Helping me find the perfect bike!
 

Hello friends!
My name is Paige, I live in Wisconsin and really want to get back into biking. I use to bike all the time in the summer months a few years back and would really love to start again to get back into shape. Because it's been a LONG time since I have biked Im interested in finding a new perfect bike for my needs. I mainly bike on roads but every so often will venture off onto trails and explore the unknown :) I really want something that will help me get fit but also enjoy biking for fun. The other bike I have is the brand Specialized and I really enjoy their product. Is there anything you all can recommend for me?!
Thanks SO much!!!

Is there anything you want to do that your Specialized won't do? I'm not acquainted with Specialized bikes.

First, find the size of bicycles that you should be looking for https://www.ebicycles.com/bicycle-tools/frame-sizer
You can try different sizes at a bigger store.

Then, look on Craigslist for a used bike: https://madison.craigslist.org/search/bia
The cheaper a bike, the more you will ride it without worrying about theft. Don't look for a Walmart bike. Look for a nice old bicycle with "outdated" components.

If your size is 52cm, this can be a very nice bike.
Nishiki Riviera GT Grand Touring

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik/6101565881.html

It's a little bit expensive, but it's almost in mint condition. You can try to negotiate.
This bike accepts fenders and racks. It can be a perfect commuter or a touring bike.

https://images.craigslist.org/01717_...2_1200x900.jpg

Price range you are interested in, and a picture of your current bike would be a great help to everyone who wants to assist you.

A "needs" and "wants" list would also help.

For example do you want disc brakes? Or is it a deal breaker?

1) Toss out the notion of finding something PERFECT, because it likely doesn't exist. Focusing on perfect can lead to you missing very good bikes sitting right in front of you.

2) Make a list of what you want your bike to do. Saying you are riding on road is very generic, define it a bit more. Are you talking about a few miles on lazy park paved paths, or 100 mile rides at a fast pace? When you say trails, do you mean unpaved park paths, or do you mean a single track at a MTB park, or maybe two track forest roads?

3) You say you currently have a Specialized. What model is it specifically, and what about it don't you like? You are at an advantage of already having a bike you don't like, much in the same manner as #2, list those dislikes so you can exclude new bikes with those same issues.

Probably best to visit a few bike shops and look at different models first. They will be glad to help you narrow down what type of bike that fits your style and that fits you. Test ride many. Then if torn between a couple models I'd ask here at BF for people that might own or know about those bikes.

Get a light 29" mountain bike, fit it with Thickslick flat guard city tires. Nothing more to do.