Recreational & Family - Advice on choosing between 3 used bikes...

I'm a newbie here, and my husband and I want to start riding together. We have a men's Trek mtb that my husband can use after a tune up but I'm in need of a bike. If we really get into it I'll invest in a new bike but for the time being I've been searching for used online as my lbs doesn't carry used.

So far I've found 3: 1. a Schwinn LeTour (http://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/772051262.html) 2. a Fuji Crosstown (http://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/771375366.html) and 3. a Ross compact (http://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/770872131.html).

We'll mainly be using the bikes around town (somewhat hill-y), on bike paths, and for some exercise. It would be good if the bike can fit a babyseat for our little one too, otherwise I'll only be able to bring the baby along when my husband is riding. Any advice about these three? Or is there another make and model I should look around for altogether?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Will the 18"/19" frame fit you? Fit is the most important thing to consider when buying any bike.

If all three bikes fit you, the Schwinn LeTour is the one I would go with. If one bicycle fits you better than another, go with the best fit and most comfortable feel for you.

I'm about 5'2" so my friend, who is an avid, and much more experienced bike rider than I, thinks I may actually need an even smaller frame! I visited my lbs yesterday and plan to do so again and take some test rides this week. I think I may end up investing in a new hybrid based on the research I've been doing. My plan is to actually use my bike in place of my car once I've gotten into shape so a newer bike is probably a good idea.

Yeah 5'2" will require something entirely different. Using a bicycle to commute is great. Finding a used ride that is "just your size" can be difficult. You will gain a lot of long term benefits by going to an LBS. Most will do small adjustments for free, for life. They are also a great resource for questions. However, I am always an advocate of good deals (used) if the fit is right.

How long would your rides typically be?

it is a good idea to find out what size of bike you will need first. it could be difficult to find the exact size, used. there are some things you can do to change this tho. if you get a smaller bike you can get a longer stem. this will give you the length you need.

to get sized for a bike you can go to your lbs or you can go to www.mycyclingsource.com/Sizing-for-road-bikes.html to do it yourself.

good luck!:thumb:

Most of the time my rides will probably last around an hour, though I'm planning/hoping to spend more time riding on weekends. I've been looking at Cannondale Quick 4/5 and I really like the Fuji 1.o but it's out of my price range. One of my lbs carries women's Cannondale models (I'm guessing I'll have to stick with women's models due to my height, or lack of it) and the other lbs in town sells mostly Treks but they were really pushing big heavy cruisers which isn't what I'm looking for.

After this weekend, if I don't find what I'm looking for at the Cannondale lbs I'll venture out of town.

I got a bike!!! I'm super excited. In the end I chose the Cannondale Adventurer 4, and it's a 15" frame. Now the family can actually bike together! Thanks for the words of advice.

Awesome. :thumb:
Did you get the Adventure 4 or the Adventure 4 Feminine?