First Adult Bicycle

Question
I am a complete newbie to the world of cycling and bikes in general, I know next to nothing about bikes. The only thing that I know is that I would like a hybrid bike, because I might one day like to take longer rides but that would be in the future. I started stationary biking after I hurt my knee 2 years ago (almost good as new now!) and liked it. Since I don't drive, I would like a bike to have some independence. Sadly, all my savings is gone because two of my sewing machines (over 20 years old they were my grandmothers) broke and had to buy new ones. Luckily, I got a really good deal, both cost under $300 dollars when they normally cost upwards of $900 dollars (family friend who sells sewing machines)! But now I have a max budget of $200 for a bike. There are a few I like, but don't know if they are good, I would use the bike for short errands of 5 miles or less and use a  bike plus public transportation for longer distances. I like the Diamondback Kalmar, Diamondback Vital 1, Genesis Terra 700cc Hybrid and the Schwinn Admiral. I have done some research through other sources and people have said that anything under $300 dollars is a waste, but it is either a bike or no roof over my head, and I like a roof over my head, lol! I prefer the last two bikes simply because they are more in my price range and like that the Genesis has 21 speeds. Can anyone tell me which is a good bike for someone like me. Oh, by the way, I have not ridden a "real" bike since I was about 10 y/o, so a simple bike would suffice for me.

Thank You for taking the time to read this!

Answer
Amy,

First off congratulations on wanting your first "adult" bike! Cycling is one addiction I can fully endorse!

Next I won't recommend a brand. The reason is very simple not all bikes fit the same way. I will recommend that you do get a bike from a bike shop and not a big box store. Why? You may have to pay a bit more but the bike will be set up right (not by some one who is going to put lawn furniture together after building bikes), they will make sure the bike is truly the right fit for you, and they will provide service for you after you bought the bike. So you spend a bit more up front but save a lot more down the road.

I don't know where you live but if you have a choice of bike shops check a few out and see which one you are comfortable working with. Not all bike shops are created equal.

In a way your friends are correct... would you buy a cheap sewing machine to use every day? And in a way your friends are wrong... even a cheap sewing machine will get the job done. It may take more work to do the same thing as a more expensive one, and the moving parts may wear out faster, but it will get the job done.

Right now shops are going into their slack times for bike sales in many parts of the country. Summer is here and that means the repairs are up as people are riding more, but bicycle sales are falling. Many stores will be starting their sales to clear house and you might be able to find a great deal. A good shop will not look down on you for wanting an entry level bike. I liked the "newby" coming in; I knew if I could win them over to cycling that I would have a customer for life. You might be surprised at how inexpensive a bike from a shop might be (and how expensive they can be!).

I always key in on bicycle fit. A bike that fits properly will be a bike that you ride more and longer. A bike shop should be willing to make several adjustments to make sure you are fit properly. The first thing will be getting the right size frame since that is not adjustable, then setting the seat height, then the reach to the handlebars. Tell the sales person what you want to do with the bike since that can change the way the bike will be set up for you. If you are commuting in traffic you will want to sit up a bit taller so you can see around you, as opposed to riding country roads where you will want to be a be more aerodynamic.

Lastly get a good fitting helmet and use it. A bike shop may offer a discount on accessories when you buy your bike. Take advantage and get a few things that may make you new cycling life safer and more comfortable.

I hope I answered all of your questions but if you have more please ask!

Tad