Question about which bike I should get.
 

Hello so my question is... which bike should I get?

Fixed gear bike, road bike, or a mountain bike? I live in a decently populated community and it's very busy. It's also very tough to get to work because it does take me a while to get there. So mainly I would use it for work, but once I get my bike I plan to use the bike for exercise almost daily. This is because I can't run because of my feet problems, but I noticed biking doesn't hurt my feet at all. This is another reason why I want to get a bike.

I did come here for a suggestion and I know everyone is going to have their opinions, but I tried out a road bike and also a mountain bike and I like how fast a road bike is. Mountain biking on the streets of my city is slow and also very strenuous. I don't like riding on a mountain bike.

Also I do want to mention that fixed gear bikes are also very interesting to me. I would love to find out more about them.

My crotch to the floor distance is 30-31 inches and I'm 5 feet and 6 1/2 inches. What size frame do you guys recommend and which bike should I buy?

Thanks again!

IMO a first bike should be either some sort of hybrid, or a non-suspension mtn bike set up for road use with smooth tires.

Since you say you like riding road bikes, I assume you;re comfortable with the riding position with drop bars. So going that route makes sense. Buy a road bike with gearing matched to your local terrain.

A fixed gear bike though trendy isn't well suited for commuting of general purpose riding, though some experienced riders find them liberating. If the terrain in your city is flat you might consider a single speed bike with a freewheel and brakes, then if/when you're ready switch to a fixed gear. But the problem is that as newbie you don't yet have enough experience to know the gearing you want, and experimenting is going to cost.

Ride a multi gear bike, decide on what gears you need, and whether single speed makes sense, then consider that for a second bike if/when the urge happens.

You sound like you are leaning to a road bike (i.e. with drop handlebars and narrow tires). I would suggest you think about whether you can use the speed on a daily basis in your busy populated area. That depends on your specific situation. Also, make sure you are comfortable in the road bike position for the distances you will be doing.

As for mountain bikes, if you don't like the mountain bike because of position, that is very important and might rule out a mountain bike or hybrid. But if you don't like the mountain bike because of slower speed and higher effort, keep in mind that tires can be changed and can make a huge difference to speed and weight of the bike and therefore effort. Around town I ride an old, steel, no-suspension mountain bike with more road like tires (minimal tread 26x1.5 at 60 psi and the whole bike weighing in around 27 lbs). Works for me and has been utterly indestructible. I would avoid any front or rear suspension for on-road use due to inefficiencies and added weight.

pick your favorite bike shop , and do test rides. .. First hand learning is best..

1. Get yourself a bike - ANY bike. Ride it around for at least a couple of hundred miles.
2. Every time that you ride make a mental list of what you like about your bike and what you'd like to change.
3. NOW you're ready to start looking for your first real bike. Try to maximize the things you liked about your "test" bike and minimize the things that you hated.

Since you mentioned that you would ride a bike to work, may I suggest a folding bike - don't laugh, because these can serve all your wants and needs. I currently own a folding bike called a Brompton. The beautiful thing about the Brompton is that it folds up small enough to carry into an office and store under a desk. If your take a bus or train - perfect, because they will allow you to carry the folded bike on either. I can even use the bike at a grocery store. One feature I like about the bike, or any other folding bike for that matter, is that I can fold it up and store it in the trunk of my car without having to put a rack on the car and exposing the bike to potential scum bag thieves - out of sight out of mind, so to speak. You can get a good workout on this bike the same as you would any other bike. If you are out on a ride, and you want to stop of at your local cafe - simple - fold it up and carry it inside with you. No need to lock it up outside and worry about that scum bag thief again.

Have a look at the bike first:


Using it to do your grocery shopping:

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/...ype=blogs&_r=0

BromptoNYC: Part 1: Grocery Shopping with the Brompton

There are many brands and styles of folding bikes out there in the market place. If you are interest in looking into this type of bike further, why don't you visit us in our forum:

Folding Bikes

See you there.

Cheers
Wayne