Cycling/Bike Advice

I am going to buy a bike. I want to start cycling. I see the great calorie burns and the miles you guys go, and I think I'd have a much better time of cycling than running. I intend to keep up my 2 miles a day and current exercise regime, but my weight loss is slowing down and actually stalling. I don't feel like I can go back down under 1000 calories and feel as good as I do now, and have the energy for my morning workouts and my karate classes.

So, what is a good beginners bike, and how much money are we talking? I'd probably start out in my neighborhood and closeby, then venture out from there. Its extremely hot right now, so I'd be going early morning and then maybe evenings when October rolls around. What equipment should I have?

 Asking us which bike is a good one, is like asking us to tell you your favorite color.  

Go ride them all, then pick the black one, its the fastest!

Seriously..are you going to buy a new one from a local shop.  There are a 1000 different varieties out there, for all riding types.  I always tell everyone, its almost more important to pick a good shop, that makes you feel comfortable than the bike itsel*****ry a few shops on for size, ask every question you can think of, write them down so you don't forget, no question is stupid or silly.  Make sure you feel good on and off the bike.  If you don't feel comfortable move on, some one else will.

Narrow your selection and come back as see us, there are several of us that are pretty bike savvy and we can offer some good advice.

Happy shopping, but be careful, its an addiction.

ROY

what roy said... go check a couple of bike shops out and tell us what you're thinking in terms of type of bike and your goals (i.e., commuter bike, racing, mountain, touring, hybrid etc).  and we can help narrow down your selection or at least give you a sanity check and make sure the bike shop isn't ripping you off (a good local bike shop wouldn't do that, but you never know about certain sales guys).

Besides the other good suggestions above, I will add - do you know anyone with a bike? maybe you could borrow one to try out and have a basis of comparison - like "I liked the seat, but want sit up straight more" or something. 

Perhaps there is a place nearby that rents bikes so you could try out a few and figure out if you want a road bike or a hybrid, a cruiser, etc.  Bikes are like shoes...all very different purposes.

I write this as a complete bike novice myself - I have only used my boyfriend's mountain bike and a friend's cruiser.... and they feel VERY different to ride...and I can't imagine if someone handed me a road bike with those skinny tires and having to ride leaning over forward like the tour de france!

Ditto on what everyone has said.  I would not spend big bucks on a bike...You may not like it.  As I was losing the weight at about 50 pounds from goal...I got on the bike and didn't like it.  You have to push your weight through the bike sort to speak.  As I dropped more weight over the months biking became easier and more enjoyable.  I started riding my daughter's bikes for awhile before I bought my own.  Be careful in paying the big bucks early...You may not enjoy it.  Almost like those exercise videos and exercise machines we have all bought (with the greatest intentions).  As others have said...go with renting from a friend, bike shop, neighbors, family.  See if it is really for you.  Once you get addicted you can move on to bigger and better.  You know when you've found the perfect bike...It just feels right.  I have a bad back...So I need more of an upright ride.  Once you've ridden for awhile you can go to all the bike shops and talk shop...Sleep on it for a day or two...Talk to us more about it.  My 2 cents...

 I'd also suggest not spending a whole lot at first, because if you really get into it, you more than likely will want to upgrade once you learn a bit more about you like and want, and of course if you decide it isn't all that, you're not out too much...   

Thank you all. It dawned on me after I posted this that I KNOW someone who manages one of the biggest bike shops in town. He's out right now because his wife had a baby last week; but I am going to go talk to him as soon as he's back at work. I am hoping he will let me rent a bike or there is an option to rent a few before I decide to buy one.

I also have a friend who is selling a used bike. I don't think its a very high end one, but she said I could try it out. I am going to get it this weekend and see what I can do with it.

I am assuming I'll just need a helmet to start and basic gear.