With all the bike threads, how to pick one?

[Shifter]

Seeing all the threads have made me start to think about getting a bicycle.
But how do I pick one? I would be doing just some light riding to see if I like riding. If I do like it, then I may want to try to commute to work a bit (five miles or so).
I do not want to go off road and jump things, and not that interesting in going fast enough to need spandex.

So what is a good starter? I am not going to assemble my own bike, not even interested, so a project bike is not in the cards. And, I don't want to spend big bucks on something I am going to leave rusting in the back yard.

Physically, I am not in the best shape, unless barrel is a good shape to be in. Six foot, 210 or so. I spend 10-12 hours at a desk during the work week, therefore the chair shape I currently own.

What size bike do I need? Metric or standard? Realistically, how much should I spend? I stopped in a local shop, and their frames started at 900 bucks! That wasn't going to happen!

So, recommendations? I live in Portland, so it is a bike friendly town, unless you're riding Division, in which case I will honk at your arse! Narrow two lane street with parking on either side, and there are dedicated bike street two blocks in either direction.

TIA

Tom

[vash]

I think cyclocross bike. A steel one. One with tabs welded on do you could install fenders and luggage racks. You have all the cards to start riding to work! I'm jealous. IMHO there is no better commuter than a cyclocross bike.

[look 171]

Go to your local bike shop and tell them exactly what are you doing with the bike. You need to tell them you are not interested in racing, sport riding and such. spend 300 bucks and you are golden. They will start with the fit BS. Make sure you tell them you do not want to get fitted for racing or sport riding. Get a bike that fits you and enjoy. I would also check your sporting goods stores. A beach cruiser or a mountain bike will do. I lean toward the the Mtb due to the gears so you can suffer climbing hills.

[fanaudical]

Portland is a good town to find a bike and see if you like it. A couple comments/ideas:

Spend time shopping around and get "fitted" properly. Nothing will stop you from riding like being uncomfortable on the bike. Try several bikes. Ask friends with bikes for advice and try test riding their stuff.

Bikes generally have decent resale value if you buy something used and don't like it. You can generally sell for close to what you paid. I know you don't want a project, but there is lots to be learned from building your own. Here are some resources for used bikes:

the recyclery

Sellwood Cycle Repair

Community Cycling Center

Citybikes | Portland's worker-owned bike shop

I'd put comfort as a focus for a first bike. Go for a flat handlebar (light mountain bike or hybrid) with some road tires. Coventry Cycles on Hawthorne has a wide selection of utility bikes and recumbents if you want to try something different.

[Flieger]

Get a cheap used mountain bike with a rigid, steel frame. They are the best.

Diamondback Apex, from the 1990's


Downhill Oak Tree Turn Summer 2012 by Max_911S_fahrer, on Flickr

[jyl]

I was in Citybikes today and they had a number of used larger sized road bikes. Their used bike pricing is fair and reasonable. They should get your fit right too. It is flat enough in most of Portland that pretty much any road bike will be geared okay.

[jyl]

Or, you could grab this for $300. It is very likely to fit you and at the price, if you have to resell it, you'll come out even enough. You can raise the handlebar up with a $30 extender, if the current position is too aggressive, and temporarily swap in some used conventional pedals for $20.

Bianchi Road Bike- 59 cm

Seriously, that's a good deal.

EDIT: Nevermind, it is gone. Good deals on CL last <1 day.

[Jim Bremner]

PLEASE PLEASE go to several shops and ride as many bikes as you can.

DO NOT HAGGLE the poor shop. The $$$ saved will be ate up in return of poor service in the long run. Trade service for cash.

There is no right bike for everyone. RIDE every bike that fancys you.

I really wanted to buy a Civia Cycles I work in the biz and this is a major competitor to me. One of my dealers haad one in my size. I had the cash in pocket to buy it. I made it down the block and was SOLD on the bike. I made the first right hand turn and changed my mind.


( still might buy one but there will be major changes to suit my needs. The forks degree of angle makes for a souless insulting ride. I would decrease it's rake by 3mm atleast.

[jyl]

Of course, get this and you'll be the coolest guy around - sorry, not being helpful, but it is groovy.

Schwinn Hornet Whizzer with sidecar

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by jyl

Of course, get this and you'll be the coolest guy around - sorry, not being helpful, but it is groovy.

Schwinn Hornet Whizzer with sidecar

God, I would LOVE to have that!!!!

But I also want this....

[LeeH]

Step one... what are you going to do with the bike? Good guide here:

How to Choose a Bicycle: Expert Advice from REI

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Flieger

Get a cheap used mountain bike with a rigid, steel frame. They are the best.

This^^^ is what I did, got a Schwinn Mesa mountain bike (but new at local bike store).

FWIW there is a new bike store at the Washington Square Mall (behind, by the Target and next to payless shoes)

Super nice people and great selection (and they fixed my daugthers junk college bike for cheap)... I'm really liking the Kona mountain bikes they had... but if I bought one I would have to ride it back to Los Angeles

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by jyl

Of course, get this and you'll be the coolest guy around - sorry, not being helpful, but it is groovy.

Schwinn Hornet Whizzer with sidecar

That is very cool!

I know you are joking.

But seeing as a Whizzer can barely get out of it's own way I doubt it will go up much (or any) of a hill.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Shifter

.

Realistically, how much should I spend? I stopped in a local shop, and their frames started at 900 bucks! That wasn't going to happen!

Tom

No! No! No! You can get a good bike for $300-$500, the Kona I was looking at was looking at was $500-$600 and more bike than I really need.

Check the links fanaudical posted, they have some nice used high end bike around $500

[craigster59]

I have one of these. Electra Ticino 8D, great for around town, thin tires and great gearing. You can buy cargo racks from Electra or Cetma. Sets you back about 7 bills....

[scottmandue]

Oh yeah, in Portland FENDERS are a must for your bike!

[David McLaughlin]

I love my Electra Super Deluxe. Classic looks but fit for an adult. I was also looking at the Amsterdam and the Townie line. Upright seating is so mych more enjoyable for leasurely rides. I've done the stump jumper route and just couldn't see someone with my bigger build on a roadie.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

PLEASE PLEASE go to several shops and ride as many bikes as you can.

DO NOT HAGGLE the poor shop. The $$$ saved will be ate up in return of poor service in the long run. Trade service for cash.

There is no right bike for everyone. RIDE every bike that fancys you.

I really wanted to buy a Civia Cycles I work in the biz and this is a major competitor to me. One of my dealers haad one in my size. I had the cash in pocket to buy it. I made it down the block and was SOLD on the bike. I made the first right hand turn and changed my mind.


( still might buy one but there will be major changes to suit my needs. The forks degree of angle makes for a souless insulting ride. I would decrease it's rake by 3mm atleast.

Jim,

What so special about that bike? I know racing and training and bikes used in those situations, but that I have no clue.

[LWJ]

Question? How much will you ride? Where? I am in Portland too. If you are just riding a little bit or if you want to check it out, a used steel mt. bike is cheap. It won't fit very well and then you won't ride as much most likely.

If you are set on this (and Summer is a great time to ride in Portland WITHOUT fenders) I would check out a good bike shop. We have something like 56 bike stores last I heard. Lots are great. Lots of great bikes being made now as well.

I am a big fan of the style of bike shown above. An upright city bike with a good gear range. Lots of manufacturers make similar.

Good luck. If you are in Portland proper - your Division comment makes me think you are - it is good riding.

Larry

[Racerbvd]

You really need to decide what type of riding 1st, find a Good shop as others have. Stated. I'm a nut, I have a bike for each of my riding style. Today, I rode my road bike in for my PT