dcdirewolf

Hello all,

I haven't been on a bike since I was a kid (I'm in my mid-thirties now). I want to buy an entry level commuter bike and ride it to and from work, a distance of about 3 or 4 miles each way. There is one steep hill, the rest of the road is basically flat. I will also use the same bike on the weekends for riding on paved trails through the parks, maybe a bit of gravel/dirt, but not much. I'm 5'11", 200 lbs, looking to lose some weight and get in better shape by doing this riding as well. I'd like to spend somewhere around $500, give or take.

So, I've been looking at websites, reading this forum and others, asking for advice. It's overwhelming. Hundreds of brands. Technical terms I don't understand. What seems like endless design and technical options.

So I ask for your help, where do I start? I don't want to walk into my LBS as an idiot, ripe for being taken advantage of. What features should I be insisting on? What characteristics as far as frame material, fork, weight, seat, gears, wheels, brakes, pedals, chains, lights, storage, etc do I need to be concentrating on, and what can I refrain from being distracted about?

So much information out there, but no one website seems to consolidate advice and provide a good starting point for a true beginner.

Thanks in advance!

The Wolf.

afwen

I suggest walking into three or four LBS's to see what they say, and then come back to us with any questions you have left.

chumbolly

I've only been commuting a year and a half, so I'm no expert, but the things I'm really glad I have for my 5 mile commute are fenders, an upright riding position (I find it easier to see around in traffic), an easily accessible storage space (I have a front basket), a simple steal-framed bike with wide, highly puncture resistant tires, and a comfortable saddle. My commute is mostly flat, so I only have one gear, and having an easy to maintain drive train is great, too. I'd say getting good tires that don't get flats is a really good use of money. Also, I learned the lesson that a soft saddle is not a comfortable saddle over the long haul. I have a Brooks and have liked it from day 1, though my butt was already conditioned to regular riding when I switched to the Brooks. And get at least one Superflash blinkie.

politicalgeek

Have you considered a used bike?

Plenty of good deals to be found and often just as good, if not better, than many mid-range new bikes. Since you are just getting back into it, you'll find that over time you slowly get to know your riding style. Some people love drops, others hate. Some swear by internal gear hubs, others swear at them.

You'll probably find that certain things need tweaked or changed on any bike you ride as you find what works for you. Do you want to learn basic maintenance skills? I think some would argue that it's far easier and less intimidating to take a wrench and spend a few hours on a used bike than the nice, shiny new bike you just brought home.

How is crime in your area where the bike will get locked? Does your budget include rack, fenders, helmet (if so inclined), lights, locks, basic repair tools or any other commuting gear you might need?

Personally, I've been through 3 bikes so far. Found I prefer a more upright style with swept back bars, an internal gear hub and now a wider saddle. I'm in the process of getting my current bike set up as such.

Welcome and I hope you come to love bike commuting as much as the rest of us!

77midget

I second the used option. There are tons of bikes on CL. You can get a good deal, then ride a bit and see what things are important. I am 5'11" and 230 and I ride my old mountain bike that I put road tires on. I fully intended on getting a new bike after a couple months but I love riding my old bike.

apricissimus 

My advice is to try not to think about it too much. If you haven't been on a bike since you were a kid, you won't really know what you want until you've put some quality time on a bike. Don't go into this process looking for exactly the right bike. Just about any bike will do for your commute.

Later on you'll figure out what you like and don't like about the bike you've purchased. But there are so many diverse opinions on what people like about their bikes that it's tough to predict what you'll want until you've ridden a lot of miles yourself.

CliftonGK1

+1

I did a 15mi round-trip commute for 2 years on an old mountain bike with slick tires. I used that bike for everything, too. Grocery getter, distance rides (up to 100k), around-town bike, etc. It wasn't until the past 18 months that I really started 'specializing' my bikes for certain tasks.

dcdirewolf, if you feel that the staff at the LBS is trying to take advantage of you due to your inexperience, find a new LBS! Shops should be encouraging riders and treating them in a manner which makes them want to come back, not ripping them off and hoping for a new crop of "suckers" each summer.

Kojak

+1

You'll know you're a veteran when you start answering more questions than you ask.

