://collectibles.listings.ebay.com/Transportation_Bicycles_W0QQfromZR4QQsacatZ35959QQsocmdZListingItemList

I put about 450 commuting miles on a '66 Raleigh Sports last winter. It was badged a Hercules, but who's kidding. It was a very satisfactory bike for 1-10 mile rides at a slow to moderate pace.

I've since put just under 500 miles on a '64 Schwinn Collegiate, and it is pretty much the same bike as the Raleigh. Weighs about the same, similar size, similar geometry... I've swapped out the 5 speed derailleur rear wheel in favor of a 4 speed hub gear for wet & wintry weather. It too is a very good bike for this type of ride.

I sold the Hercules to a friend who'd had one as a kid, and regretted it since. Another one will come along...

Other 1960's Schwinn models to consider would be Suburban, Traveller, & Racer, or even a Varsity or Continental with "North Roads" handlebars. These are somewhat less collectable than Typhoons etc. and you still find them here and there.

I put about 450 commuting miles on a '66 Raleigh Sports last winter. It was badged a Hercules, but who's kidding. It was a very satisfactory bike for 1-10 mile rides at a slow to moderate pace.

I've since put just under 500 miles on a '64 Schwinn Collegiate, and it is pretty much the same bike as the Raleigh. Weighs about the same, similar size, similar geometry... I've swapped out the 5 speed derailleur rear wheel in favor of a 4 speed hub gear for wet & wintry weather. It too is a very good bike for this type of ride.

I sold the Hercules to a friend who'd had one as a kid, and regretted it since. Another one will come along...

Other 1960's Schwinn models to consider would be Suburban, Traveller, & Racer, or even a Varsity or Continental with "North Roads" handlebars. These are somewhat less collectable than Typhoons etc. and you still find them here and there.

I found your comparison between the Schwinn and the Hercules very interesting. To clarify, the Hercules is a three-speed and the Collegiate was a five speed, correct?

Are they both upright style? By that, I mean the handlebars weren't racing drop style.

I always felt the British three speeds were lighter than the Schwinn Collegiate - maybe even faster. The British 3-speeds are zippy.

The Collegiate, in contrast, is a VERY SMOOTH ride. I think the Collegiate is one of the smoothest and most comfortable rides of all time. The Collegiate just sucks up the bumps and is such a rich riding experience - like a Cadillac. Oh, sure the fat-tire bikes and mountain bikes suck up bumps, but the Collegiate had a more practical wheel base (thinner tires) which makes it easier for city riding.

I found your comparison between the Schwinn and the Hercules very interesting. To clarify, the Hercules is a three-speed and the Collegiate was a five speed, correct?

Are they both upright style? By that, I mean the handlebars weren't racing drop style.

I always felt the British three speeds were lighter than the Schwinn Collegiate - maybe even faster. The British 3-speeds are zippy.

The Collegiate, in contrast, is a VERY SMOOTH ride. I think the Collegiate is one of the smoothest and most comfortable rides of all time. The Collegiate just sucks up the bumps and is such a rich riding experience - like a Cadillac. Oh, sure the fat-tire bikes and mountain bikes suck up bumps, but the Collegiate had a more practical wheel base (thinner tires) which makes it easier for city riding.
Yes, they're both "Mary Poppins" style, and the Collegiate was a 5 speed, but is now a 4 speed. It may become a 5 speed again one day. I kept the parts. I think the 597 tires were slightly faster than the old 590's I have on it now, but that may just be a Nexus thing. It does soak up the ick wonderfully, although I think I'd do well to Brooks it.

If you have a nearby bike shop that has rentals, they may sell off their rental fleet at the end of the season. My LBS sells theirs at cost or below, and the bikes are good quality and well maintained.
Never, ever,ever by a department store bike.