Hello, I have not been on a bicycle since I was injured in 1986.
I have over 16 spinal fractures.
The military doctors were not able to repair the damage and so they gave me a medical retirement.
I served just under 14 years.
Currently I am using a bicycle trainer and a treadmill, hoping that I will be able to return to riding.
I've noticed that over the years there has been many new improvements on the road bikes and I can't wait to try my hand at the new style of shifters and brakes.
The newer bicycles are several pounds lighter and shifting (from what I have been told) is a lot smother with the newer equipment.
Because I am living on a limited income I will only be able to afford a few hundred for a bike but I will do some window shopping first and hopefully I will be able to find a good deal.
I have only one question, are there any American, Japanese or Europe made bikes that are affordable these days?
Thanks

Bill

Welcome, and thank you for your service!

Many of us who have come back to cycling after years (or decades) have been pleased to notice the improvements in technology (and the downward migration of price points). You may not be able to get the bike of your dreams for a few hundred dollars, but you should be able to find a nice, serviceable steed.

Hope you're able to hit the roads soon!

Be careful with cycling. Accidents and injuries while cycling are common. If looking for a road bike... you might want to consider one with a less aggressive riding position (less bent-over).

The "parts" to most bicycles are make in Asia... mostly China. It's the way of the world now-a-day. There are some French made tires and maybe tires made other places as well. Bicycle frame makers and wheel makers are everywhere... but not cheap. There is a huge difference between the higher end bicycles found in your local bicycle shop... and the value priced big box store bicycles.

Cheers and welcome to Bike Forums!

I'm not sure how exactly "made in US" is defined. But like Dave Cutter said above, a lot of parts are being manufactured in Asia, especially brake systems and drivetrain components. Your best bet to find a complete bike with parts made outside of Asia... single speed. Or the Rohloff internal gear hub (made in Germany I believe), so something built around that might qualify as well. Not sure where the NuVinci CVT hub is manufactured. But if you're looking for a road bike, these aren't probably your #1 candidates anyway.

About your back condition... would a recumbent bike be better in that regard?

Welcome to BF! My son is a retired military guy with problems like ruptured discs, knee problems, ankle problems and other assorted stuff resulting from his >25 year career. I gave him my Gary Fisher full suspension MTB that I wasn’t using much any more. He put fat road tires on it and uses it as a road bike. It’s not an efficient road machine, but a fat-tire wearing full suspension bike with a comfortable saddle makes for a cloud-like comfortable ride on blacktop. It’s ultra impact-absorbing, so it’s about as good a vehicle as you could hope for to provide protection for a bad back. I think you might do well to consider doing a bike like that if it’s within your budget. Good luck with whatever you end up doing.