Need help choosing
 

Hi there to all. Noobie here.
I hope you all can help me. I am trying to find a bicycle so I can ride around the neighborhood. More as a "staying active" thing. No competing, 50 miles anything like that. Max ride distance would be 20-25 miles or maybe a 2 hour ride. I have been looking at a Schwinn Trailway at Target, but i keep hearing "dont buy big store bikes". I saw the Specialized Crossroad Sport. Just outside my budget though.
What can you all recommend?? Target bike link below. Would like to keep budget at about $300?

http://www.target.com/p/schwinn-men-...lot=medium_1_3

Features needed (would like really):
Trigger shifter
adjustable handlbar stem/riser
road wheels

Target is not a bike shop, they will not help you with anything but spending your Money

See if one of your Local Bike shops has some modestly priced, or Used refurbished bikes,
there you have some mechanical help after the Sale.

Or seek out a bike CoOp and learn how to turn used stuff into something serviceable.

I agree. You'll get significantly better value with a good used bicycle, and if you don't know a fair bit about bicycles, buying from a good shop, while more expensive, is likely to get you something better than craigslist or whatever.

Check out your local Craigslist.

I have been checking Craigslist for a while and nothing. Is there an online store that sells for good prices??

I just bought a flat-bar road bike from bikesdirect.com. I am very impressed with their values.

Yes! Just go to bikesdirect.com.

However, the downside to BD is that you've got to know the right size bike to order. Otherwise, it's a complete hassle...

PS.

How tall are you?

Ever consider a single speed?

Do you have any hills to climb in your neck of the woods?

I will check them out. Thanks.

No hills. (florida) I believe i will need a Large frame. (19"-20") Never thought of a single speed.

Single speeds usually cost less and require less maintenance...

Florida has no hills! Therefore, a single speed is all you'll ever need.

PS.

Your best single speed deals online will be with either bikesdirect.com or nashbar.com.

* I personally like the Nekkid 2 and the Nekkid 4 from Nashbar...

The Motobecane Track bike from bikesdirect looks nice too! :thumb:

****************

Use the following chart as a sizing guide:

http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...ike_sizing.htm

The bike I got from BD was for my wife. We checked out several at local shops, found a couple that she really liked, but they were over our budget. We went online and compared the frame dimensions with the ones she liked, and found one that matched on BD. (For about $200 less than a comparable one locally.)

not sure I'd recommend mail order bikes for a newbie... all setup and adjustment and sizing will be up to the purchaser, with noone for warranty service.

a good local bike shop ("LBS") is totally worth supporting, evne if it costs a bit more.

the most important thing about a bike is fit and set up. don't buy bikes used, online or retail.

performancebike has 20% discount for bikes this weekend. they have comfort bikes in the range of $300-$500.

thats excellent advise for a beginner, but a bit over the top as general advise without a qualification... I've bought plenty of used bikes, even built up used bikes bought just as frames that I've turned into custom things to suit my own tastes... but I've been riding bikes since the late 1960s. Even if I buy a new bike, I'm out there playing with the stem lengths, swapping bars, oedals, etc etc til I get it right where I want it.

I didn't know about the 20% off sale at Performance!

Performance will allow you to exchange the bike free of charge within the first 90 days. If they can't accomodate you with another bike, they'll give you a total refund!

However, since you live in Florida, where there are no Performance Oulets, I do believe you'd have to pay for all shipping charges on returns.

Right now there are several single speed bikes that are being offered at Performance that you should not pass up, if you're seriously considering a purchase.

I'd first consider the Fuji Declaration, at about $360 (with the 20% discount). Next, I'd consider the Scanttante Americano 1 single speed, followed by the Scanttante Americano 4 single speed. The Schwinn Cutter looks good, as well as the SE Draft single speed. <---In that precise order...

Good Luck! :thumb:

I can only say is to educate yourself on the plenty of info online....I bought my 1st bike as an adult at a LBS in '83 and can now say that bike was too big...but I still enjoyed it for 7 yrs.(then none for 20) And about no hills in FL...nothing but hills in Talllahassee!
If you like to work on stuff yourself a bike is no problem! I've just installed a 11spd IGH on my Trek Sawyer and didn't even know what IGH was 14mths ago and disc brakes too! I've ordered 4 of my bikes without test rides. I have to admit I was lucky with the Kona and almost went a size too small. I've order from Bikes Direct ...no tax and free shipping and check out there Scratch & Dent site Bikes Island...I got a Motobecane Jubilee 8spd nexus IGH for $299 (just as fun as my other bikes)

The main thing is to google any bike for reviews and parts for that matter. Plenty of instructions on youtubeI...I have nothing against LBS...but live too far away and the ones that are 30 + miles (can blame big University too)

Well live and learn!

I'll be more cautious about location the next time I tell someone that Florida is flat...

Rumors can truly be dangerous!

Thanks my friend! :thumb:

Yea..got some big mtns too!
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...ntain_Road.jpg
:lol:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwAlrUD6wKo

I've lived up driveways steeper than that here on the left coast :D