Does anyone here ride a bike regularly? I was thinking of a buying a bike and am looking for suggestions that won’t break in a week and won’t brake the bank. Consumer reports says go with the Schwinn midmore or something like that. What do you guys think? Thanks for the help.
Mike
Don’t know much about bikes, I have been riding in between my run days and it is a nice change of pace however there is a world of difference between a cheap bike and even a mid level bike.
I used my cheapo Schwinn in a 30 hr. adventure race and while the bike held up, I would have done better with a nicer bike. The bike has held up well though. I rode it almost 40 miles during that race and did not have one problem. I still ride it about 30 miles a week.
I borrowed a friends Trek for a triathlon sprint and found it much more fun to ride. I am currently looking for a good used Trek right now, but not in any hurry. I ride the bike for exercise and the heavy bastard I have gives me that.
I’ve commuted to work for over a year using a GT Talera hardtail hybrid. Bought it used on Craigslist for $90. No complaints.
There’s alot to be said for going to your local bike shop and riding what they have in stock. If you buy it from them they will adjust the fit for you and usually give you a tune up or two for free once you put a few miles on the bike.
I had a Schwinn Homegrown back in the day…great ride.
I’ve been cycling longer than I’ve been shooting. Worked off and on and a bicycle mechanic. Raced road and mountain in college. Even rode observed trials and dirt jumped a bit, back when I healed faster. These days I ride a cyclocross bike, because I don’t huck it anymore, always appreciate fast skinny bikes, yet have no qualms plowing it through mud offroad.
Cycling is a lot like shooting. Technique and training counts for A LOT. Learn how to make your bike fit, and how to ride it efficiently. People find cycling painful, mainly, because they don’t know how to do it right. Biomechanics, yo.
My brother and father are bike freaks. What are you looking for? Road bike, mountain bike, triathalon bike or just putting around?
Lots of truth there. My road bike was vastly improved after I got it professionally fitted. Like shooting and asking what rifle you should buy, with cycling the answer will be the same; depends.
Some kind of hybrid would give you a good start in figuring out what you want.
You can get alot of bike for the money on craigslist. I have always believed that used quality is better than new inferior products. Would you rather drive a 1994 Corvette or a 2011 Aveo? I’ve owned a few Specialized mtn bikes over the years that I’ve been very happy with and would recommend. But what type or riding you had in mind is the most important info you can provide.
I remember the Schwinn with the banana seat back in the haydays of yesteryear.
Anyhow, speaking of not ‘breaking the bank’ for a bicycle, here’s one road bike that a colleague of mine has and trains with:
Asking price for this particular bike? Well, that’s another subject matter.
Hope you find what you’re looking for and Enjoy! 
Just getting back into cycling after about a 7yr layoff from it. Sold my Masi Gran Corsa last year after discovering it was too painful to ride considering the arthritis in my hands, and my reconstructed shoulder.
I went 'bent last week. I love it! I got a Rans Vrex and it is really nice. Tonight is one of my ride-nights so I will try for 13-15mi around town again. It takes a while to build up a good base mileage, and your legs have to get used to riding a 'bent. They’re just different…but being able to ride painfree is fantastic!
Nice Serotta! A buddy of mine has a beautiful rust colored Serotta that he rides quite a bit. I second the local bike shop recommendation as they will have bikes that are of decent quality at various prices and will also be able to help you find the bike for your type of riding. I used to work at BTI here in town and let me tell you, nothing is cheap in the bike industry even at wholesale :lol:. Also if looking for a MTB bike check out mtbr.com as they have tons of reviews on all kinds of mtb bikes, just take everything with a grain of salt there because like on this and many other forums most people (myself included) fail at being completely objective.
I have and used to commute every day on a Cannondale 400. Perfect blend of road and commuter bike. I used to have a pure road bike but in suburban traffic it was not ideal. Very thin rims and tires were easily bent y unexpected sewer grates and emergency curb ramming and strategically placed potholes. Also, the full bent over position was not ideal for 360 rotation of eyes to keep a look out for what is going on around you from all road traffic.
Looks like Cannondale does not make it any more, but I have slightly wider rims and tires than a road bike. Tires are kevlar with thorn resistant tubes (very thick) since you inevitably go through glass or in my case a mile of broken acorn shells. The seating position is a little more upright though you can easily scrunch down for the fast downhills. In semi-upright you are more visible to motorists and you can look around more easily. If you have rain where you’re at you want fenders, and if commuting probably a rear bike rack, though I usually used a small backpack. Then you need a good headlight and one or more rear lights (I had one on fender, seat post and my back pack).
