Originally Posted by
pdlamb
I'm guessing you're not in very good shape if you have trouble riding 5 miles, or you have some nasty hills. Tires without the knobs will reduce rolling friction, but if you can't ride 5 miles, you'll have to build up to it.
Go to your local bike shop (LBS) and tell them what you want to do, and ask them what they have. For 5 miles, I'd think a hybrid would be their choice to sell you. Test ride it for a couple miles. See if it has mounts for racks, so you can put your stuff in panniers (aka saddlebags).
If you have multiple LBSs in your area, repeat until you've found one you like. Buy it and ride it!
Thanks. It's only recently that I've gotten on the bike. I have no problem doing 10 miles or so when going around the neighborhood. When I attempted a practice run to work I had just woken up and didn't really eat anything. Also was tired from the last few days plus I had the headwind. Not only that, but every pedal I took brought me closer and closer to work and farther and farhter from home. I didn't want to get too far and then have to ride back home. When I got home I also noticed my tires were a little low. All of these things add up to me bailing out. lol
I went to a LBS last week and told them exactly what I posted above. The guy also suggested a hybrid. One is particular was a black or dark gray Raleigh that was about $400. Something along those lines I believe. I didn't really get too much into it.