Beginner needs help choosing between 2 bikes
 

I'm interested in getting into cycling. I freaking hate running and I figure it'll be good cardio/pastime. We have a baby due soon so the most I'm allowed to spend is 200 bucks, I'm going a little over that with either of these. Is one any better than the other? Is it just the handlebars that's the difference?

Thanks

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Those are singlespeed/fixed gear bikes. The SS/FG forum has a lot of threads on BD bikes. I'd go for a used bike on Craigslist or at garage sales.

The Classic and Vintage forum is a big help when deciding what used bike is a good deal.

Stay away from x-mart bikes.

You can get a decent set of handlebars for around $200.

Sorry, but $200 is not in the road bike price range but might be able to get a fixie/ss for around that like the ones you posted. Normally I'd suggest a newbie buy at a shop so they get a good fit, adjustments, etc. but maybe less an issue on a fixie/ss so just get whatever seems most interesting to you. Buying used could be a way to get something slightly better.

so ....do you actually want a single speed/fixed gear bike or do you want a multi gear road bike.


I think a decent used road bike can be had for $200 on Craigslist with a bit of patience depending on where you live. It may be 20-30 years old with downtube shifters but so is one of my bikes and it's still a joy to ride and truth be told I'm almost as fast on that as I am on my modern bike.

You definitely should be able to find a used fixed/single speed for $200 or less if that's what you are after. If you want new Bikesdirect has some good deals but I would spend at least $300 for a ssfg from them or $500 for a road bike miniumum

A single speed can't be a road bike? I used to ride bmX like 10 miles a day, I'd probably just buy one of those, but I'd look like a creep at 35 riding one. I don't want gears. I figured this style with bigger wheels would be good for 15 20 mile mile rides. It's very flat where I live


Is there a bikesdirect one for under 300 you can recommend? 300 will be a tough sell to the old lady, especially a hormonal pregnant one