mlts22 wrote: Whatever bike you get, go to a bike shop that can sell you a well built bike that is adjusted to you with the brakes tested and everything ready to go. Avoid the department store trash -- it almost certainly cannot be upgraded or repaired.
For the OP, it depends on the riding you plan to do. If it is flat gravel and such, a hybrid bike might be good. If it is more off-road, I'd recommend a mountain bike with a front suspension fork, which keeps your hands from getting numb after a long ride. If one is doing longer rides, it might be good to go with dual suspension.
Full suspension will limit the flexibility of the bike in addition to adding to the cost...and putting a rack on one that can carry anything meaningful is a problem. There is only one company that makes capable rear racks for a FS bike and they are way spendy. If you feel your tush needs help on a hardtail get a good saddle (I have a Brooks on my 29er) and a suspension seat post (like a Thudbuster) which I have too.
Gary Fisher makes dual sport bikes which are better than anything that you'll find in a department store. LINK
THANX everyone ... sure a variety of choices and will certainly take your recommendations with me when we go to a bike store ... yes, have looked at Wal-Mart, etc. web sites, and saw no helps ... definitely time to go somewhere for help in determining what fits and what can be handled ..
Thank you again. Y'all are always there when we have questions ...Peace.
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mlts22 wrote: Whatever bike you get, go to a bike shop that can sell you a well built bike that is adjusted to you with the brakes tested and everything ready to go. Avoid the department store trash -- it almost certainly cannot be upgraded or repaired.
For the OP, it depends on the riding you plan to do. If it is flat gravel and such, a hybrid bike might be good. If it is more off-road, I'd recommend a mountain bike with a front suspension fork, which keeps your hands from getting numb after a long ride. If one is doing longer rides, it might be good to go with dual suspension.
Full suspension will limit the flexibility of the bike in addition to adding to the cost...and putting a rack on one that can carry anything meaningful is a problem. There is only one company that makes capable rear racks for a FS bike and they are way spendy. If you feel your tush needs help on a hardtail get a good saddle (I have a Brooks on my 29er) and a suspension seat post (like a Thudbuster) which I have too.
Gary Fisher makes dual sport bikes which are better than anything that you'll find in a department store. LINK
As others have said, go to a bike shop.
Agreed with all of this.
And I swapped the hardtail seat for an awesome cushioned saddle seat. I don't care if it might look a bit off. LOL My rear thanks me.
I definately agree with going to a bike shop rather than big box store. I can't tell you how many I've seen at box stores over the years that were not put together correctly. Be prepared to spend a little more, but you definately get more for your money component wise and will most likely be getting a lighter bike in most cases.
We just got my wife a Trek Navigator 3.0 that was mentioned earlier. She loves it. She test rode quite a few similar style bikes before deciding on the Trek, but the moment she rode it, she decided it was the one.
Here's my take on bikes and RVing: I have a $500 Specialized Ariel hybrid and LOVE it, can ride for miles and miles - but I wouldn't want my GOOD bike banging around on the back of the motorhome collecting grime. I own an $89 WalMart Mountain bike for THAT purpose. It's OK for short rides (a mile or so) and if it gets stolen or ruined, it's not a catastrophe.
If my Ariel could ride inside - THAT would be another matter....LOL!!
We were buying bikes from Walmart every 2 years. I rode a friends Townie and now DW and I both have them. DW is about the same height as you and she loves it. We ride for miles when we go out and never get uncomfortable.
Eddie
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RoadXYZ wrote: ...definitely time to go somewhere for help in determining what fits and what can be handled...
Since you are near Astoria, I would suggest going to an Astoria downtown bike shop, Bikes And Beyond. They have been in business for a long time and serve their customers well. I have done business with them many times as they are local to me.
I will reiterate the sentiment of if you do choose to go somewhere else, stay away from any big box store that carries bikes including the big box store sporting goods. They usually do not hire bike specialist (enthusiasts) who really know bikes. The exceptions would be REI and Performance and both of those stores exist in Portland if you choose to make the trip in.
As mentioned, the problem with big box stores is that usually the bikes are of a cheaper build and more importantly, the bikes are assembled by people who do not assemble correctly. Where as a bike shop will take pride in their work as they want return customers but again, bike shops usually are staffed with people who know bikes. They will also help you to make sure the frame, crank length and handlebar reach properly fit you, not the general population.
You may be thinking, who really cares as I only intend to ride the bike a 1/4 mile at a time on the campground. If you go to a bike shop and are properly fitted to a bike, you may like cycling so much that you start riding strictly for the enjoyment/exercise factor as you have a bike that works well for you and doesn't cause issues. Using a local bike shop really can make a significant difference.
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