Good bike for a beginner

[Spivonious]

Just going to be riding park trails with the kids - no off road and no competition. If I like it and get good, that's another story.

So, would you tell a person who never played guitar who wants to learn to buy a First Act or a USA Jackson. Same scenario, except it's for a beginner cyclist.

I'd tell them to get a used Jackson Professional series from the early 90s

Check out the used selection at some of your local bike shops.

My current bike is a circa 1970s Kia (yes, that Kia). It's ugly, has shifters down on the frame instead of on the handlebars, and needed a new seat. But it works fine and cost less than a new Walmart bike.

[SEEGERMANY]

You don't have to spend a ton of money for a good bike. And, this is very important, if you're just gonna cruise around the neighboorhood, you don't need a road bike or a hybrid. Matter of fact, I'd get a bike with as few gears as possible. Now don't throw rocks at me because I hate Wal-Mart too, however, not all their bikes are junk. They have some decent "cruisers" that will serve your purpose nicely.

[atomic charvel guy]

my bike is the best. get a beach chopper.

[GinSonic]

.....Assume there is no one to let me "borrow" a bike to learn on.....

Which one would you like me to lend you, dude!

[SEEGERMANY]

The silver cruiser (with the headlight) would be the perfect bike for him to learn on!

[tanpsi]

GET A METAL BLOODWOLF!!!!!!!!!!!!:

http://www.danscomp.com/211342.php?cat=FRAMESFSD

See, it's strong:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymCiIOTlgpE

[tanpsi]

Actually, I would not recomend getting any kind of bike, I just had surgury on my wrist and my right hand may never be the same again. wheels, wings, they are all unatural and trouble!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jgcable]

Pete, I am an avid rider. heck.. I ride anything with 2 wheels. Bottom line with a bicycle is that it has to be comfortable and as light as possible. Riding a decent bike is so much more fun than riding a boat anchor that is the wrong size for you. Go to a bike shop. You should be able to walk out for around $300.00 tops with a bike that fits you and fits your needs. Department store bikes are 2 wheeled dust bunnies.

[Wylde06]

even though department store bikes are usually junk...my mountain bike had held up pretty good for the past 2 years (Schwinn Traverse).

[quadperson]

I'm with some of the others on the bike shop issue. You get what you pay for. I would go with a lower end Fisher/Trek/Giant/Specialized/Haro, etc. over the top of the line Walmart bikes. Something else noone mentioned (that I noticed) is fit. Walmart bikes are generally all one size...medium. A shop will fit you to a bike. I'm 5'9 and a "true" medium. I have a medium Gary Fisher that fits like a dream and a Specialized FSR in large that I can make work. AND......the single most important apparrel to purchase, even above a helmet, is riding shorts.

[VitaminG]

really? I thought a shirt covered in sponsors' logos was the most important apparel purchase

[Jason1212]

Fit is a good concern. That kept me from going to a big box store and getting a bike. I am only 6'1" but those bikes in the stores were to small. I didnt go high dollar though. I got a Specialized Hardrock XL in 2006. It could stand to have the bottom bracket replaced and the pedals got toasted, but overall it has held up well.

[Big D]

Just like guitars, decent bikes start around $300-400. Just my opinion.

If you really are going to spend $200, buy a used name brand rather than the complete fucking JUNK you get at Walmart.