I want to buy a bike to ride to work and I have no idea where to start?

Hey John,

Best place to start is a reputable bike shop. They can answer all your questions and show you a number of different bikes that will likely fill your needs. Expect to pay anywhere from $400 up for a good quality bike. Anything less and you're just asking for problems. The old adage "You Get What You Pay For" holds especially true for bicycles. Cheap Bike = More Problems! The good part is you will probably realize the savings in a relatively short time. IF... You make the commitment and ride to work each and every day and leave the car at home except when absolutely necessary.

Ever wonder why traffic is so jammed up during commute hours? Just look in the vehicles as they pass. How many multi-passenger vehicles do you see carrying just one person? Usually they're only going a very short distance, wasteful as all get out. And the HUGE SUV's? Don't get me started!

Riding a bike to work and for running errands certainly won't hurt your overall health.

I hate to burst your bubble here but... No bike is going to be as "comfortable" or as fast your car. The amount of effort required and your comfort level is going to be dependent on a number of different factors. The terrain, your fitness level, type of bike, climate, clothing etc.

But the payback can be enormous. Better health, lower fuel costs, lower emissions/carbon footprint, MUCH lower insurance and maintenance costs. A good quality, well maintained bicycle can outlast just about any other vehicle by a number of years for a fraction of the cost.

If you do decide to make the leap and get a bike? Get the very best bike you can afford and spend your money at a local bike shop.

Used bikes and online retailers might be O.K. for more experienced cyclists but if this is your first venture into cycling in awhile? I'd take advantage of the knowledge, service and experience a bike shop has to offer.

Another alternative you might want to explore? Some cities have Bike "Co-ops" or shops that are set up specifically to teach people how to work on their own bike. I know of one in San Francisco called "The Bike Kitchen" and I'm sure there are others.

And oh yeah... Be sure and notify your car insurance company that you'll be using your car a LOT less. They usually offer discounts if you drive under a certain number of miles a year. That discount alone could well pay for your new bike!

Personally? I've ridden over 100 miles in a day on a fully loaded touring bike, I currently live in San Francisco, own 3 bikes and I ride everywhere. I'm also 58 years young. If I can do it? YOU CAN DO IT !

Good Luck

Road bike pros:

Very fast once you get used to them

Good for long distance riding

Lightweight, easy to pick up and carry

Look cool

cons:

Expensive (start around $600-$700, can easily go well into the thousands)

Can be uncomfortable to ride in work clothes

Not good on dirt or gravel

Not so good for shopping or hauling

Hybrid bike pros:

Lower cost ($200-$400)

More upright seat position can be more comfortable, especially in ordinary clothing

Can be easily fitted with baskets or cargo racks

Comfortable for medium distances

Can be ridden on gravel or flat dirt

cons:

Not as fast as road bikes, may not feel safe riding in the street

Heavy, can be difficult to lift over barriers

The advice I always heard starting is is that your first bike should be a cheap, basic model, because within 6 months you'll either decide you love cycling and want to get a high-end road bike, or the bike will be sitting unused in your garage. I think for a first bike, a hybrid bike with a steel or aluminum frame (steel is extremely durable, aluminum is lighter) would be a good choice.

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

I want to buy a bike to ride to work and I have no idea where to start?

I want to start riding a bike to work to one get in shape and two save on gas money. I have no idea what kind of bike to get. I want a bike tho that will get me there the fastest, is comfortable, and have to put least amount of effort into getting there. What type of bike? What should it be made...

Only you can answer the question of what type of bike. A road bike would be the fastest, but would it be comfortable to you? A hybrid would put you in a more comfortable upright position. Google 'bicycle shop' + your zip code. See the sales people there & tell them what you need the bike to do for you. Not what bikes simply look pretty but what you NEED the bike to do for you.

Don't go cheap. Stay away from discount & big box store bikes. Take several out for long test rides. The bike that rides the best to you is the bike for you. If it doesn't feel right, it's not. Yes...old fashioned 'trial & error' I know. But that's how it's done.

Get A Ride To Work

The fastest and most efficient is a road bike. Check with the local bike shop for price and the correct size. You can't beat a road bike for getting into shape and having fun at the same time. Entry level bikes start at $600.

John

A hybrid bike. Put a rear rack on it, and attach a large stainless steel basket to it. You can throw in books, bags, a change of clothes.... even a large bag of groceries fits in with no muss or fuss. The upright sitting, road gearing, and wider smooth tires will give you the fast, smooth, comfortable ride you are looking for.

Soccerref

I would go for a used bike, often you can buy one that is just as good for a quarter the price. You might consider bike with a pannier rack to carry your work clothes in during sweaty weather.

This one is the best bmx bikes.

DK Cygnus 2010 Complete BMX Bike - 24 Inch - Raw

Features:

* DK Cygnus 2010 complete BMX bike

* Frame: DK 24" park / trail 4130 Chromoly

* Top tube: 21"

* Fork: 100% 4130 chromoly steer tube

* Headset: 1-1/8" threadless

* Handlebar: DK Cruiser 2pc

* Grips: DK Tsuka

I would get a racing bike. But whatever you do do not get a mountain bike. If you want a bike with cool factor to it, get a bmx bike. They are very lightweight, but don't have shifting. To me that means less problems, because shifters always loose adjustment, and are very touchy