Introductions - New to Everything

Hello! My name is Ashlee, I live in IL, and I am looking for my first "adult" bike. I am 21, 5' 4" or so. I'm in decent shape and looking for a bike to ride to work regularly. I will be living about two miles away from where I work and don't see the point in driving every day if the weather is okay!

I have been doing some research, but most of what I have read has confused me even more. I do not know whether to get a hybrid bike or a road bike. I also have no idea what brand to purchase. I am a recent college grad, so my funds are limited as far as the price goes. Any suggestions at all are appreciated!

I don't know much either but if you're only talking about two miles you can get just about anything and it will get you there! Good luck and make sure you get lights if you will be riding after dark :thumb:

I agree with Bluesdance - since it's only 2 miles, you'll be there in no time, so the type of bike won't make much of a difference. Even riding a single speed beach cruiser will get you there in 10 minutes or so.

Personally, I went with a hybrid - a Trek FX 7.5. My commute is 10 miles each way, though.

As far as brand - whichever one your most comfortable on. Go to several local bike shops and ride a few. Just stay away from WalMart / Target bikes.

Get a set of lights even if you don't plan on riding in the dark. If there's a chance that you'll ever need to stay late at work, you'll be glad you have the lights.

Visit the commuting forum here for additional tips and advice.

Hi Ashlee,

Nice to meet you. I would concur with the reply about lights, and further suggest that a bike that has clearance
for fenders is very nice. I don't ride in the rain if at all avoidable, but here in Indianapolis, there are lots of times
that fenders make riding clean and comfortable after damp weather. I kind of like old British bikes like Raleigh,
Rudge, etc, but that is a niche that one new to cycling might want to avoid. But, they were really built to be
true transportation bikes. A well equipped hybrid would be the nearest modern equivalent.

Most importantly- get a machine that fits. If you are well fitted, longer rides will be attractive... a bike that
fits like an instrument of torture can really put one off.

Any bike will do for that distance. It's more about what you like. As a beginner, most true "road bikes" will put you in a position your muscles will not be accustomed to, and will be uncomfortable for some period of time. A hybrid would work well, or an older touring bike. Drop bars (curled like a ram's horns) offer a lot of areas to change your grip, if you start riding longer distances.

Thank you all! I am planning to ride to the grocery store, etc, which will be about 10ish miles away -- but that obviously will not be every day. I assumed I needed to stay away from Wal-Mart and Target bikes, even though the prices were tempting. I am looking at purchasing something from Amazon or Bikes Direct.

If you insist on buying online to save yourself some money, I highly recommend you at least visit a local bike shop and ride a few to get a feel for what fits & what's comfortable for you.

If you end up purchasing a bike that doesn't fit, or is not comfortable for you, you won't be motivated to use it very much. Especially if you're planning on longer rides (an hour or more).