Which bike to get?

Steps78
on 4/8/13 10:42 am
Hi all,

I'm going to buy a bike soon to take advantage of the spring and summer weather (and of course to lose weight) and am wondering which type to get. Does anyone have any recommendations between mountain, hybrid or cruiser? I'm def not riding up mountains but the skinny racing tires on most hybrids make me question whether they would hold my weight. Which do you find most comfortable? I'll be sticking to paths and paved roads.

Thanks!

Tanya
rickellz
on 4/9/13 3:15 am - Canada

Go to a reputable bike shop or even Sports Chek, and tell them what you would like to do and they will give you some recommendations.

InkdSpEdTchr
on 4/9/13 7:46 am

Seriously the only way to know is to try them out, and the recommendation to find a local bike shop is the way to go. Go to one and if their not helpful, go to another cuz usually they are SUPER helpful, after all- they want your business right?

I would recommend you give the hybrid a real chance though, those cruiser bikes are so heavy and hard to pedal, the lighter the bike, the less weight you have to push. 

Do it, go to a shop, it's fun- they'll be nice and make sure you buy a helmet!

:Danni  >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
                   
  

             
  

Steps78
on 4/9/13 8:35 am
You're right about the cruiser, I did a quit look about at Canadian tire today and those things are beasts lol. Off tomorrow to a proper shop and will check out hybrids. Thanks!
Paul C.
on 4/10/13 1:15 am - Cumming, GA

100% agree with the LBS route.  The only other thing I would add is that when you know What Type, brand model etc that you get what you can afford and remember to include all of the other things in your budget.  I saved for a bike and dropped a nice chunk on one but the only upgrades I am looking at is Wheels and seat.  Last thing you want is a bike where you are constantly wanting better shifters lighters components etc.  Also remember a good helmet invest in one from the LBS and not walmart as this is going to potentially save your life.  

Paul C.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op  (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03      
      First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (
PR 2:24:35)   
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Steps78
on 4/10/13 3:15 pm
Great tip Paul! Thank you. I hadn't thought of the extra's I would prob want and need. I'll let you know what I got after the weekend! Big sale at the best local shop in town this weekend. See, God wants me to buy a bike LOL
Paul C.
on 4/10/13 11:34 pm - Cumming, GA

your LBS will probably have a list of what you need as far as extras go but I will list a few here.

Water Bottles
Bottle Cage(s)
Saddle Bag
Spare Tube(s)
CO2 cartidges
Emergency Inflator
Pocket Tool Kit
Tire levers
Patch Kit
Pump
Lights Front & Rear
Gloves (preference)
Shorts (If you get a good name bike this is a must)
Cycle Jersey
Helmet 
Chain Cleaner
Cleaning Tool(s)
Chain Lube

Pedals

Shoes

On the name brand bike (ones a LBS would sell) pedals don't come with the bike because of the numerous kinds of pedals out there.  You can get the standard type of pedal with a cage that you slip you foot into or you can go with ones clipless, and the prices range based on what you get.  I and probably most the cyclists here would say target clipless pedals as you will get more power transfer for your work.

 

On the cycle shorts and jersey, just get over the fact you gonna be wearing skin tight clothes.  Shorts have the pad as most good seats have very little and the tight fit is to reduce drag, which equals not wasting your pedaling effort.

 

Have fun!

Paul C.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op  (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03      
      First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (
PR 2:24:35)   
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Steps78
on 4/11/13 9:58 am
I got my bike!! So very excited to start riding. If only the freezing rain would end. Lol

I only got the bike, helmet and water bottle holder though Paul. All that Macgyver and stuffed sausage clothing stuff is going to have to wait till next pay haha

And here's the one I got

Ok forget it I can't figure out how to attach a pic on my iPad.

I got a Trek Neko! Happy days!
Paul C.
on 4/12/13 5:20 am - Cumming, GA

Sweet!

 

All that McGyver stuff will come in handy when you are away from home and get a flat!  I know a guy got a flat like a few miles into one of his first rides on a  new bike.

 

Enjoy it!

Paul C.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op  (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03      
      First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (
PR 2:24:35)   
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
jeffreymiller
on 4/19/13 5:31 am

Hi Steps78, if your ultimate goal is to lose weight, how about considering this bike? You can't ride this bike outside to take advantage of the spring and summer but you can always use it anytime at any weather in the comfort of your home. More than that, you can also check your e-mails or facebook feeds while exercising.

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