Originally Posted by
lambo_vt
For 1-4 miles you could ride practically anything if it fits, and heck even if it doesn't.
Originally Posted by
no1mad
Better question is how much are you willing to spend?
Scratch that. First bike, you don't want to spend too much. Spend more on the next one.
And the question that lambo_vt posed is valid. Determining how much you want/need to carry will help you pick the right tool for the job.
Thanks, I was all excited when I decided to get a bicycle I figured I could spend $1500 (I'm downgrading from leasing a car and was considering a motorcycle, then realized I could just bike for the next 6 months). I will definitely get a bike on the cheaper end just so I can get used to biking and learn about what I like in a bike.
Originally Posted by
RI_Swamp_Yankee
A pair of folding grocery panniers can haul home a week's worth of produce and meat for a family of four [...]just make sure the rack is sturdy. (Not expensive, just sturdy.)
As to what kind of bike, it depends on:
1) What's the ride like? Flat and easy? Lots of hills? Rough pavement or dirt road/trails?
2) How in shape are you? Do you like to ride hard and fast, or do you like to cruise and ride to relax?
3) What other kinds of riding would you like to do? Bike paths, mountain biking, road racing, long range touring?
Thanks, I think Panniers will be the way to go. I can get away with a small backpack, but I"d prefer to have the weight on the bike. Also do they make insulated panniers?
It can be flat and easy, but there are also some hills and residential area I can take. Ideally I'd like to be able to take either. I'm in terrible shape, but I don't mind a harder ride since I am going to get into great shape. I wouldn't do any other type of riding, just leisurely around my city and suburb area.
Originally Posted by
ortcutt
It seems like a good idea to go with something inexpensive like a Torker, at least until you form a clearer idea of what you want to do with a bike. (My favorite LBS sells a lot of Torkers.) Of the three you've listed, the Graduate seems especially good for experimentation of the sort that will help you answer RI_Swamp_Yankee's questions.
Thanks, the Graduate is looking more and more attractive to me. One thing about the graduate is there is no rack installed.
Originally Posted by
JPprivate
KHS Green, give it a try. Will set you back only 250-300 bucks.
$250-$300, that's tempting. Is there anything the KHS is missing that the Graduate provides?
Thanks for all the helpful responses everyone!