bzink29

Hi all!

I just made an account here because I have been doing extensive research in purchasing a new bike. I am currently 24 (male), and I hate going to the gym but I want to get in shape. I heard cycling is a great way to accomplish that. I love going on bike rides. The last bike I had though was when I was in high school and it was a mongoose BMX bike. So I am completely new to everything here.

My long term goals would be to eventually exceed 20 mile rides but I currently have no experience on any bikes besides my old BMX one. I am a little intimidated by road bikes because of how fast they can go and also I do not feel completely comfortable riding on main roads and stuff. I would use the bike around my local neighborhoods to start off with and eventually it would be cool to be able to use roads and go far.

I have around a $400 budget at the moment I am just wondering what people suggest. I was thinking a hybrid but people say you might as well just go road if you know you will want to ride far distances one day in the future.

--> Also, I REALLY want to do this soon and start, but unfortunately I live on Long Island (NY) and it is winter here. I was wondering if anyone would advise me to wait until the weather gets better before making a purchase (I am hoping somebody says go for it because I want to start!).

Thanks a lot!!!

bjjoondo 

If you go new bike, then at your budget and skill level, I'd look at "Comfort Bike", it's made to be easy to use, set up to YOUR needs and usually can be found at a Family LBS (Local Bike Shop) in your price range. I'd recommend brands like Jamis, KHS, Del Sole, etc. Try to find a "family bike shop", not one that carrys lots of road bikes or high end Mountain bikes. If you go into a LBS, tell them your looking for a "comfort bike" and your price range. The comfort bike is basicly a very "adjustable" mtb, I prefer the 26 in. wheels to the 700C wheels as they do better, on both dirt and pavement trails and paths, jmho, ymmv. Hope you find the bike your looking for asap and ENJOY, BTW, Stay away from Wal-Mart, Dicks Sporting Goods, REI, etc. and go to a Bicycle Shop, you'll be glad you did!

bzink29

Thanks for the advice!

I am just confused because you recommended a mountain bike even though I said I was looking to get a road bike. Unless I am misunderstanding your suggestions. I will definitely go to the LBS and ask them for what you recommended!

Thank you!

Update (Following day):

So I went to the LBS yesterday and the employee recommended I go with a flat bar road bike with kevlar tires and said he could build me a custom one for ~$450. I'm going to go to a different shop to see what they have to say. The roads are a bit bad by me so thats what he recommended those tires.

Thoughts?

delcrossv

A "Comfort bike" isn't really a BMX bike but there are some similarities: slightly knobby tires, upright seating etc. Truth be told for $400 you could get a really nice used (vintage) road bike that will do everything you want - and you won't feel the pressure to upgrade when you want to go farther. Check out the "Classic and Vintage" sub-forum here. There's a thread there on ebay and craigslist finds that should get you an idea of what's out there.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...t-ii-1019.html

Stay away from suspension- at that price point, it just adds weight and had minimal effectiveness for pavement riding.

Regarding tires, for bad road conditions you want something that will take at 35c tires (35mm width). Puncture protection comes on many tire sizes (kevlar) so that's easy to spec.

bjjoondo 

I'm kinda blown away that the LBS employee could build you a "custom" flat bar road bike, (ie: a road hybrid) for only $450.00!!! Sorry I didn't notice you wanted only a "road" bike but usually, you can't find a "true" road bike for only $450.00? Unlike the other reply, I didn't call a "Comfort Bike" a BMX bike but more like a "hardtail" (suspension in front, none in back), Mountain Bike. I do agree that if you are looking for decent road bike at your price range, then USED is the best way to go! Call around and see if any of the local Bike Shops in your area sell, USED, it doesn't seem like many do but my LBS does and I bought my "ridged" MTB, which I use as a "Rail-Trail" bike (both dirt, asphalt and concrete trails), used and it's been a good deal of FUN! Let us know what you get!