Never bought a bike before
 

As the title says I've never bought a bike before. All my bikes have either been dumpster bikes or bikes given to me by friends/family. They've all been cheap, broken, etc.

I finally want to have an actual bike. I would like to be able to use my bike to get to work and classes (all about 10 or so minute rides) as well as for casual riding here and there (nice weather days can see me on a bike for anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours). On rare occasions we take a long trail from where I live (Queens, NY) all the way to and around Manhattan, an all day trip.

I prefer comfort over speed and would rather sit on my bike in a more upfront facing position than parallel to the bike, I also like to take in the scenery. I'd be biking on roads and sidewalks. There are lots of hills here and there though I wouldn't say where I live is exceptionally hill-y and is for the most part flat terrain.

I'm sure you guys get questions like these a lot and I could use your advice on buying a bike or any recommendations you could throw my way.

Thanks <3

Okay, so we know what style of riding you want to do. What is your budget? Keep in mind, with that budget include other things you will need to ride safely. If you don't already have helmet you will need that. You will need a good floor pump if you don't have it. You will need at least one spare tube and something to inflate with away from home.

For this I wouldn't want to go over ~$700 for the bike alone. I have a helmet and floor pump and would get the rest of what is needed.

You'll find plenty of options. Do you know your size?

Trek 2100 - (2007) - (SZ 56cm)
Raleigh Revenio 57cm with kryptonite chain locks

No idea haha.

I'm a hair over 6' and have long legs, how would I find out my size?

I'm 6' with a 34" inseam and I ride a 56 but I can fit a 58 with a shorter stem.

Thanks for the advice. Any other Trek bikes you happen to recommend? I went to their website and they offer financing options which as a student who works minimal hours would be easier for me to handle (100-150 a month over 600-750 down flat).

Sounds to me like you are not planning on riding too far, and you value an upright riding position and comfort. I'd recommend a mountain bike or hybrid bike bike with fixed suspension. You will find them cheaper, and hopefully less attractive to thieves since it sounds like it will be parked often and for extended periods.

I wouldn't suggest financing. If not done properly that $700 you could end up paying $1000 over time. Is your credit strong enough to get a really good rate? I would say try to find a $4-500 bike and just pay for it.

Thievery shouldn't be much of an issue. At home there's a large lock box at the building and the same at my job.

Any Hybrid model recommendations you could make, or anything I should look for?

And I have very strong credit and have financed before. It wouldn't be an issue as I'd definitely be able to cover it in the allotted no interest time. I also have savings I could dip into if anything did happen to make sure it's paid off by the time.

There are so many hybrids on the market it is difficult to name one. I would visit 3 bike shops in your area and try out a few that are in your budget. The most important thing is the bike fits and it is comfortable to ride. If possible, try bikes with flat bars and drop bars. Comfort is more important than a good deal!

What is your inseam?

This chart gives a starting point for finding your size. Bike Fitting Chart

After you find your size, let's just say that at 6'0", you have an inseam of 32.5" - 33". This would put you at a road bike size of 60cm. For a hybrid or Mountain bike, it might be a 20" bike. Depending upon the road bike manufacturer, I'd expect some 58cm bikes to fit you, but with another manufacturer, a 62cm bike would fit better. On most, a 60 cm bike would probably fit best. But this also depends upon your reach, torso to leg ratio, femur length, flexibility, etc.

So the best thing you can do is find the range of bikes that will fit you and road test several different bikes, brands, and geometries. Actually go to a LBS, and road test some of their bikes, as they can give you tips on fitting. If you do buy a used bicycle, you can use this information to help you, and you'll probably need to find a LBS to help do some of the maintenance on the bicycle, anyways.

Here a good resource for beginners.

Fit and comfort on the bike are the biggest things. If you don't feel comfortable riding the bike, then you won't ride the bike. So get one you like. And if you see some deals on Craig's List, bring them to this thread, and some of the more experienced members can tell you if it is a decent deal.

GH

Alright, thank you ^_^

I'll go to a few bike stores, talk to the employees and try some bikes out.

I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future so I know where to turn, thanks again guys!

I agree... don't finance a bike.

It sounds like you've tinkered on bikes in the past. Don't forget Craigslist and used bikes. Which would be another reason to purchase with cash in hand.

Some of the used ones can be rust buckets. Others can be nearly brand new.,

some popular hybrid bikes are :

Giant Escape
Trek FX
Specialized Sirrus
Cannondale Quick
Cannondale Bad Boy
Jamis Coda

Never bought a bike before
 

I just picked up a Cannondale Bad Boy.
Awesome bike so far