Hello, I have a few questions.
02-08-14, 10:05 PM
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Hello, I have a few questions.
Hello. My wife and I have been trying to get more into fitness over the last few months and we have decided that we would like to start biking. I have a couple questions I was hoping to get some help with. We don't want to make a big investment to start with so we are looking to spend around $250 for a bike for her and maybe a little more for a bike for me.
For her, we just want a comfort bike that will be strictly ridden on the pavement and nowhere else. We looked at a Diamondback Serene Citi Classic for her and she seemed to like it.
I already have a bike, but I am thinking I would be much better off getting a new one. The bike I have is a Bianchi Ibex from the early 90's or late 80's. It has never fit me at all and the shifter has always been extremely troublesome. It it very uncomfortable to ride because I have to lean so far forward. I got an estimate of $175 to fix it up including changing the tubes and tires, adjusting cables, changing the chain and a few other things. I really don't want to spend lots of money on something that is so uncomfortable for me. I looked at a new Diamondback hybrid bike as well that was priced around $300. I rode it around the store a little and it felt pretty good to me, certainly much better than what I have. I will mostly be riding on pavement, but I may occasionally want to go off-roading and hopefully will start doing that some in the future.
Is this the best path to take to get started, or should we be looking at something else? Are the Diamondback bikes going to hold up for at least a few years for us. Should I try to trade in my bike and get some type of credit, or is it even worth anything?
For her, we just want a comfort bike that will be strictly ridden on the pavement and nowhere else. We looked at a Diamondback Serene Citi Classic for her and she seemed to like it.
I already have a bike, but I am thinking I would be much better off getting a new one. The bike I have is a Bianchi Ibex from the early 90's or late 80's. It has never fit me at all and the shifter has always been extremely troublesome. It it very uncomfortable to ride because I have to lean so far forward. I got an estimate of $175 to fix it up including changing the tubes and tires, adjusting cables, changing the chain and a few other things. I really don't want to spend lots of money on something that is so uncomfortable for me. I looked at a new Diamondback hybrid bike as well that was priced around $300. I rode it around the store a little and it felt pretty good to me, certainly much better than what I have. I will mostly be riding on pavement, but I may occasionally want to go off-roading and hopefully will start doing that some in the future.
Is this the best path to take to get started, or should we be looking at something else? Are the Diamondback bikes going to hold up for at least a few years for us. Should I try to trade in my bike and get some type of credit, or is it even worth anything?
02-09-14, 09:42 AM
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Welcome to BF and back to cycling! On your bike issues... $175 to fix up a bike that you’ve always found uncomfortable sounds like a bad idea. I think overall, people just don’t ride uncomfortable bikes very much and that wouldn’t bode well for your getting back into cycling. My bad weather/winter beater is a Diamondback Sorrento that I got on sale at Dicks several years ago. It’s comfortable and despite years of punishment and neglect, it still shifts with surgical precision and I love my loyal, low-brow Diamondback. Right now is a good time to catch a model year leftover at a bargain price, so don’t delay your shopping. Good luck with your shopping and happy riding!
02-09-14, 02:18 PM
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Welcome to Bike Forums.
Since you're new I'd recommend visiting a few bike shops and test riding bikes that appeal to you. Then buy from the shop that you like best.
Since you're new I'd recommend visiting a few bike shops and test riding bikes that appeal to you. Then buy from the shop that you like best.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
02-10-14, 03:38 PM
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Welcome to Bike Forums! I agree that testing bikes at different shops is best, but with that budget, you may be better off checking Craigslist. Browse the forums a bit, check out the Fitness subforum and Recreational subforum, and hopefully you can find some direction there as to what is and isn't a good deal on Craigslist.
