TK-421

Hello -
I'm new to the forum and have been reading a little bit over the past few days.
I've been an off-and-on runner for a few years, but haven't ridden bicycles much since I was a kid.
I'm considering getting into it again - mostly for the fun/exercise, and possibly for commuting.
The area where I ride has some slabs, some country roads , some dirt trails through forests and lots and lots of asphalt hike/bike trails.

My financial circumstances/goals restrict my spending ability to something in the $5-600 range

The bike I'm looking at so far is this one:
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm
(yes, I realize that's a little out of my range - I'll save a little longer if I must)

I've heard some very good arguments from cyclists I know about the benefits of utilizing a local bike shop. My biggest concern with that is that I may move and I'm not sure for how long I would be able to benefit from having "paid" for that relationship. If I was going to definitely be near one for a while I would probably lean that way. My additional concern with that idea is that there are just no shops in my area that offer anything in my price range unless it has only bottom-shelf components. These opinions have been formed with a novice's level of understanding of modern bikes, though - so I'm very open to being corrected about any of it.

I was hoping to solicit ideas, comments and feedback from any who were interested in posting them for product I have linked above. Negative feedback is welcome, too.

Thanks

Erzulis Boat 

I know that is an old line..........

But 500 bones American, a buddy that knows bikes, and Craigslist will get you one nice ride.

Run the "wants" bit on CL too, it works like crazy.

Jynx

get a "leftover" new bike like a 2008 model now (or a 2007 if the shop still has it). You can get a very very good deal this way. You can probably get a $850 - $900 MSRP bike for $600.

kwrides

Are you anywhere new Houston? They have a storefront here where you might actually be able to touch the bike before you buy.

FYI - this is a Cyclocross bike with disc brakes. I know your current plans are a little fuzzy, but if you can be more specific about your priorities that would help. EX - I would recommend a different bike for commuting than I would for riding fast on the weekend with your friends.

TK-421

This is great feedback, thanks.
I'm absent the variable of : "a buddy that knows bikes".
But I had not previously considered the "wants" section - good idea.

TK-421

I'm not too far from Houston - what shop were you recommending?

I noticed that this was categorized as a cyclocross bike. Not knowing exactly what that meant (I have read up on the sport, I just don't know all the technical differences in the bike), I figured it just meant the bike was
1.) of slightly different geometry
2.) maybe a little heftier?
3.) was built to be able to handle beefier wheels/tires

I also noticed the disc brake, which didn't seem like an automatic inclusion for a cyclocross bike - but was something I kind of liked. I'm guessing it would add a little weight? I'm not sure I would mind if it does.

Here is how I think my riding habits will shake out, in order of greatest to least commonaility:
1.) I think I'll mostly ride around my neighborhood. I think I'll do multiple laps of an approx 2mile circuit that is uninterupted by stop signs or traffic - I'm guessing 25 mph , max) .
2.) Occasionally on the asphalt trails in nearby communities. (13-18mph, probably)
3.) sometimes on the wide shoulders of 55mph (cars, not me) roads
4.) occasional trek down a dirt path

The fourth option really only came into play once I spotted this cyclocross bike. If I get a straight road bike - I won't really do number 4.

kwrides

Cycle Spectrum is BD's storefront.