Bike recommendations?
 

Based off the replies in my previous thread I'm getting a little gun shy about buying a used bike. It's pretty apparent that I don't know the first thing about bikes and I really don't want to end up with someone else's junk.

My goal is to buy more of a middle of the road bike so I don't have to trade up like I would if a bought more of an entry level bike, or so it seems from what I've read. I'd rather spend a little more now the spend a lot more later as well as deal with trying to sell the entry level bike.

So does anyone have any recommendations on a bike in the $1000 range? My LBS carries Giant and Trek so a model from either of those would really be helpful.

Thanks

Since I don't know what-for-how-much the LBS sells, can't really help you, but wonder why don't you ask the same question to LBS staff? Tell them your needs. I believe they'll offer the best one for you.
If you don't mind, some new-old bikes (stock of 09 or older models) may be discounted with great condition.

What bike are you looking for? all rounder? cargo/longtail, city/commuter, crank forward, cruiser/chopper, fat, hybrid, mtb, road, singlespeed/fixedgear, or touring? What do you intend to do with the bike, what's your height and will most of your riding be on road, off road, or in between?

Giant Bikes. I like them and one I can recommend is the Defy if onroad or if you want the hybrid- then the Rapid.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bike-finder/

These are the newer models of the OCR and the FCR and I can recommend both of those.

Only problem is that some do not like the Compact Frame design that Giants utilise. No idea why but Get to the LBS and talk to them.

Shop for a bike shop first.

I think that there's a bigger difference between bike shops than there is between bike brands. Just wander around through all of the bike shops in your area. When you find the sales person who seems to ask all of the "right" questions - that's it. Buy a brand that they carry and you'll never go wrong.

I sell a lot of used bikes (I refurbish them) and I would not recommend buying used unless you knew precisely what you were looking for and quite a bit about bikes....

You don't say what kind of bike you are interested in. For a grand, you should be able to get a very nice mountain bike, a decent-if-not-spectacular roadster, and you'd get change back for a good hybrid.

At that price point, you are looking at (generally) a Taiwan or Chinese-made frame (built to specs given by the company) with a variety of stock "bits" bolted on. So, in deciding, the first thing is to make sure you are getting a bike that fits you properly. This is paramount. You will never be happy with an ill-fitting bike, regardless of how nice it is.

See who's giving you the best deal for a well-equipped and set up bike.

Retro Grouch has a good point.

Also, don't worry about getting the right bike first try. Either you've got cheap tastes, in which case entry level + a few mods is good. Or you don't, in which case you don't know what you want yet.

Don't buy Wally-World, try lots of different ones, and go to the store with good service.

I agree with RetroGrouch too. do any of your friends ride? I bet if you had your location posted someone may offer to help. I live in So Central Pa and would be glad to assist you, maybe even go the shop with you. I don't know about this forum but there are lots of great guys in the C&V forum who buy, then refurbish and resel lots of great bikes. perhaps one of them will help you.

as for a new bike... since we don't know exactly what you want the bike for I suggest the best hybrid you can afford. it will be strong enough for dirt roadna dlight trail riding but still perform well on the road.

PS: those C&V resellers I refered to do it more for fun and enjoyment so don't get them confused with flippers who resell garage sale finds for triple what they paid after just dusting them off

Thanks for the input. I guess I should have been more specific. I'm looking for a road bike. I'm in South Texas near Corpus Christi. Unfortunately I don't really know anyone who rides. I've decided to try this to work on my fitness level and drop some weight.

I believe Corpus has 1 or 2 bike shops but one in particiular keeps poping up so I'm going over there on Monday.

your welcome we love to help. I never owned one but I like Jamis bikes and they make a nice looking one for under $700.

but head over to the shop and explain what you want to do and ride a few bikes. good luck and welcome to an addictive sport.

OH let us know what you get.