Exercise Seeker

hirsh

Hi all. Can anybody advise me on the BEST bike to get for someone who is primarily interested in exercise and possibly cruising? I have looked at street vs mountain bikes. Most bikes today seem to be mountain type. I am NOT interested in EVER racing. I have seen an MGX Redondo. Is that sufficient?
Thanks!

TbosS

I'm not too expercienced on this subject, but it basically depends on what type of surface you want to ride I guess.

I don't race myself -or rephrased- I only race myself- and have a race bike. I have no interest in driving around on forest roads etc (even if they were around here) but like to make long tours around the countryside, get out of the city etc. It's great excercise and I don't think I could make the distances on a mountainbike comfortably.

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hirsh

I'm not too expercienced on this subject, but it basically depends on what type of surface you want to ride I guess.

I am interested in riding mostly on paved roads and very little on dirt roads.

stubacca

Sounds like a hybrid bike would suit your needs best. These are somewhere between a mountain bike and a road bike - they offer a more upright riding position than a road bike (hence more comfortable), but have road-biased tires that will be far easier to ride on paved roads (but still able to cope with gravel trails).

I just searched for MGX Redondo - this is a WalMart bike, right? Basically, you'll get what you pay for. Personally, I wouldn't trust a bike bought from a large retailer as far as I could throw it - there is generally little care taken with assembly, and the components are not at all good. In essence, they aren't safe.

The best suggestion is to go to a local bike retailer. I'm not sure where you're located, so can't really suggest one. In the US, if you can save up about $300 or so, you'll be able to buy a good brand of bike, with strong components and frame e.g. Giant Cypress. A bicycle specialist retailer will take the time to put it together well, and will often offer free servicing or tune-ups for a certain time (mine offers lifetime free servicing etc). Later on down the track you'll have a good frame to build on, and can look at upgrading some of the components if/when you get more serious about biking.

Most importantly, take the bikes for a test ride. Buy the one that is most comfortable for you to ride - that way, you'll enjoy getting on it and going for an exercise ride. If it isn't comfortable, you simply won't want to ride it.

cotty

Just like stubacca said......."take the bikes for a test ride".....if you go for a hybrid there are a ton of them out their, find one that you like, much better to ride something that you are confortable on than to ride a tank......chain store bikes can be ok but a bike from your local bike shop is a better investment......welcome to denver stubacca.

TbosS

I agree with stubacca, a hybrid is probably the right choice. The local specialist as well. The hybrid will give you more flexibility.

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hirsh

I appreciate these answers, but I would also appreciate some recommended brands if possible. Thanks!

stubacca

Giant Cypress
Trek 7100
Specialized Crossroads [edit - linky no worky.... go to www.specializedbikes.com -> bikes -> comfort/ergo -> crossroads -> crossroads]

These three are probably three of the most commonly available brands you'll find in local bike shops.

Raleigh also make some decent entry-level bikes (though not in the same league quality-wise), and you may also find bikes from Bianci or Cannondale (pricier, and IMHO not worth the extra for you).

I own a Giant Farrago (very similar to the Giant Cypress) that I've used as my fitness bike and commuter for the past 4 years. No complaints at all... great frame quality, and good components for the price.

If the frame geometry fits you, a Cypress could be great for around US$300 or less. If you can save up enough money to buy a higher spec version, do it. It'll be worth it in the long run.

hirsh

Thanks...That was what I was looking for to get started! Thanks to all.

Zac

Also check out the Trek Navigator line.

hirsh

Any Comments on the quality of a "Gary Fisher" Bike?