General Cycling Discussion - Moving and looking for a good city bike.

Hi! I'm moving to Milwaukee in the very near future. I'm not going to be able to have a car for a while so I'm looking for a bike, but I've got next to no knowledge about bikes, both type and brand. I'm looking for something I can ride around the city and the burbs. I will be using this for commuting and fitness. From what I've seen online I think I'm looking for some sort of a road bike. But as it comes to gears and all the technical stuff, I am ignorant. Could you fine people of this forum point me in the direction of some good bikes? I'm looking to spend around $400 to Max $500.

Visit a local bike shop and find out what size would be best for you.

Buy a used bike and have fun rding and learning all about bikes.

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/3206881085.html

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/3152269202.html

I've got next to no knowledge about bikesBut as it comes to gears and all the technical stuff, I am ignorant.

then when you get to Milwaukee , talk to the bike shops there
and pick out your favorite shop, first, then get a bike from them.

CL is a roll of the dice If you have no idea about what you are looking at .

If you are going carless, you might want to check out the utility cycling section.

Though to really answer this type of question we'd/you need more information. How hilly is area you will be riding in (Mil is pretty flat if I remember right-been 20 years), how far of a daily commute, do you need to haul stuff?, groceries? etc...

I personally think you'd probably be best served (especially in Wisconsin) with a good Mt. bike frame (no shocks) with a good component set and a couple sets of wheels (slicks for good weather, knobbies or studded for winter riding-get em as needed). The Mt. bike frames can also handle a bigger load than most road bikes. Best would be disc or drum brakes.

Also Mt. bikes are currently kind of out of fashion right now so good one can be had pretty cheap. Thus freeing up funds for lights, fenders, rack, and perhaps a trailer if you need it.

One of my next projects (probably going to hit it this winter but I need to flip a few bikes to get the funds) is doing such a build. Old Stumpy frame and I'm going to replace the drive train with a Sturmey archer drum/dyno set. Should be fun and it's gunna be a great utility bike.

Figure out exactly what you need your bike to do:

- get me to work in rain, snow, cold weather
- carry 25 lbs of groceries
- be safe at night or in darkness
- be able to be locked outside in the weather
- be comfortable for ~30 miles or 2 hours continuous riding

or whatever...

Next, figure out what features, parts will be needed to accomplish these:

- rear rack
- pannier bags or more structured containers
- studded tires
- disc brakes
- headlight/tail light of x lumens
- lock/locking system
- whatever else (clothing a bit later)

Then, figure out how you'll apportion your budget to these items and when you'll need them over time (lights before studs, for example).

Figure out what's left for the bike itself. Then visit your LBS and begin asking questions. It may be that an upright riding style, rigid fork, disc brake bike, with internal gear rear hub is the way to go for you.

Ride something comparable in your price range. Will this work? Is it reasonably comfortable?

Next, identify and budget for clothing necessities for your climate. Boots you can ride in? Outer layers? Water resistant layer? Windbreaker? Pants. Cycling specific gear? Gloves/Mittens? Helmet? Headwear for warmth? etc.

Figure these costs in, too, as a function of time.

Good luck.