Beginner Advice
 

Hello - like many posts you see here, I'm getting back into biking for the first time since childhood. First, this is a great resource for someone such as myself. I've learned a ton from reading through the archives.

- Soon, I will buy a bike (likely a dual spot of fitness hybrid) for myself (6'1) and my girlfriend (6'0). Based on what I've read here, it seems like either a hybrid or dual sport bike will suit us best.
- Riding will be done primarily on sidewalks and pavement, but I live in an area where the sidewalks are often uneven and there can be potholes in the pavement. I'd also like the bike to have the capability for some light trail riding and dirt shoulder riding.
- The bikes will be used as an exercise tool and for leisurely rides. I don't have a lot to spend and would prefer to keep it under $300 each ($600 total) if at all possible though I can probably stretch it to $400/800 if I had to.

Given my price constraints, the most common recommendation seen in these forums is to buy used, generally from Craigslist. While I fully understand why this recommendation is made and the value to be found in used goods (I frequently purchase used musical gear and stereo equipment used), this is often daunting for a novice. I don't feel I have the necessary knowledge of historical models made by manufacturers, I don't know what to look for as far as wear or damage, it can make it more difficult to find appropriate fit and sizing, it is hard to know the market and what is a good/bad deal, etc. Basically, I'm not sure I have enough knowledge at this point to make a smart purchase in the used market.

Therefore, I'm more comfortable buying new. Realistically, my options seem to boil down to the following:

1. Buy a new Nashbar Trekking Bike or Flatbar bike or Bikes Direct bike and have it professionally assembled
2. Buy a new Diamondback Insight, Giant Escape, etc. from an LBS

Option 1 would likely come in around $300-325 after a pro build and tune-up and would to allow for Shimano Altus componentry while option 2 would likely cost closer to $400 and land me with Tourney Components. Though I know neither are coveted, I'm just looking for decent starter bikes we can ride for a few years that will hold up well. I understand it's a $300-400 bike and I'm not looking for anything more than that.

One LBS I visited sized us both onto a 21" frame, so I'm comfortable with that. Unfortunately, the cheapest models they had were Treks that ranged $450+. I hope this hasn't been overly duplicative as I know this question is asked a lot, but I'm really curious what the consensus would be in a situation like this - is it better to buy a brand name with seemingly inferior parts locally, or, to buy an internet bike?

Thanks so much for your help - it is greatly appreciated.

Possibly Giant escape 3 if you want to stay in that range. $360 new. Supposed to be a good starter bike

I agree with mrgreefish. I have a Giant Cypress and a Giant Defy and a Specialized Sirrus.
At your pricepoint Giant Escape probably can't be beat. Now all you need to do is find an LBS that is
close and can support your needs. Good Luck. You two are going to need BIG bikes, so buying NEW may be best.

be careful riding sidewalks. It is illegal in some states, and dangerous everywhere

Thanks. Is the escape 2 a worthwhile upgrade to the escape 3? Worth another $100 or meaningless on this bike?

If I get into this to the point where I need to sell the escape and get a better bike, I will without hesitation. Just want something solid to start out.

Dicks Sporting goods has this for your price range:

Schwinn Adult GTX 3 Hybrid Bike | DICK'S Sporting Goods

It states it has the Altus rear derailleur. The only real concern I have with it, is the front suspension does not have a lockout. They do have other bikes you may like as well.

Something I did with my Wife's bike, because I couldn't immediately afford it and didn't want to use my credit card, I put it on layaway. (I couldn't afford it since we just put a huge amount of money into her motorcycle).

Normally LBS will do layaways for 3 months before requiring it to be fully purchased. Just an idea that it might be helpful if you want a more expensive bike.

If you live in an area where local bike shops do bike rentals, it might be worth a look to see if they are selling retired stock bikes.

They generally use bikes just a little above the price range you specified and they are maintained by the shop rather than by previous owners of variable or questionable ability, experience and motivation.

For a $500 list price Trek or Specialized or Giant hybrid you should be able to pick up a former rental bike for around $300 including tune up.

MHO, The Escape 2 is a better bike than the 3. Cassettte instead of freewheel, 8 spd instead of 7, better crank, and better gearing. You can probably upgrade to it for less than the 100 they advertise. If you can find 2014 or 2015 models in your size, you can likely get a decent discount, as new models are hitting the showroom floors.

Giant makes good bikes, appointed nicely in any price range.

Worth looking into but inspect carefully. The bikes I have rented over the years have ranged from pretty decent to awful. If your retired rental bike was in a busy tourist destination, there is a chance the bike got years worth of wear in a season or two. And if you think about it it makes sense. A rental bike in a popular tourist area might get rented out 4 to 6 times per day, every day during the summer.

I bought my first bike from an LBS. Lucked into a smart decision, because I could always go back for
more information about the bike, gearing, how to shift, ride, tire pressure, etc. Its really nice to see the
familiar faces whenever you go back into the store. They know you, they remember your past issues,
they know your bike as well as how to adjust it.

A couple of years ago I purchased a bike for my wife from Target. After 3 trips back to multiple stores, I gave
up trying to get the assembly right. She liked a bike at the Trek store, 45 minutes later we were out riding.

Hope you can profit from my experiences.