Hi all, I need to get some advice on choosing a bike. My intended purpose will be to use it for the following, Weight loss, commuting (13-26 miles one way), & and at some point touring. To add to all this fun I am getting ready to turn 51. My SUV broke down so that is what has caused the commuting issue but this could be fun. Right now I will be using a Wal-Mart Genesis V2100 MTB, all the riding should help with the weight loss (Win / Win), and I started hiking and camping this year so I guess touring just fits. Now I understand that one bike may not be great in all areas but want I need is one that is well rounded. My guess is Commuting / Touring could use the same bike with no major problems. My budget for the bike is $400-800 so any suggestions would be a big help. I am posting this in the four areas it covers Thanks for the advice in advance. Gregg

Visit a Proper bike shop. and test ride their brands.. IDK what is sold where you live ..

People tout Bikes Direct , but caveat-emptor, no local service backup unless you pay the local shop fee,
and any warrantee and shipping damage claims are all in your lap.

shipping back

Our LBS here will have access to Trek , their tour model, 520, and can Order From QBP
for their Surly And Salsa brands ..

I anticipate you'll experience a certain amount of negativity in the next few hours and days so let me say "Welcome to BF", 51 was a great year for me so I hope you'll enjoy it as well, and don't let anyone give you crap for riding a bike from Walmart. As far as bikes go, I'd recommend something like my Trek. It's sturdy, it's stable, it's no speed demon but that's not what you're looking for anyway. You should be able to get one plus everything you need to make it right for commuting/touring for a real decent price at your local bike co-op.

I'd up your budget by a few hundred dollars and then you'll be able to buy a good quality bike.....$400 won't buy you much.

The Salsa Vaya is a nice bike and gets lots of praise for touring and commuting. It might be a bit too expensive at around $1500, but you could look on ebay. Also the Bianchi Volpe
is a good bike and can be had for a couple of hundred less and for under $1000 on ebay.

I bought a $400 Trek Hybrid (new) in 2000. I rode it from El Paso, TX to Alberta. Don't let anyone tell you you need a nice touring bike. It worked really well and gave a upright riding position, which is what I want'ed to avoid hand numbness. I ride it daily around town after 13yrs. Parts had to be replaced eventually. I still tour on it and never have to worry about it being stollen because it looks so bad. Hybrids are great all around bikes. You can easily find a quality Hybrid in your stated budget. They aren't flashy and used ones are cheap because they don't have the "cool" factor. I am often approached on tour by people that want to talk bikes. They quickly change the subject once they see mine. Not much to say, I guess.

I think $800 is reasonable for a good used commuter/touring bike. Here's one on ebay right now, that I'd consider if the size was right.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/JAMIS-AURORA-ROAD-TOURING-BIKE-55CM-2012-/261342035184?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item3cd932fcf0

Here's one for $900:

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/class...d_id=4057&v=1t

Welcome to BF and good luck with your conditioning goals. Cycling can play a big role. A wrench in my lbs lost over a hundred pounds commuting 20 miles rt to work.

Take what boomhauer said to heart. And the bank. Look at the Trek FX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 series for a quality, hybrid type bike. For a tour bike that can also be your commuter, check out the Windsor Tourist. More like a road bike.

Fit is First. Get that right for sure. Check out your local bike shops for help in that area. Buy as close as possible than tweak it to just right as you put on the miles. Tweaks usually involve saddle type, saddle position, and bar height/type. The more hand positions, the better. Get radical and consider aerobars for riding comfort and battling headwinds and hills.

Don't put off by all the confusing advice you'll get. Bit of truth in it all. You'll finally sort out what works for you. Do your best to get it right up front to minimize cost. Not that easy sometimes.

If you're just getting starting with biking & your SUV has broken down, sounds good not to spend a fortune and you can get a perfectly decent bike well within your range. If you really get into biking then you can spend more money on your second bike, but a good bike can last a long time!

https://breezerbikes.com/bikes/details/greenway

should be a good one for your list!

That Breezer is a good deal.

Fleetsailor, I got a Felt Cafe8 to leave at my sisters for when I visit. I am very impressed with it as a utilitarian commuter and grocery getter. It comes in a triple chainring version. The impressive thing about it is the super long chainstay length and wheelbase which makes for stable handling with a pannier load. You don't need to go over $800, you do need a floor pump.


here's the specs

https://2009.feltracing.com/09-catalo...24-deluxe.aspx

19 3/4" chainstays
45 3/4" wheelbase

it's a solid frame but not a heavy bike. I was able to fit 40mm Mondiale tires on it. It's a 21st century version of my first derailleur bike, a Schwinn Suburban 5spd.

https://www.rei.com/product/807245/no...fari-bike-2014

About $820 with the member discount + $20 join fee.

Another possibility

https://www.rei.com/product/837487/novara-buzz-bike-2014

Or Custom quality... I had decades of use out of Bruce Gordon's Racks ,

get a whole Bike with them integrated, is bound to be Tops..

Made in California.

cost about the same as a transmission rebuild in the SUV..

2nd
The trek Hybrid like the FX 7.3 or similar bikes will make a great commuting, exercising and Light touring bikes.
My wife and I toured the Loire valley in France approx 400 km, as well as Quebec Route Verte around 450 miles on a used rental Hybrid bikes and these were phenomenal. Very comfortable, reliable and just plain fun to ride.

There are a lot of good hybrid bikes out there that will fit the budget and work. I'm looking at one of these Marin hybrids for my son

It's about $700 at my LBS. There are plenty of others out there.

Marc

Live near an REI ? Try a Novarra. Enjoy building ? rebuild a rust free ten speed with early spring mail odor components..the best deal...class ride/low errr lower cost.