I am a 57 Year old Man. I live near the beach. I am planning to buy an inexpensive bike ($150 to $250) that I plan to ride each

morning for about 10 - 15 Miles Per Day on mostly flat terrain (some road, but generally boardwalk and shore neighborhoods).

I expect I will want to time some of my rides to gauge improvement, but my rides will be a mix of light physical testing and general riding.

I used to Mountain Bike in CO and did long distance weekend rides (100 miles) as a kid on my 10 speed Schwinn.

I am 5'10 1/2" and currently 265 lb. I was thinking a single speed, or 3-speed, but I have no clue. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I am even considering used (but it's such a hassle).

Bobby

I imagine if you live near a large body of water, that it might be windy, in which case having a range of gears might be nice.

Are you OK with doing some of your own maintenance? If so, it expands your options. Within that price range it might be hard to find a new, name-brand bike. Your other options (big-box store, used, or mail-order) are all cases where being able to tune up a bike yourself will improve your experience.

I'm 55, and I find that comfort is pretty important, even when I'm out for exercise. Bikes are often shown with really low handlebars for a sporty look, but practically everybody I know who wasn't born on a bike, raises their bars.

I would take the time to find the right used bike. $150-$250 could get a perfectly decent used bike in good working order with durable components , or a shiny new bike that is ill suited to surviving much beyond its warranty period if you ride it ten miles five days a week.

Don't overthink it. The longer you take to decide, the less time you'll have to enjoy riding.

Just buy a bike, any bike. Ride it around like you have projected for a year or so. During that time make a mental list of what you love about your bike and what you don't like. If you are successful you will be having so much fun that you will reach a point of thinking you deserve a better bike. When you decide to buy your next bike try to maximize your loves and minimize your don't likes.

rental shops sometimes sell older inventory. can you test ride from some nearby rental shops? get a feeling for what you like? then either buy that right away (new or used) or wait for a sale at the shop

My Local shop carries these

Just go onto Craigslist and buy a used bike for around $200 and start riding. I live at the beach & keep 2 bikes. One is a mountain bike with big tires for riding on the beach at low tide. One is a lighter hybrid bike with narrow high pressure tires for road biking. ........... I use the garden hose to wash off the mountain bike after trips to the beach. It's all good. Have fun.

Thanks all. I got a used cruiser from a local bike shop for $50. No speeds, no brakes, no frills. Should be perfect.Was going to try it out today but I hurt my back lifting my dog into the truck to go to the vet. Now he is fine but I am hurting!