Recreational & Family - Just a newbie with ?'s

Hi!
I'm new to the biking world and as I expected...there are a gazillion bikes to choose from out there.
What I'm looking for: Just something to ride on the bike paths/sidewalk/trails. Nothing of the off road type.

I"m still confused by the comfort/fitness/hybrid/mountain hybrid/ road hybrid/get your butt on a bike and just ride bike/....wow lots of choices!

I went to a bike shop and test road a Specialized Sirrus...it was about $550. I really liked it. Very comfortable. I also test road the Specialized Sirrus Sport (I think that's what it was). anyway, didn't like it as much. It was about 100 dollars more, but it didn't seem as comfortable.

Does anyone know of this type of bike? I know you have to ride them to get the feel for what fits and I plan on going to a TREK store for some more comparison.
I"ve tried looking on Craigslist for used bikes and there's not a lot out there. Probably lots of bikes sitting in garages I'm sure.

Is there something similar to the Sirrus that's a little less expensive? Anything to look for in a bike besides comfort?

Well any help would be greatly appreciated.
THANKS:o

The Sirrus sounds perfect for what you want to do with it. Even though you aren't planning to do anything off road at the moment--never say never.

It's possible to pick up a used MTB and put slick tyres on so that it rolls over the road a bit more easily. You do want to try to learn to ride in the road, by the way. Sidewalks can be more dangerous than a road, believe it or not. There's a whole thread on it:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=100823

If the Sirrus is too expensive, what price range are you considering?

East Hill

Comfort is the most important factor. It doesn't sound like you're planning on doing an epic rides or racing or even doing major workouts, so honestly, most anything that fits you well will work. I would bet you could find a hybrid in the $350 range that will really suit your needs. You're doing the right thing by shopping around to compare. I would say in the end, that if you can afford the $550 and that is the most comfortable bike you tested, buy it. Otherwise you'll regret it later and probably not ride whatever you buy. While you're at the Trek store, check out the 7.2FX, 7100 and 7200's. If you're looking for something more retro/cool, check out the Calypso or some of the other cruiser bikes.

I was looking for 200 range.
But in the long run if this would be a better bike then I wouldn't mind putting a little more money into this one.

Although, I'm not looking for a hard work out or anything, I would like to get some good excercise in while I'm out riding.
Thanks for all the help.

I'll check out the Trek bikes you mentioned..

It does not sound as if cruisers are what you want. A hybrid should fit the bill. You may find that one of the bikes jimmuter mentioned would be just what you are looking for.

Good luck, and enjoy the test riding.

East Hill

Thanks for the help.
:)

Another question:
I have a GT Tequesta that I bought about 10 years ago. Does anyone know about this bike or if I can get different tires for it to just ride along the bike paths?

you can get tires for anybike, as long as they make the size, of which there are standard sizes.

Another question:
I have a
GT Tequesta that I bought about 10 years ago. Does anyone know about this bike or if I can get different tires for it to just ride along the bike paths?
That's a great old frame, and should last you forever. You should be able to get slick tyres for it, for riding on bike paths.

The size of the tyre required will be on the rim--take a look and we'll be able to give you some more guidance on that.

East Hill

The tires said 26x2.1 i believe it was.

Well I gave my old bike to my husband and he replaced the tires on it with road tires.
I bought a Trek 7.2
Thanks for the help.
:)

All's well that ends well! Hope you are enjoying the Trek :D .

East Hill