Originally Posted by pdlamb

If you haven't already bought a bike, my suggestion for beginners is always to find a good local bike shop and test ride whatever looks interesting. There's a number of reasons for that recommendation. First, you'll get a well built bike that should be assembled well. The shop staff can help you pick out something appropriate for your intended use. If you have problems (hey, stuff does wear out!), the bike shop can help you get back on the road. Finally, and I've experienced this, some bikes look really great on a web page, and they just don't feel right when you ride them.


If you don't like that direction, follow the normal internet forum advice: buy a bike like mine.

Originally Posted by ExPatTyke

Very good advice - it's difficult for anyone to advise on a bike without knowing what sort of commute you're doing (flat or hilly, main roads or cycle trails?) but go to a shop and tell them exactly what type of riding you want the bike for.

If you're in the Bristol area there's plenty of bike shops locally. I've not used any of the shops in Bristol, but I have used John's Bikes in Bath and Cheddar Cycle Store, and they're both very good shops.