wajumau

Hello, everyone.

I am brand new to the forums and was hoping for some advise on choosing a bike. I'm an amateur cyclist and my only experience was with an old Schwinn from the 60's or 70's (which isn't worth repairing).

I commute to school every morning about 3.5 miles, but am hoping to take recreational rides up to 20 miles. I live in the city and some of the streets are hilly and some have deteriorated pavement. Since I live in Seattle, the weather changes unexpectedly and often with chances of rain. Sometimes I come home at rush our and this was often scary on my clanky, old bike.

I was thinking of a hybrid, since I encounter different types of terrain on my adventures, and I like the up-right sitting posture of my cruiser. I was hoping to pay around $400. Someone recommended the Trek 7300, but I would like to get some other advise before I make the big decision.

Thanks, wajumau

Becca

You're going to get a lot of different opinions, so mine will simply be first First of all, go to a LBS (Local Bike Shop) or two and see what they have in comfort or hybrid bikes. You might even try out a touring bike. One brand I can recommend is the Raleigh: https://www.raleighusa.com/dept.asp?deptid=6 - they have a bunch of good hybrids that aren't too expensive to get started with. My own bike is a Schwinn that I bought on sale at a LBS for $250. I've had it for some four years now, and over 2,300 miles. (That ain't a lot of miles for many of the folks in here, BTW) I'm planning on building a touring bike at the start of the new year, simply for the experience (well, and for bragging rights... )

Best of luck, and read a lot in the forums here. You'll learn a lot - I have, and continue to do so!

phillybill

Trek 7300's are really good bikes. The giant Cypress Dx is also another good choice. I had a few fiends at work pick up a pair this summer and they really like them alot. Basically this is a very well stocked section of the bike market and you local LBS should have a good selection. hard to make a bad choice.

Nightshade

Yes, please read as much as you can here before you buy
anything to LEARN about bikes because they ain't you old
Schwinn's anymore.

For the kind of useage look at comfort bikes or hybrids with
the CORRECT tires for you useage. Knobbies are NOT good on pavement so have you LBS put a good pavement tire on what you
buy. Also make darn sure the bike you buy FITS YOU. Your LBS
will do the fitting if they are good shop.

And lastly.....
STAY AWAY FROM *MART & BIG BOX DEPT STORE BIKES AS THEY ARE
ALL JUNK!!!!!!!!!

Ride on ,mate.

AndrewP

Get fenders and rear luggage rack, as that will make your travel on the bike a lot more comfortable.

Karldar

Welcome back to cycling! Not sure how late you're out, but a lightset might not be a bad idea, either--whatever bike you decide on. $400 should get you a pretty nice hybrid. Anyways, have fun and be careful out there.

Becca

Fenders! I *gots* to get some fenders!!

bunchok

You may find a Marin to be a good fit for you. I have a 2004 Muirwoods that I really enjoy. They have several types of hybrids. Here's a link to their site: https://marinbikes.com/2005_bikes/htm...muirwoods.html

Dchiefransom

Test ride as many hybrids as you can. My LBS sells Trek and Specialized. Both are excellent vehicles for your purpose.

chizlr40

hybrids are great for everyday rides. check your LBS and see whats available. i enjoy my cannondale but there is a wide choice of hybrids.