Ive taken up biking

[Rambo]

Doesn't this statement contradict your first post?

I admit that I am not that knowledgable about bicycles. Looks like you all are right about a local bike shop having superior quality bikes than the box stores. When I encounter serious bicyclists I ask them many questions in an attempt to learn more.

 

[FRITOLAYGUY]

Thx for all the info guys, so i did stop in a local bike shop yes the hybrids start at about 400 for entry level but just driving it around the parking lot etc u can see how well built they are to the walmart crap etc, and they give ya a year of tune ups ect where as if u buy it from a big box store your kinda on your own. I plan on biking at least 3times a week hopefully more and i dont plan on doin it for 4months then quitting so im not gonna buy some 2k bike but then again i am gonna need something a little bit better than a targer or wallyworld bike, just gonna have to save up a little bit, its like that old saying u get what u pay for. I will be mostly on pavement trails, maybe once and awhile in the woods, theres some great trails around here in orlando some 27miles long.

 

[MR. evil]

Something I read a while back on MTBR.com was that most bikes sold in department stores and large sport store chains a technically toys. While bikes sold at bike shops have to meet standards of the US DOT.

 

[Sky]

Thx for all the info guys, so i did stop in a local bike shop yes the hybrids start at about 400 for entry level but just driving it around the parking lot etc u can see how well built they are to the walmart crap etc, and they give ya a year of tune ups ect where as if u buy it from a big box store your kinda on your own. I plan on biking at least 3times a week hopefully more and i dont plan on doin it for 4months then quitting so im not gonna buy some 2k bike but then again i am gonna need something a little bit better than a targer or wallyworld bike, just gonna have to save up a little bit, its like that old saying u get what u pay for. I will be mostly on pavement trails, maybe once and awhile in the woods, theres some great trails around here in orlando some 27miles long.

Congrats! Keep hunting and try different bikes. Lots out there in that range....and if you're going to invest and ride...make it worth your while. Keep us posted!

 

[billski]

Thx for all the info guys, so i did stop in a local bike shop yes the hybrids start at about 400 for entry level but just driving it around the parking lot etc u can see how well built they are to the walmart crap etc, and they give ya a year of tune ups ect where as if u buy it from a big box store your kinda on your own. I plan on biking at least 3times a week hopefully more and i dont plan on doin it for 4months then quitting so im not gonna buy some 2k bike but then again i am gonna need something a little bit better than a targer or wallyworld bike, just gonna have to save up a little bit, its like that old saying u get what u pay for. I will be mostly on pavement trails, maybe once and awhile in the woods, theres some great trails around here in orlando some 27miles long.

Hey Corn Chip Man,

I would think a hybrid would be good for your application. I used to have a 12-speed road bike, but I wanted something more upright. I have a Trek 7200, which I really like for in-town, suburban tooling around and bike paths and roads at speed. It's been really good on the gravel and earthen paths. I'm fairly laid back as y'all know.

While I got mine new (gift), the 7200 was about the knee in the price curve after which the return on investment got dubious given my skill levels and ambitions.

I do pretty good buying used.

My daughter is looking to buy an around-town bike. We saw several Craigslist for well less than 400. There are lots of suburbanites who buy a really nice bike, use it a few times then it sits. Spouse insists they get rid of it. I've seen some nice deals out there on Craigs, in all the cities we looked.

Here are some ideas:
Trek 800 for $275
Trek 6500 for $250, $245

 

[HD333]

Another vote for Craigslist here. Ride a bunch of bikes at your lbs, see what feels best, then search Craigslist for a match. That is what I did when I realized how much the bike I wanted was going to cost new.