new cross-country biker
I am planning a bike trip from Minnesota to Connecticut next summer with a few of my friends from college. None of us have ever biked really seriously before. So, I have a lot of questions.
Right now my biggest question is what sort of bike I should get. I care mostly about getting something that will get me across the country without falling apart or killing me. Also, I'd like to spend as little money as possible. Any recommendations? If I were to look at used bikes, what sort of questions should I be asking? What characteristics are essential in a bike for this sort of trip?
On another note, does anyone know a good resource for finding bike-friendly routes across the US?
Thanks!
-sarah