For commuting you want a bike sturdy enough to take the bumps, jump curbs, can transit sewer grates and broken glass on the shoulders or sidewalks. If you can, leave your monster size chain and lock at your workplace so you don’t have to lug it around.
Bikes and components are made better and cheaper today than they used to be. My 15-year-old $1,500 mountain bike today would fetch about $100. How do I know? I am trying to sell it and it ain’t pretty.
Go to a bike shop and ride some bikes. Each manufacturer rides a bit different and fits a bit different. Unless you are going ride hard and heavy or race, no reason to buy high-end. You can get a good, quality new bike today with great components for under $500, and deals on Craigs List (or eBay if you are willing to pay $$ for shipping) can be had. Also look at ‘last year’s models’ at bike shops as they are often marked down.
Good luck, and be careful…biking is as addictive as shooting and can be WAY more expensive.
I rode, raced and wrenched for a number of years. You can get a really nice ride anymore for reasonable $$$. Do the same thing you would with a firearm purchase: determine your needs (be honest with yourself) and buy accordingly.
Cyclocross bikes make a good commuter/general purpose ride. They have relaxed road bike ergonomics and are beefed up just enough to handle dirt roads and light trails. I run mine with slick road tires in good weather and switch to true cyclocross tires in bad weather.
As has been mentioned, fit is king. I would rather ride 50 miles on a $500 bike that fit me right than a $3000 one that did not.
This is right on the money. Find out from a reputable dealer what you really want, save the money and buy the quality because in the end you will be selling the cheaper bike in order to upgrade and you will be out dollars you didn’t really need to spend.
I just use a plain old single speed ‘beach cruiser’
I commute daily on a road (race) bike. I can’t speak to the Schwinn that Consumer Reports mentioned but I am not a huge Consumer Reports fan after seeing some of their suggestions on other matters.
Head down to the local bike shop, all of them even, and let them know what you need to do. They will have a bike that will work or they will point you in that direction.
Knobs on cx tires are surprisingly ineffective. Or, I should say, slick tires work far better than most would expect. Only time I trade out my 32c Avocet Fasgrip slicks is when there’s serious frozen slush or deep soupy mud, and then I swap something skinnier to cut through without floating as much.
Hey there, lifelong cycling fanatic here currently riding an obscenely priced custom ride. 
I think craigslist is a great option but don’t buy a used bike without a knowledgable friend to check it out.
It always surprises me how little folks are willing to spend on a bike which quite literally could transport you thousands of miles. That being said I understand the hesitation to drop a lot of money on any “unnecessary” expenditures these days.
It would be hard to buy a new, quality bike for less than $300. I know that you can find cheaper bikes at many dept stores like walmart. In the industry those are known as “bicycle-shaped objects”–they may look like, and somewhat behave like bikes but they will let you down real quick. They are often made of low quality steel with non-serviceable components, bad machining, and boat anchor weight. Unfortunately many one reputable brands like schwinn and mongoose have cheap b.s.o. lines for dept stores. Def stay away. As I mentioned I’d be wary of any new bike selling for under $300.
I’m a total gun noob, but highly experienced with bikes. If anyone ever has questions I’d be happy to help as best I can.
What kind of bike are you looking for and what is your anticipated use for the bike.
If you are looking for a quality straight roadbike or hybrid, then count on spending at least a grand or near that for something with decent components.
I picked-up a Scott Hybrid from REI for just under $1,000.00 and have really been pleased with it as a recreational and fitness ride.
The best piece of advice for you is to visit several reputable bicycle shops in your area and actually ride several models. You will find a preference or particular style that fits you.
Also, regarding fit it is essential to find the right size. Let a professional help with that part.
Lastly, just about every sub-$2K bicycle is made in China or Taiwan so let the type of components and comfort/ fit and ride quality dictate your selection.
In my opinion, buying a bicycle is almost like buying an AR the devil really is in the details. As other have said, define your needs, wants, and let the ultimate use determine the appropriate choice.
SkiDevil
P.S. Unless racing is in your future stay away from anything Carbon framed. Aluminum is excellent and steel has a following with many for the smoother ride. Go ride a few bikes and you will make a better decision rather than blindly choosing one.