Hi from Western Mass
 

Hi all - Kevin from Springfield, MA. I started riding (restarted I guess) a few weeks ago after deciding to do somthing about my weight. I always enjoyed biking when I was younger so it seemed the logical fix to the past 15 years of beer & Doritos...

Anyway, I'm doing ok, up to about 5+ miles / day about 4 or 5 days a week.

Couple quick questions, I do most of my riding in the city and on weekends I'm on country & back roads. I have a cheap Huffy mountain bike (the wife was hesitant to let me buy a new bike without showing serious initiative) but I absolutely need something new. Any suggestions? I liked the 10 speed I had when I was younger but with the urban paths I'm taking, I think I'd like to stick with a more rugged mountain bike. Any thoughts would be appreciated.


-Kevin

I'd look at something like the Specialized hardrock Sport, or the Kona Hoss. :D

Welcome to the forums, by the way. :D

Welcome...

Welcome. Don't get shot or stabbed. I've ridden thru the springfield area...not too nice

Heh - I know exactly what you mean... The path I've been using takes me a bit further North into Suburban Chicopee. A much nicer ride. The only time I actually ride downtown is 5 - 6 in the morning. By then all the hood rats are passed out!

:p

I lived up in Hampshire County for 8 years, where the world looks VERY different despite the relatively short distance. Paradise On Earth. :D

Almost any kind of bike should be plenty "rugged" for you - good bikes aren't particularly fragile. (unless you plan to really beat on it like jumping off tall curbs and pounding down steps) The thing you need to worry about is having strong wheels and the right tires. Get thee to a reputable bike shop where you can find out what's comfortable and they can give you advice on getting something that fits.