OK, bike-a-holics, here's your chance

Well, we'll agree to disagree on this one, Ragu. For the kind of riding Fife described, I'd get something really inexpensive and figure out my real interest level.
But that's me.
Fife is older than me, a lot older than me. In fact, a lot older than most people.
Like Methuselah.
So he might have some special needs.

 

I agree 100% with Ragu.

If you buy a cheapo bike--say, $199 at your local Wal-Mart, you're buying a piece of crap and the riding will not be a pleasant experience.

Personally, I'd set the bar at the high end of the $300-$500 range.

However, Moddy might want to consider this instead.

 

You rang?

 

I can only speak for road bikes, so here goes:

The most important thing is fit. If the bike is too big/small, you will hurt and stop riding. Cycling is supposed to hurt muscles, not joints and bones. If you are looking at an aluminum bike, it doesn't matter what brand it is, guaranteed it comes from the same Giant factory in Taiwan. They make em to the specs of the name on the down tube, but they all come from the same place so whatever brand you chose will be pretty good quality. Maybe Trek or Giant or Specialized or whatever fits you better for whatever reason, each brand's geometry is a little different, but go with what fits.

A good bike shop will fit the bike when you get it. You don't need the $150 two-hour custom fit. It's nice to have it down to the millimeter, but for a recreational/fitness rider just a standard fit by a reputable dealer is good.

Do not buy a department store bike. They are crap. I repeat CRAP.

If you can find a used bike at a good price, go for it. Just stay clear of the department store junk. Someone mentioned $300. My wheels alone cost more than that.

After fit, the components are the next thing. If you're looking at a Shimano equipped bike (and I would guess so because Campy doesn't make anything entry level), stick to 105. You'll outgrow Sora in two weeks (although it is perfectly functional). Tiagra is OK, but you might as well spend a little more and get the 105 because it IS better in terms of crisp shifting and weight. Some road weenies will tell you you've got to go higher than that, but not really unless you're racing or have to compensate for a small pecker. 105 is the perfect meeting point of price and quality.

Get a cutout saddle and bike shorts. Your privates will thank you later. Road bike saddles aren't meant to be comfortable, but you'll get used to it. There is a difference between not quite comfortable and a bad saddle. If your taint is sore right off the bat, that's normal. If the head of your dick is going numb, you need to adjust the saddle or find a new one.

If you are riding seriously at all, clipless pedals and shoes are a must. I already mentioned cycling shorts. Depending on what you truly want to accomplish, shorts, jersey, gloves should be on your list. It's not just a "want to look the part" deal either. They have function in terms of keeping muscles warm, wicking away sweat, keeping your hands comfortable while riding, not having a ton of drag, etc.

Don't ride without a helmet. No, a bike helmet won't do a damn thing if you get plowed by a Buick, but it will keep a minor fall from becoming major.

If you are looking at something other than a roadie, then never mind.

 

Moddy,

I would spend part of a weekend day or a night or two after work checking out your local bike shops. Buying bikes has kind of become like buying a car in bigger cities as nobody has everything. In my town, there are shops that are primarily Trek shops and primarily Specialized shops.

I would take some stuff for test rides. Figure out what you like and what you don't.

If you're going to ride on streets and paths only (or almost exclusively), you don't need a suspension fork. All that will be is extra weight you don't need. One line I would suggest at least trying is the Trek FX line. It is a hybrid with pretty skinny tires, but you sit upright. No suspension fork. It's a solid line of bikes that is perfect for rides of up to an hour or two. I've done 25-30 miles in one setting a number of times.

Hope that helps.

And, yes, get a helmet.

 

come on .... you don't want to spend the day sitting on this??? ;D

 

Moddy
Do they have an indoor cycling class (spinning, RPM, Cycle Rebook, etc.) at your gym? That might be a good way to get used to the "feel" of riding and to test out the shoes and shorts. You also might meet some more people who are part of the cycling community in your area.

 

Yeah, that's why I added the part about if you are looking for a road bike. I know nothing about hybrids or mountain bikes or about what his goals are.

Cycling is as addicting as drugs. You get a D bike and you want a C, then you want a B then your mouth is watering for a tricked out A with all the top end stuff that only Pros ride because it's team issue stuff.

That's why I say go ahead and spend a little more up front instead of buying a lower end bike and immediately start upgrading. You spend more in the long run.

Again, I'm only speaking from roadie's point of view (former uscf license holding leg shaver).