Hi I'm brand new to biking. Well...not exactly. I learned to ride as a kid but stopped riding by age 13. I'm a thirty-something now and I've ridden twice in the past year (vacation rentals) and realize that i love it. So I plan to bike for both recreation and weight-loss. I'm looking to buy my own bike and would like advice on that process. Where to begin?

Thanks.

Welcome to Bike Forums.
What is your budget?


https://www.jimlangley.net/crank/howtobuyabike1.html

sub $400...

I've been looking at Electra bikes, specifically the Townie 7D and Amsterdam Original 3i. Mostly because I rode a Townie last month and it felt like the most comfortable, least scary bike I've ever been on. I'll be riding in Brooklyn where its high-density, and drivers are not too friendly. I plan to ride mostly in parks, but sometimes need to ride in bike lanes to get to the park. Its important to me that I feel comfortable on the bike and I like that with the Electra bikes I can put my feet flat on the ground if I need to. Any suggestions of bikes with same advantages that are better built and/or cheaper?

Just get one you like.

Your first bike will become an learning experience for you.
As you ride you will meet other riders on different types of bikes.

My suggestion is to get the 7D, you'll appreciate the additional gears
if you ever plan to go over any of the bridges; Brooklyn, Williamsburg, etc.

1nterceptor. I think I just needed a nudge in the right direction.

Don't forget the helmet; but you were already planning that right?

So...I got the bike. Now I need to get outfitted. I live in Brooklyn so I guess its considered "high crime". What kind of lock might be best? I'm getting pinheads installed so my LBS said I just need a u-lock. Any recommendations? Thanks.