Recreational & Family - Help: New to Riding

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to get into riding and am looking for bike suggestions, and other pointers. I'm planning on ridding on the paved trails in the Chicago suburbs and would like to get a bike before the weather warms up again. I'm 6'3 240lbs and am in decent physical shape.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions!

CKS30

Welcome to BF.
What is your budget? Have you thought about the type of bike you want to start with -- hybrid, mtn, or road bike?
Why not read thru the General Cycling forum and/or the Clydesdale/Athena forum? You'll probably find your answer there. At least you'll get some ideas about brands and models that interest you. Then you can ask specific questions.

Find a helpful bike shop and buy whatever brand they sell. Tires between 32 and 37 mm width will give reasonable speed and comfort without suspension forks. Even for flatland riding multiple gears are nice for headwinds, overpasses and when you are tired, and they are superbly easy to work nowadays. Trigger gear shifters are easier to operate than twist grip ones. Good luck.

Look for a hybrid or flat bar road bike in your price range. At a minimum, a helmet a pair of bike shorts, even if you wear them under regular shorts you will get the comfort benefit. I recommend a pair of cycling gloves as well. Get fitted to the bike properly. Learn how to change a flat and carry a spare tube and pump. Carry your phone on your person and not somewhere on the bike.

Check this site out - lots of good stuff for new riders.
www.biketoledo.net