cyclonic

[jfb]

I'm thinking about buying a bicycle to replace the bicycle I used to never ride. These days, I often make short trips from my apartment--from a few blocks for groceries to a 2-mile drive to the cafe. And I'm not getting much exercise. Two birds, one stone. If I get really ambitious I might try commuting to work.

So far I've been to one shop, for about five minutes. I was attracted to the Townie because it's cute, and marketed to newbie/casual cyclists who want comfort. I like being comfortable. I was also considering a foldable bike, both for intermodal routes (bike to the bus, say, or bike to the cafe and get a ride home) and because we don't have a lot of space at home.

Anyone have any recommendations or advice?

Comments

[randomdreams.livejournal.com]

Go to a reputable local bike store and get them to measure you. There's something called a fit-kit (or different names for different types) and that'll give you a good idea of what you want for frame size. stem reach, stuff like that.
Most people seem to like the more upright position of a mountain-style setup, with flat handlebars (tho' I have no idea why...) and finding something at a place that'll allow you to change components if you want would be really nice because you might end up truly hating the seat, for the most obvious instance, and it'd be nice to be able to exchange it for another.
Giant has a good price/performance ratio. Sometimes Specialized does, too.

[jfb.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm getting lots of recommendations to go to a reputable bike store and basically let them advise me.

There's one on my way to work....