A bike for DH

[Cookin4Love]

DH has decided he'd like to make use of the many bike paths in our area. Any suggestions for what kind of bike to get? I know absolutely NOTHING about it, so feel free to talk to me like I'm stupid!

There are many paved trails, and I'm guessing there are also some unpaved ones. There are also lots of small hills--I don't know if that makes any difference.

Until he tries it and makes a greater commitment, I don't want to spend a king's ransom, but am willing to spend enough to make sure he has a sturdy, reliable bicycle.

[lonetree1353]

I live in the country and from work I go from 0 elevation to about 900 feet so when I looked for a bike to ride to work I picked out a mountain bike mainly because it felt more secure to me riding on the highway. I wasn't planning on riding trails but occasionally would have to ride off the side of the road because of traffic. I would suggest going to a local bike dealer first and getting an expert opinion about what type is best for the terrain that he would be riding on. This would also give you a price range. You could then take that information and use it when pricing bikes at department stores, Costco etc and you would know what to look for in the bike you would need. Hope that gives you a starting point.

[erin elizabeth]

I am a casual bike rider and I can vouch for Trek bikes. They are made in the USA and come in a range of price points. I would go to a local bike store--they are still out there!--and chat with someone. They can really fill you in on what's available and you can tell them all your needs/wants and they'll point you in the right direction. You might want to consider letting your husband in on the gift--a bike can be fitted, etc.--and it might be better if he were there for the buying.

[Escher]

Check out the local police auctions.

I got a brand new Mountain bike for $20. And I mean, so new it still had the tags on it....

Failing that, get your bike from a bike store, rather than big box store... the reasons are numerous, including supporting a local business, expert advice, first maintenance typically included, bicycle personally fit to rider, etc.

[Arete]

I agree that you should buy the bike from an actual bike shop, not a department store or Costco. Aside from the fitting issues (and there is more to bike fitting than just the size of the frame) you want to know that the bike was assembled by a qualified bike mechanic. There was a really good article in Bicycling Magazine a few years ago where one of the editors pretended to be a biking novice, and went to some place like Sears. Not only did he get terrible advice about selecting and fitting a bike, the bikes that he tried were not assembled properly. Most had poorly adjusted derailleurs (which cause the bike to not shift smoothly) and brakes, and on one of the bikes the headset wasn't tightened enough, which means the handlebars could slip unexpectedly. So I really wouldn't recommend purchasing from any place that doesn't specialize in bicycles.

[Natasha]

I agree with the advice you've been given, including that you might want to let your husband know about the gift. Bikes are so personal that it would probably be helpful for him to try them out himself at a good bike store and find the perfect one for him within your intended price range. What a great gift, by the way! :)

Good luck,

Natasha

[BeachBum]

I am a casual bike rider, and even so the difference between a cheap bike and a bike shop bike is astounding! Do not get a bike at a Wal-Mart type store.
My bike is a hybrid, it has wider tires than a street bike but they aren't as nubby as a mountain bike. It has a nice comfy seat, and the handlebars aren't curley. I have 7 gears. I really enjoy my bike,it works well for a variety of uses. I think I paid about $300.

[ellielk]

Ditto to what BeachBum said. I bought what's known as a comfort bike; it's made for on- and off-road riding. The one I got was a Giant Sedona and I love it.