Need new bike
I don't know how to ride a bike at all, but I'll need to learn for college. I will be mainly riding around campus, which is flat. My budget is around $500.
So basilers, what kind of bike is good for beginners? o.o
April 29, 2012
23 Comments • Newest first
@theonlyepixH and @iDawnxAngelx ok, thanks for the help
@tuffghost oh, i see.. since I want a new bike, I'll look for a hybrid model. thanks
[quote=bestpals10]@tuffghost wait.. so I should avoid cruiser bikes? I read online those are pretty good for casual travel[/quote]
They're overly heavy, impractical, can't move fast, and have many incompatible parts. They serve no purpose other than being an expensive toy.
You should really look for an "old ten speed" road bike. There are millions of these things just sitting in garages never being used. Many have practical features like racks and mostly universal parts and components. These were the walmart bikes of the 70s and they're actually mostly good quality.
New bikes are overpriced like cars are, but if you want to get one just for the reliability of all new parts, look for the "hybrid" models in bike shops. Many of those are reasonable.
[quote=bestpals10]@theonlyepixH do you have any specific models to suggest?
@Ness nah, im going to UCD
@iDawnxAngelx um..im not talking about motorcycles O.o[/quote]
Oh o: Then I suggest you go to your local bike shop and browse around because the only way you'll know which bike is right for you is when you're actually sitting on it. Otherwise learning how to ride a bike isn't that hard actually. For beginners, the hardest part is taking off, and slowing down. As long as you have enough momentum, all you have to worry about is steering. 2 types of steering on a bike btw. regular steering when you're going low speeds. ex: turn handle bar right / turns right & vice versa. And there's counter steering. This method might be a little hard for beginners for the first few times you try it, but you'll get used to it eventually. Counter steering is turning at normal/fast speeds. ex: push handle bar a little to the left / turns right & vice versa. I would also suggest training wheels, but I doubt you'd want to be seen around campus riding with them on. Anyways, I hope you enjoy learning how to ride!
@tuffghost wait.. so I should avoid cruiser bikes? I read online those are pretty good for casual travel
[quote=Ness]It seriously boils down to going to Walmart/Academy, looking at the bikes, and picking your favorite one that fits your cost.
You're not at, and probably never will ever be at, the stage where you're looking for a specific model to satisfy any sort of need, as those are usually specialty bikes.[/quote]
I disagree. While OP may not need a specific type of bike, there are certain features to avoid.
Those features are cruiser-style frames, mountain bike suspension, and knobby tires. All of these are common at walmartz.
@Ness I feel like walmart bikes will break down on me really easily. I think I'll just go to some local bike shop and look from there. thanks anyway
[quote=bestpals10]do you have any specific models to suggest?[/quote]
It seriously boils down to going to Walmart/Academy, looking at the bikes, and picking your favorite one that fits your cost.
You're not at, and probably never will ever be at, the stage where you're looking for a specific model to satisfy any sort of need, as those are usually specialty bikes.
@JJLuvsYa yeah i guess so. one that's good for traveling around campus(flat road)
@theonlyepixH do you have any specific models to suggest?
@Ness nah, im going to UCD
@iDawnxAngelx um..im not talking about motorcycles O.o
I'm getting a new bike soon too! Since you're a beginner then you want to start off at a lower cc bike just because it's lighter then the 600cc+ leader/super sport bikes. If i were you, I'd get a Kawasaki Ninja 250R. It's only 249cc, so you'll be able to learn quick and safe on it. Use it as a learning tool then once you get used to it, you can jump up to a super sport if you like. Although the 250R can go 150mph+ depending on your weight. I doubt you'll be needing to go any faster then that anyways, unless you're a speed demon like I am . Well good luck with your bike!.
Walmart or Academy.
You can get a cheap one for $50-$60, which is probably what you need.
I dunno why everyone is suggesting specific kinds. Any type will do for your situation.
Just make sure you get a hardlock.
Also, you wouldn't happen to be going to UT Austin, would you?
You can always ride a tricycle XD no shame lolZ
@ClementZ: Oh, that makes a lot more sense. I've lived in a small town for most of my life so there were always plenty of places to ride my bike.
If there are any bike trails around you, riding a bike on those can be a real blast if you decide to do it.
@MagicFrappe: I live in a crowded apartment building, if any comparison can be made.
My parents bought me one, but I didn't see the point.
I walked everywhere I needed to go, and if it was too far, I was driven.
Plus, I hated the fact that if I rode a bike, it'd have to be on the road, with cars going 2-3 times faster than I was.
[quote=MagicFrappe]You have really never learned how to ride a bike?[/quote]
nope, never learned
[quote=ClementZ]I haven't either...[/quote]
Do you live in a hugely crowded city where there aren't any places to ride bikes?
I thought it was in the norm for people to learn how to ride bikes as children.
i ride a fixie. very basic, parts are easily replaceable.
[url=http://i.imgur.com/tIsy6.png]sounds like you need an old ten speed[/url]
search your local craigslist
[quote=MagicFrappe]You have really never learned how to ride a bike?[/quote]
I haven't either...
You have really never learned how to ride a bike?
[quote=TheWire]Why do you need a bike to ride around campus? Why don't you just walk?[/quote]
The campus is too big =( Most students there ride bikes
I need a bike to ride around campus, which will mainly be flat road. any suggestions? o.o
Any bike.....?