Originally Posted by
SlimRider
Hey there KAS!
However, I do get the feeling that the bicycle manufacturers already know more about frame statistics than we do. They're just keeping that info close to the vest!
When I bought a new bike from a Slovakian manufacturer (named "Kely's"), they gave a 3 year warranty on aluminium frames and a 5 year warranty on steel ones.
To stay on topic: as a first bike I'd get a 50$ - 100$ second hand mountain bike, or a 29er with some gears and see what bothers me and what I like. Then I'd look for a bike that suits me, after several months of experience.
You have to know if you like flat, or drop bars. If you like gears, or is one suitable gear enough. Do you like suspension, or not. Do you like fast slim tyres, or comfy fat ones. Are decent LED lights enough, or do you need a bike with a HUB dynamo and a very good headlight.
In the mean time, you can find equipment that will suid you on any later bike: helmet (if you're not a real man like me
), clipless pedals and shoes, seat, LED lights etc.
Start small, gather experience. And do get a fast Yamaha for hot summer days, nothing beats that!