Originally Posted by MrPrefect
Well this is my first post here, though I have been reading this site and several others for the past couple of weeks now. I'll tell you a bit about myself, as I'm seeking some advice on the specifics of what I should go, and of course what I can afford. I'm 25 now, and live in Kitchener Ontario, there are plenty of trails and places to ride around here seeing as I have walked a few of them, very nice much of it. I haven't done any real riding much more then just touring around when I was a bit younger, I did however start going to a couple of cycling classes at my local gym, there where normally early morning classes with resistance training, I took them pretty steadily 2-3 mornings a week for about 6 - 10 months in 2001-2002, then I moved to Kitchener and bought a house, this disrupted things and I started attending a new gym and going to classes, again, this didn't last as long and it was less frequently, I really didn't like the bikes they had. I also did some weight training and running at the time. This was about 3-4 months ago now since I stopped pretty much, got a new job outside town and things now and I can't make it in the morning, and I hate the crowds, so I want to bike, since I did quite enjoy the earlier classes. (wow, kudos to anyone who is still reading this)
The Short of it is my tax return is coming in a couple weeks and with the ever increasingly nice weather I would really like to get on a bike. I've been looking mainly at mountain bikes, but I don't want anything too heavy (big surprise there), and of course I have a budget of $850 CDN. I?m looking at used bikes I found a place in Guelph (30 minutes from home) that is supposed to have a lot of stuff, whole bikes and parts, I?m not at all adverted to building the bike myself, especially to get familiar with it. I'm 6' and weigh in at about 195lbs (also would like to get some exercise so I don't get fat!). I?m thinking of getting a hard tail, possibly with lockout forks seems like I might use that option because I will ride on roads too. I'm just not too sure what exactly I want, how big a frame? Steel or Aluminum? Wheel size and type? I was interested in something with only 3 gears, I never used more then 3 before anyway, and well that's about all I know. I've read a lot of posts on what is available, but I would like to get some ideas that would work best for my situation, so if anyone wants to give their 2 cents I'd certainly like to hear.
Howdy guy and welcome. hard tails are cool. some folk say sprung rear soaks up pedal energy but it really adds to the cost which i see is a concern for you.
Front shocks are good for riding off road & don't bother or detrack on road. Frame size? rough guide stand over top tube. should have a couple inches clearance tween bar and your package.
most bikes have 26 inch wheel and i think at least 2" tires are the way to go. I'm about your size, weigh 220 and i like the fatter tires. softer ride and suck up bumps. 3 gears ain't gonna do much for you. ya need 3 on the chainring and 7 or so on the rear. You got 'em you'll use 'em.
get out on the bike every chance you get. it's not just a great way to lose some poundage it's a great way of life.your price range , with all due respect, is lo end entry range.i'd shop a good shop where they know the meaning of customer service. customer service, trust me, is a really big deal.
but perhaps most important for you is to hit the shops , explain your needs, talk to everyone, ride lots of bikes and then pick the one you'd like to start out with. A good bike shop is a great place to start your search, they'll gladly answer all your questions.ok?