Bearsong

I was in your exact same position last year. I found that taking my time worked out well in making this decision.

First of all, take note of the things that make sense to you, both from reading the forums and talking to people at your LBS. I found that anytime I was overwhelmed I just asked more questions until I had no more questions. I also resolved never to make a decision while feeling overwhelmed or overly stimulated.

I think you can walk into a bike shop and know nothing more than you are there to check out bikes. Tell yourself you aren't going to buy one the first time you walk in the shop, so no pressure.

For your commute, you can get away with virtually any bike, which might not help narrow down the choices, but its brings it down to personal choice, which is mostly what people voice on this forum.

There are some popular personal choices expressed on the forum, like planet bike superflash blinkies being the best rear lights. A lot of people like Surly's options (might be more than you want or need to spend at this stage), a lot of people just like steel frames in general (I am one of them), Brooks saddles are also a majority favorite.

My advice is to trust yourself. Trust that you know what is comfortable when you are sitting on a bike and that you are capable of weeding through ****ty sales advice and good, sound, makes-sense advice.

The people on this forum are awesome, so always feel free to post any question and you will get a response. I think we all love helping the proverbial "newbies" because it gives us a chance to reflect back on what we know now and to imagine new possibilities (for bikes that is). It is a process of distilling our knowledge into the most simple 'what works.'

What works in my opinion:

Ride different bikes-for a couple miles each at least.
Work within your budget
Consider used bikes
Acknowledge that loving a bike is a valid reason to buy it (again pay attention to your budget this is where it can get dangerous)
Know that you will tweak your bike over time, most important part of this process is the frame, that's the constant.
Remember that the most important part of riding a bike is having fun! That hasn't changed since you were a kid!

-Bearsong

PS CL stands for craigslist, it took me a while to figure that one out! You might already know that.

Kojak

Another possible angle on the used/new bike debate; if you don't know specifically what you're looking for, it is probably more likely that you'll get scammed (or just make a bad purchase... no fault of the seller) buying a used bike off of CL etc.

Try a good/reputable LBS first (and for the record, some LBS have used bikes too). If they are even half good, they should be able to ask you enough questions to begin to steer you in the right direction. A really good shop might even allow you to test drive your route on a couple of different models so that you can feel the difference between models and styles of bikes. I have to think that if you start off on something entirely inappropriate that the experience will likely not be a good one, which would make it less likely that you'll stick with it.

If you post on the board your general locale, other board members might be able to steer you to a reputable bike shop.

Bearsong

Absolutely get real world experience with a bike via your LBS before shopping for used bikes.

chephy

Decide whether $500 is just for the bike or bike + accessories. The basic assortment of essential accessories will run you at least $50, but probably more (depends on your definition of essential). If you're looking for a typical figure, $100-150 is more realistic. You can really splurge and spend oodles of cash, but that's not a real requirement. Here is a list of things that many people would consider essential:

* Locks. Even if you can store your commuter in your office, it is a major annoyance to be unable to run a quick errand or two on the way home because you have no lock. A decent U-lock will be in the $50+ range. If you have quick release wheels (which you probably will), you'll need to secure those as well, so a cable lock is a good idea in addition to the U-lock (unless you're willing to remove your front wheel every time you park your bike and lock it and the rear wheel and a frame with a single lock). Don't use a cable as your main lock though - they're not that secure.

* Flat repair kit. This includes tire levers, to take the tire off the rim (probably cost a few bucks... they're really basic things, can't imagine them to be too expensive), a couple of spare inner tubes ($2-8, depending on brand etc... the $8 ones are fancy ones with extra-long Presta stems; yours are likely to be $2-5, depending on retailer) and/or patches (2-5 bucks per kit), and a portable bike pump (mine was about $35). One day you will get a flat on the way to work, and you don't want to be stranded. For commutes in urban areas though, some people's plan B is a taxi or public transportation ride, not a flat repair... but it's really easy and fast to fix flats when you know what you're doing, and you don't have to lock the bike in an unknown location, and then go retrieve itwonder if it'll be there when you return... and then you'll still have to fix a flat... Also some people do not carry a pump, thinking they could just use gas station air. You can do that (if you have a Schraeder valve or Presta valve with a Schraeder adaptor), but the drawback of this method is that you need a gas station in the vicinity, and there isn't always one there.

