Hi,
I am in the market for a new commuter bike. My needs are purely recreational and want to take my 1 yr old daughter biking along trails at the weekend etc. I have the Ibert bike seat for her. I don't have alot of knowledge on all the different brands etc and don't want to spend hours doing alot of research on them either... that's where you Mama's come to the rescue.
I only want to spend about $200-250 max and for this money I know it's not going to be super fancy and I'm fine with that. Gears... don't care how many there are, like I say, it's purely for recreation. I am 5'6".
Can anyone recommend a bike that may be perfect for my needs? If you have one you really like, please tell me about it. I've been looking at Forge bikes by Target and they got good reviews but I'm hoping I can get feed back from some of you great Mama's too. If any one has Forge, please share your thoughts.
All and any suggestions are welcome and thanks in advance for your replies.
Go to REI and check out the store brand of bikes there. Good quality and I think you will see what you are looking for.
If you want to be comfortable and stylish and don't have a need for lots of gears, I would recommend a beach cruiser. I have an Electra 3-speed beach cruiser and I absolutely love it! It has a nice wide saddle and wide upright handlebars so I don't have aches in my back or my butt after riding. You would have to make sure the Ibert seat would work on it, but I highly recommend it for comfort and fun!
I would go to a bike shop and let the sales person educate you to the different types of bikes. Even look at the very expensive bikes you would not buy. It will give you an education. Bring your daughter and ride with her on the bikes. Then shop for a good used bike on Craigslist. $200 is not very much to spend and you are better off buying a better used bike then a cheap new bike.
Good luck. I love riding bikes with my kids, now 6 and 9. I have a Specialized Rock Hopper that I love. It is a very sturdy and stable bike but heavy. It is 15 years old and still rides great.
Hi V.,
I know I'm responding a little late so maybe you've already bought your bike! I just wanted to mention something about the iBert seat. I have it too and LOVE it, as does my daughter. It has give us so much fun and pleasure. When I first tried to install it on my mountain bike, though, I had to replace the "stem" so I could put that little thing they call the stinger on the bike. Sorry to be vague, my bike terminology is limited.
I recommend taking the seat with you when you shop for the bike so you can make sure it will install easily. If the stem of the bike (the vertical piece just below the handlebard) is the right kind, it will install in seconds, like they advertise. Best to make sure, though.
Have fun!!!
A.
