auburn11

I am an athletic 18 year old (been very successful in other sports) and would like to start bike riding. I don't particularly want to compete, but having such an athletic mindset, I will want to push the limit once I have a bike. I plan to do most my riding on the road, but wouldn't mind going light trail riding; this is why I began to look at hybrids. The downfall with my research of hybrids is that they seem to be built more for comfort than action. My budget cannot exceed 240 dollars, this is why I've been looking at the wal'mart's 700c Schwinn avenue hybrid. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Harun

craigslist

a much higher quality older road bike can be had that is worlds better than modern-day wally world bikes. if you're lucky you can find one in your price range.

auburn11

I've thought this to be true, but I really don't know much about bikes (pretty much just know that schwinn and trek are respectable brands). If I got an older bike and it had some problems, I wouldn't have a clue on how to fix it. Also, should I go with a hybrid? Thanks in advance

JoelS

IMO, avoid a hybrid. The flat bars just don't provide enough hand positions to relieve tension, change body position, stretch, etc. You would severely limit yourself.

You'll also be much better saving up more money. Frankly, your budget is just too low.

10 Wheels

I started with a used $15 road bike. Rode it 1500 miles before getting one with a great fit to my body.
Once you get in shape you could get a better bike and you would know much more about riding.
Go for a road bike at your age, In three weeks you will be passing up slower riders.

auburn11

With the money I have, I'm thinking it may be best just to get a hybrid and ride wherever, and when I get in "bike" shape, and learn a bit about biking buy a more expensive road bike. But, I really don't want to be limited.

10 Wheels

Keep watching Craigslist in your area. You will find something to get your legs spinning.

JoelS

The only limits are the ones you impose on yourself.

10 Wheels

This might work if it was in your area.

https://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1501610860.html

spathfinder3408

My advice is get a decent road bike for around $200 on craigs list. A trek, fuji, panasonic, univega ect. Doesn't have to be new to work well. In fact there was some really decent bikes made in the late 70's and early 80's. If you want to go on the trail , get a mountain bike for just that. Again it doesn't have to be one of these fancy shock bikes. Should be able to get one for under $100 on Craigslist. You will be sorry if you get a hybrid, because it doesn't do the job real good on the road and or off road. Hard to have one size fits all. Good luck

auburn11

Thanks

umd

Schwinn was respectable in the past, but not so much anymore.

ChrizzleDizzle6

i have one of the walmart bikes the denali gmc. it was really inexpensive because i didnt know if i would like the sport of cycling or not
so i didnt want to shell out a lot of money if the bike was just gonna sit in my garage.
turns out i love cycling! been doing it this past year and the cheap little walmart road bike has been amazing since. very inexpensive and perfect for first timers
right now im saving up for a 1000 dollar bike but meanwhile the denali has served its purpose!

a_thomasmr23

a year ago was the first time I was on a bike since I was ten and I just need a bike to cross train for running. I just picked a old schwinn out of the trash and started riding I'd say thats the way to do it. That bike taught me every about taking it a part and tuning and help me to get to know what I wanted and didn't want on the next bike.