* Helmet ($20-200). A subject of many holy wars. I personally don't consider it essential, and the entire population of Denmark agrees with me, but North America is pretty obsessed with helmets, so it'll be on most BF-ers "essentials" list (probably as the first item too). Check the legislature in your area too - helmets are mandatory someplaces. Cheaper helmets protect just as well as more expensive helmets; the only differences are looks, weight and ventilation.

* Lights ($2-100) - if you ride in the dark, it's illegal to be unlit and, in my opinion, stupid and inconsiderate too. Most commuters eventually end up riding after dark even if they haven't planned that originally, so I'd buy and carry at least a set of cheap blinkies, red for back, white for front. Certainly go for something bigger and brighter if you DO plan to ride after dark.

* Raingear if you plan to ride in cold rain (in warm summer rain it might be better to just get wet and then change at your destination). Get breathable stuff. Waterproof and nonbreathable = being miserable and wet from sweating.

* Also, if you plan to ride in the rain or just on wet pavement, fenders are very very very useful.

* A set of allen wrenches and a Phillips screwdriver will come in handy, but most households already have them.

* Bell ($3) - might be requied by law.

Anything else (gloves, ankle bands, other tools, rack, bike bags) I would consider non-essentials. Pant legs can just be rolled up, stuff can be carried in a backpack, bike shop will do tune-ups for you for the next while (standard policy when you buy a new bike). Even a water bottle + cage is not essential: given a short commute like that, you can just drink some water before leaving and some water after you arrived, and you will be hydrated just fine. Even for longer rides, you can just carry some water in a container you already have, in your backpack (yeah, I know, you have to stop to get it out, and it's annoying, but it will work).

Doohickie

Here, this will get you there.

dirtyhippy

I am hesitant to suggest that the OP use his LBS to get info/test rides and then buy a bike elsewhere. However, buying used is definitely the way to go for a "first" bike. If you have a LBS that deals in used bikes, that would be ideal.

As for things to look for: You will probably want fenders, so make sure your bike can fit them.

If you will _ever_ ride at night you need lights. I used to go without them, but all it took was one near-miss by a driver and now I am diligent about using them. You want at least one bright rear light (the PlanetBike Superflash is highly regarded here - I have one and like it) and at least one headlight. Other people can guide you through headlights, I use a head-mounded one I bought for camping.

Don't worry too much about the specifics of the fork/chain/weight/pedals/etc yet. As you learn more about biking you can change things to your liking. If you go the LBS route, just tell them what you told us, and they will set you up right. Test ride whatever they suggest, and any other bikes that tickle your fancy. Try and figure out, in broad terms, what riding style suits you - upright like on Dutch commuter bikes, a hybrid like most commuters on this side of the pond, or road bike could all be "best" for you.

I wouldn't worry too much about gearing, but I'm of the school of thought that your body will adjust to whatever you throw at it. I mean, a highly-geared single speed might be too much, but even a three-speed would probably work out alright.

A small amount of storage space is necessary for a multi-tool, patch kit, and so on. You can either carry this stuff on your person or carry it on the bike. Any bike that can take fenders can probably take a variety of racks, so don't worry too much about this until you know what you will want to carry.

On that note, here is a list of things that you should strongly consider carrying:

Multi-tool that can adjust all/most of your bolts. I used to use a leatherman + loose allen wrench, now I use a crank-bros 17. Being able to adjust your fenders is critical, they always seem to get out of alignment when bumped on bike racks and such.
Patch kit or spare tube - I like to use a patch kit (not the glueless kind, they don't work well IMO) rather than wasting an inner tube for every flat. Be sure you know how to use it.
Tire levers - you'll want to carry between one and three of these. See how many it takes you to change a tire at home, and carry that number.
Tire pump - the Topeak portable pumps are highly regarded and easy to find. Lezyne makes one that is supposedly better quality, but it's hard to find and it costs more.
$5 bill - comes in handy sometimes, and if your tire (not inner tube) gets a cut you can use it to make a makeshift patch

chephy

A couple of thoughts on choosing a bike in general. Lots of newbies tend to prefer the very upright bikes with huge cushy seats (often called "comfort" bikes). Be careful here. Those bikes are slow and are not very comfortable on longer rides. Unless you plan on going slowly and not very far, look for something slightly more aerodynamic. It's a bike, not a chair! Much of your weight, when biking, should be supported by legs and arms, not just your bum.

