In Need of Bicycle Advice

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

I am looking to get into bicycling with my son.

We are not going to start off hard core with 30mile rides or anything. Really just looking for something to do with my son as he gets older. Since he is into sports/fitness I figured this would be a great way to find an activity he is interested in that also interests me so we can get some additional quality time together under our belt.

Not sure if I want a mountain bike, hybrid bike or comfort bike. Primarily will be used for 2-5 mile rides around town and around paved lake shores.

I am hoping to tap into the brain of any of you that may know more than me (little to nothing) about cycles.

Below are some of the bikes I have been looking at for myself - My target budget for my bike is about $350. I don't want to spend nearly as much for my sons bike since I recently bought him a BMX bike which is where his main interest is.

My son and I are both 5'9 (he is 125lbs and I am 200)

Amazon.com: Diamondback 2012 Sorrento Mountain Bike (Satin Black): Sports & Outdoors
Schwinn Crest Urban Men's Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels): Amazon.com: Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com: Schwinn 700c Men's Connection GSL Hybrid Bike: Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com: Schwinn Network 7 Men's Hybrid Bike (700C Wheels): Sports & Outdoors
Thanks for any help!
Jason

 

[jekyl05]

With the expected riding i would recommend the hybrid bike... built for all around conditions. more importantly the tires used on the hybrid make for an easier/smoother ride. something else to keep in mind is shock travel is not as important with the riding you guys will be doing. in some ways longer travel shocks soak up energy when trying to ride... especially up hills.

i would also advise a look around a local bike shop... they can sometimes have used bikes with nicer components for around the price range you are in now.

 

[embolism]

how is your back?

though I prefer a smaller frame with flatter stem and straight handle bar, it will make you hunch over more. The handle bars that allow you to sit more upright will be easier on your back...

If I were you, I'd go to a bike shop and sit on a few bikes to see what you find most comfortable.

 

[mark f]

Good advice here. I'd go w/ hybrid. Definitely need to check with some local bike shops. A better bike will have better resale should you to decide to upgrade or just get rid of if you decide cycling is not for you. The bike shop should make sure you get a good fit both for the bike and a helmet (they will likely give you a discount on the helmet if you buy a new bike). Most bike shops include lifetime tune-ups for the bike. If you buy a bike off the internet and have to take it to the bike shop for repair it will not be cheap. Enjoy.

Mark

 

[MaxWax]

Having worked in bike shops and raced bikes, whatever you do stay away from Walmart/target bikes. It may cost more up front but mechanics at places like Walmart aren't built properly and they constantly break. Just whatever you do, get it from a reputable bike shop!

 

[SATMAN40]

In that price range Schwinn is a good choice, don't know of too many real bike stores that will carry it.

Walmart does a few of my college students have them and like them.

Had a Schwinn LaTour in the 70 or 80s, really a nice bike. Have a Raleigh now.

 

[lokerola]

I couldn't agree with MaxWax more - stay away from the Walmart bikes. They can be dangerous. Low quality bolts, put together by people who know nothing about bikes or bike saftey. Please do yourself a favor and check out some local bike shops. Even if you order a Schwinn from Amazon you'll still need to pay the local bike shop to adjust the cables, tune the brakes, etc. You could easliy end up paying $100.00 more for tune up and adjustment stuff. Check out 2-3 local shops, ride a bunch of different stuff and buy something you like. I can almost guarantee that you'll get free adjustments and tune ups for the first 1-2months - enough to cover the extra costs you'll pay to have a Amazon bike set up correctly. And like I said, try lots of differnet types, mountain, hybrid, comfort, heck hop on road bike for a few mins, just to make sure you really like what you're going to buy. That's the other big advantage of the local shop - you can ride a bunch off different bikes and they will be happy to help you.

And if I had to vote blind I'd say hybrid. They typically have beefy frames, but skinnier tires than mountain bikes and are good for bombing around the neighborhood and going on 2-20 mile rides. But hey, try a few different ones and see what YOU like.