Introductions - New Here

Hi! Nice to meet everyone.

I hope this place is for newbie bikers, not just experienced ones :rolleyes: Does anyone have any recommendations for a nice, lightweight bike for a newbie? I want to ride with my son but I also want to go biking on my own for pleasure and exercise. I haven't owned a bike in years but I want something that is all mine that will encourage me to get out there and and get moving.

The thing is, I work from home and I am on the computer A LOT and as you can imagine I have gained a few pounds. Try as I might I never seem to make it to the treadmill as much I promise myself I will.

I look forward to talking with everyone!

Thanks,
Chrissie

Tell us a bit more about how and where you plan to ride.

A fitness or hybrid bike might suit you nicely if you are going to be riding with your kids, stopping alot, etc. It will offer a comfortable upright seating and easy to use grip shifters in most cases.

A road bike will be lighter and more responsive, at the expensive of comfort and ease of use. Riding position will be more aggressive and the bike will not be as well suited for frequent stops and starts, etc.

Thank you for your reply! For now I am starting out slow - and will be using the bike around my neighborhood mostly. It's quite large but the area is flat.

I am looking forward to starting a new [healthy] hobby for myself. It's been too long. Thanks again, I will let you know what I end up with :)

Hi Chrissie, welcome to BF.

Treat yourself to a shopping trip to all of your area bike shops and test ride as many bikes as you can. Pick the bike that fits you best (bod and budget), turns you on aesthetically, and can handle possible 'nice-to-haves' like rear rack, fenders, front basket, child seat, child trailer, etc. that you might want to have later.
You can always run your short list of choices back to us in one of the forums (like rec and family) for opinions, tips, etc. before purchasing. Good luck, and most of all, have fun!

Thanks, Chipcom! And I think you are right - I am going to drag my husband with me to do shop shopping/testing. After all, I go shopping with him for all his gadgets and gizmos.

I will definitely post my questions and get feedback. Everyone is so helpful here! Thanks.

Hi and welcome to BF.
If you're dragging your husband on the shopping trip make sure he gets a bike too. Then you can get a sitter and go out for a long ride with him. :thumb:

My wife is showing some interest in riding- right now just around the neighborhood. We just bought a comfortable seat (they will call it a "saddle" at the bike shop). It is a Serfas brand "e-gel" female specific saddle. It cost about $30. Made her ride today way more comfy. So, may want to look into a comfortable saddle to keep from getting bummed out over a sore bum!