Another common mistake is to go for something with a lot of suspension. Again, this might not be something you necessarily need. Some thoughts on suspension below.

This probably is not a big deal for a bike in your price range. It'll probably be aluminum. That's fine.

Rigid vs. suspension is personal preference. Suspension forks are heavier. Cheap suspension will rob you of a lot of energy. The bike will be more sluggish. You'll have more parts that can break (and usually can't be repaired by a layman). I personally say you don't need a suspension if you're riding on streets and non-technical trails, but that's a matter of personal preference. The first "real" bike I bought had a suspension fork and a suspension seatpost. All three bikes I ride now are completely suspension-free.

Most bike weights are not even published, and are likely to be similar for similarly priced bikes in a given category.

Your butt has to be the judge.

You'd want some low gears for the steep hill you're describing. Since I think you'll be steered towards a mountain bike or a hybrid of some sort, and it will have gears plenty low enough.

Similarly priced bikes will have components of similar quality (and should all be plenty decent enough on a $500 ride). I wouldn't worry about it. Once you've narrowed your search down a little bit to a few specific models, you can ask more questions here, and we can give you more advice.

Clipless are more efficient but expensive (and you need special shoes). I'd start with platforms for now (maybe look into cages or Powergrips... but you can figure that out later). Pedals won't be a factor at all when buying a bike. Once you know better what you want, you'll get the pedals you want.

Lights are a separate accessory and not something to worry about. If you eventually plan to get a rack and some panniers (bike bags), make sure you get a bike that can accommodate those (just ask the salesperson). Most bikes you'll look it will be fine. This is more of a concern for road bikes, which do not really exist in the $500 range anyhow.

bugly64

Make sure you have a work shop or plenty of space in your garage. If you become addicted to this way of life, you will start needing space. I don't and the living room has three bikes and all my tools/bike repair stand. Also, Park repair manual is very nice to have.

exile

+ 3 on apricissimus' post. I don't think you will find that ever elusive perfect bike on your first purchase until you have quite a few miles built up. I would suggest used also, but from a LBS if you can find one that sells them (or ask if they have any).

My first "real" bike was a used 1999 Jamis Exile I got from a LBS for $350 about 3 or 4 years ago now. I rode it up until my recent purchase of a Surly LHT in December of 08. The Exile is basically a hardtail mountain bike with a suspension fork. After a few years with many miles I had a better idea of a) what kind of riding I would most likely be doing; b) a better idea of what kind of bike would suit my purposes for that riding; c) time to save up for that bike; and d) the luxury of having time to research (questioning, reading, browsing, test riding, re-questioning and so forth) bikes that would fit my needs better.

I would also suggest going to different LBS just to see what they have. Most shops IMHO don't expect people they have never seen before to come in and not have questions. Plus it gives you an opportunity to express your concerns and ask questions from different people with different perspectives. You might also meet "regulars" who might be able to offer advice also. The LBS that I patronize know my name, and I have never even bought a bike from them. The owner also let me test ride his personal bike when he knew I was looking for a new bike and didn't have one in stock in my size.

Commando303

I was in about the same boat as you a few weeks ago. I've found the best way to learn about this is by using one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century: the Internet (books are fine, as well, but the Web seems to lend itself far more naturally to this particular sphere than does the traditional "printed word"). Using this forum, as you're doing, is excellent, but if you're looking for "one source" to give you all the information you need, you'll be looking forever. Think about it this way: There are almost no absolutes in life, and seeking a holy grail of information means trying to find something that must contain information that contradicts itself. You'd be best to keep collecting knowledge from here and from there, then piecing it together as you feel is best.

I don't think "frame material" is very important for a commuter. You'll get whatever happens to be in the bike you choose for other, more important reasons. With gearing, it looks like it's hard to go wrong once you have more than three. Myself, I badly want hub-gearing, but am finding it is typically too expensive, so will more likely have to settle for a derailleur system.

