Bike transportation

Question
I want to purchase a bike that can basically be my main form of transportation. I don't want to do anything like race, participate in bike marathons or anything, but basically just get around. Could you recommend me a type of bike, of course the most economically efficient type. I don't want to sacrifice quality for a few bucks since having a bicycle break down on the way to work is probably the worse that could happen, but at the same time the best deal would be appreciated. Also, could you recommend me a book I could purchase to get me started on bike safety and such since I know there is more to biking than meets the eye.

Thanks.

Answer
Andrew,

For basically getting around, you probably want a city bike (sometimes described as a hybrid) or a road bike.  A city bike will give you a more upright position and have bigger, softer tires resisting flats better than the narrow tires of a road bike.  A road bike will be more efficient and speedier but have a lower, bent-over position.

There are a ton of good manufacturers, so I have to recommend a hand full, rather than one or two.  The most important thing is that you find one that is comfortable for you and in some way "speaks to you."  If it fundamentally appeals to you in that way, you will be happier about the money you spent and more likely to use it regularly.  

Quality-wise, I believe you should be prepared to spend $400 or more for a decent, long-lasting bike.  Remember you will spend an additional $100 on a helmet, good bike lock, pump, spare tire, levers and underseat bag.  The $400 price point generally gets you into a solid frame, good entry-level components and a brand name.  My favorite, generally trustworthy brands are Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Felt, Kona, Rocky Mountain.  A slight level down from that are Giant, Iron Horse, GT, Schwinn.  I am not a fan of house brands, such as Novara (REI), Scattante (Performance Bikes), Nashbar.

To be honest, I don't have a bike book to recommend, since I don't keep up with what's available.  What I will say is that the internet has some wonderful websites that have enormous amounts of information, such as http://www.bikecommute.com/ or http://www.bicyclinglife.com/PracticalCycling/commuteguide.htm  For a bicycle repair book, try http://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Road-Bike-Maintenance/dp/1931382697/ref=cm_lmf_ti... .

The one thing I recommend you take the time to do before going distances is practice changing a tube.  Don't wait for a flat, because learning by the side of a road is a hard way to go.  Just get a spare tube ready, take off the rear wheel, replace the tube, and put the wheel back on.  Next take off the front and swap the tube into the front tire.  It will be a pain, but be sure to use your small bike mountain pump in order to make sure it works and you know how to use it.

I hope this helps.  Let me know if you have more questions.

Graeme