Originally Posted by
cbass377
I started out where you are. I went down to the local bike shop and picked up a used specialized hardrock mountain bike. Then I changed out the tires for something like Hutchinson Acrobats.
The fork was trashed when I got it, and when it bothers me enough I will swap it out with a geometry correct fixed fork. This bike came in at $315 plus $60 for the new tires and another $30 for some wider handlebars, another $50 for some BMX style pedals (I put most pressure on the outside of my feet. After 1 year, I trashed out the rear wheel, but that was my fault. I got too ambitious on a trail that was a little too technical for me. A new wheel was another $110 dollars.
So after 4 years of ownership (not counting small accessories (toolbag, tubes, lights for commuting,frame pumps) I am in for about $500.
Along the way I bought a steel road bike $200, and sold it (shouldn't have). Also I picked up a Kona Dew hybrid about $500, which is awesome for what I want to do. (paved trails, some gravel, to the train station.
In general, check your local bike shop used section, you are going to want to start building a relationship there anyway. Test ride everything that looks even remotely possible. You can tell within just a few minutes if it will feel good.
There is a huge quality difference from 300 to 500. And if you cant afford it at the beginning, just buy the best you can, and be willing to spend on it as you go. I log my miles and "pay" myself 55 cents a mile for parts. That way, when I know I want some new light system, I only have 4 x 15 mile rides to go.
Do not cheap out on parts where your body meets the machine. Buy a saddle, handlebars, pedals that fit good. I still use the factory seat (it's fine) but I have upgraded the handlebars to bring them higher, and spread out my hands, and pedals.
So I can agree with almost everything here, especially the part about a friendly used bike shop. Better if there is a local bike co-operative. The only 1 exception = find/buy used locally on CL/FB market/etc - then take it to fave shop for overhaul, $100 or less. [The exception to my exception (which never really happens) is a killer deal used from the bike shop, as per [utag=263346]cbass377 .]
And my comment regarding the 2 bike entry to cycling is this:
If you are out-of-shape or oversized or just-hate-to-exercise-but-let's-try-cycling;
You have an exercise need and a 'new routine' need - which MIGHT be cycling.
Come in affordably, but find comfy saddle and handlebar and gloves. Geared correctly for your terrain.
If you like the routine and/or see fitness improvement -
you will soon desire bike
#2 ,
(and likely deserve it)
more than you can explain to a Sig Other.
And if you get pretty good at the sport = likely
#3 .
Folks who get hooked need
#4 .
Then people like me,
who want to ride every quality, lightweight, road tubeset made since the 1960's;
but the SO said, "Only Euro from 70s+80s."
A man has to know his limitations
and pick his battles.
Just find good hobbies
with physical rewards.
Here’s some. Never enough.
I used to be more than a stone over 200lbs, as a cyclist with a late night dessert issue.