For ~$500, you should be able to acquire a decent ride, but you won't get many "accessories" that facilitate commuting: no battery-free lights, no fenders, no rack, no bell. A few of the things you need, though, you can have added on -- if not now, when your wallet is a little heavier.

The problem with getting a used bike is, you may end up with a piece of junk that's been given a paint-job. If possible, you might want to have someone knowledgeable at least look over the thing, or gain enough knowledge to evaluate it yourself.

The best advice I think you can get is, go into a shop and sit on a few models -- try them out. You'll get a better feel for what you want than you will by just looking up specs. on manufacturers' Web sites. Just because two bikes seem to be similar by what's "included," doesn't mean they'll feel similar when you're actually seated on/riding either.

bkrownd

First of all, you shouldn't need to know about a lot of jargon - the vast majority of it is fairly meaningless unless you're doing some particular kind of racing. You want a bike to get from point A to point B in comfort. Pedals. Wheels. Gears. Brakes. Not much more than that involved.

Test rides. Lots of test rides and shopping around. Don't be afraid to ask for sizing and fitting advice before you test rides, and talk to them about what you did/didn't like after because many adjustments can be made.

Fenders, rack and tough tires. (stock tires are often junk) Try to get them and perhaps some other accessories and upgrades thrown into the purchase price. Try to get the bike out the door pretty much as you'll be riding it on the commute. At a quality bike store you don't have to accept the stock components that were shipped with the bike - they can help you customize it.

Start simple. Don't go overboard on a first bike. There will be another one after that. You'll find out what works along the way.

bkrownd

Gotta be careful with the places that sell used or refurbed. I've seen at least one storefront recycled bike place that tried to sell people rusted junk. They didn't even bother to replace rusted chains on the stuff they were selling. Even though it's a used bike it should look pretty clean, be totally tuned up, new tires, new brake pads, have a shiny new chain and no wear on the gears.

daxr

Plenty of good advice here, I'd just emphasize one thing: almost any bike can work, except one that doesn't fit you. A good lbs is usually the way to go as far as that goes.

ottawa_adam

+1

I also agree that you can get a decent ride for around $500. I bought a hybrid in that price range about 4 years ago. I'm extremely satisfied with it. Of course, over time, I've swapped in some new parts, such as handlebars, saddle, pedals, etc, but that will come with time while you adjust to the ride.

If you're like most of us, you'll eventually have a full complement of accessories. I went crazy buying cool stuff, as well as clothing, during the first couple years. I've spent next to nothing on this stuff for the past couple years, though.

Trying out a few different models, and different sizes within the models, will help you get some feeling as to what feels right and what doesn't. As someone else mentioned, however, you likely won't really know if a bike is right for you until you've ridden lots of miles, and when your body gets more conditions to life on the road.

Good luck with the hunt, you're about to start a new addiction.

Bearsong

Understood concern. As someone else posted, that used bike might come from the LBS. I didn't think that all the way through and agree with you that using the LBS as the showroom for the internet is not a kind thing to do.

dynaryder

I disagree. If you have a support network of friends who ride or a good co-op/bike kitchen,then yes. But if you're starting out on your own you'll be much better off going to an LBS. The bike will be brand new,under warranty,and will be professionally essembled. Most shops do free adjustments,and just about all will ensure the bike is properly fitted to you. Until you know what you're doing,it's good to have some professional help.

waltersc

The best bike is always the bike that fits. But before you get that far, go to a few bike shops and see what is out there. Spend some time, ask questions, test ride, test ride, test ride. Go to the next shop, ask the same questions, and compare the answers. There are plenty of bicycles in your price range. Of course used is also a great option, but it is hard to shop used until you know what you are looking for. I would be willing to bet, most LBS will have you looking at a hybrid, flat bar style bike. To be honest depending how much you ride, this might be your best option. Hybrids are can be at home on the road, paved trails and even some "light" unpaved trails. They provide an upright riding positions and many can accommodate a rear rack for your storage concerns. Hybrids are great all around bicycles and you will find many of the members on this forum use them for commuting. Good luck. Take your time and shop around. Like other members said post any questions you might have. All of us have been where you are.