Beginner bike. Need help.

[scyzoryk]

I am 5"11, 190 pounds. Total newbie...I rode a bike before but never enjoyed it too much. Now I decided to give it a try. I need pretty simple, NOT expensive first bike. I will be using it to drive few miles to work and gym.
I live in NYC so the bike will be used mostly on the road...so I figure out the hybrid bike will be the best choice. I wont be riding fast or crazy, need something comfortable.

I narrow it town to few choices. Just help me to pick the best one (and why):

1. http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...afe_sprint.htm
2. http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...venture_x5.htm
3. http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tte_x_disc.htm
5. http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...alaxy_tour.htm
6. http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...lite_trail.htm

Thanks for help.

[merckx56]

Of those choices, #2 by a wide margin.

29er with cyclocross tires will handle anything NYC can throw at it, and it will be FUN to ride. Decent part spec for the $ too.

[XClayX]

I vote 29er wheels too. Are you looking for something specific or mainly lower cost. Those look like some decent options. I know Trek, GaryFisher, Scott, Specialized ect also have bikes within 100 bucks of those price points. You should try and ride the bike at a local bike shop before you buy it. Even if you don't buy it there you'll have an idea of the feel of it.

The simplest bike will be a singlespeed. No shifting, cables ect. Lower maintenance. A bit Hipster if you dig that look. Only one gear is great if its the right setup, if its too low you don't have the top speed, if its to heavy your struggling all the time.

[scyzoryk]

Its will be my first bike, I just want to see if I will like the whole cycling thing. If I do than spending $1000 on better bike wont be a problem at all...I don't want to spend too much now and than not to use it at all.

I like the road bike looks, but I think that the skinny tires/wheels could get easily damaged in NYC.
S.

I vote 29er wheels too. Are you looking for something specific or mainly lower cost. Those look like some decent options. I know Trek, GaryFisher, Scott, Specialized ect also have bikes within 100 bucks of those price points. You should try and ride the bike at a local bike shop before you buy it. Even if you don't buy it there you'll have an idea of the feel of it.

The simplest bike will be a singlespeed. No shifting, cables ect. Lower maintenance. A bit Hipster if you dig that look. Only one gear is great if its the right setup, if its too low you don't have the top speed, if its to heavy your struggling all the time.

[XClayX]

A 29er wheel is the same size as a 700c road wheel but built stronger. Wrapping them in a 1.25in tire would do you well and should have very decent protection. You could go a little bit wider if you wanted 1.5 or 2.. Honestly if your all roadish type riding. MBT tires will greatly increase rolling resistance while providing not a lot more protection. IMO

[MattV-Dub]

I ride in the city all the time... If you go and check out a 29'er and decide that's not the bike for you...

Either #1 or #5 will do fine. Go for #1 if you're really worried about the smaller tires on #5.

All of those riders you see (casual cyclists, guys dolled up in race gear flying around Central Park, every single bike messenger out there, etc...) they ALL ride standard (700) sized wheels.

I ride a pretty standard-issue road bike (with 700 wheels).. I do the "NYC" rides all the time (5-Boro, Tour De Brooklyn, NYCentury, etc..) and I've never had a problem.

Don't bother with #3, as disc brakes can be a real PITA to dial-in and, as a beginner, keeping things simple is the best route.

GOOD LUCK!

- Matty

[scyzoryk]

So 700x28 tires for NYC riding should be ok?
S.

[BsickPassat]

i'm late to this game... but I will say it...

Bike Noobs should not go Bikesdirect or cheap out in some other way... that may compromise fit.

A bike that fits you will be more comfortable and thus you'll be more willing to ride it more often, aside from the butt hurting. It will hurt less the more you ride.

Manhattan has a number of bike shops to choose from, and they should be able to find you a bike within your budget and something that is properly sized for your body.