Need Help from Cyclist. 15-25 Miles on This Bike?

Gears. Gears. Gears. You will regret it if you don't get a bike with gears. Lots of bike shops sell good used bikes. Road Bike would be my best suggestion, but a hybrid or mountain bike will come with gears too. Road bikes have skinny tires which give you less resistance when riding and thus easier on the pavement and faster. But if you are just looking for an intro bike a hybird or mountain would be ok. Just don't forego the gears!!!

No - it has no gears, and the way the handlebars are shaped - scooped back like that, are not good for turning corners, they will knock against your leg. This kind of bike is only good for short rides back and forth along a flat path.
You should go for a hybrid bike, which is what I have, I got mine from target for $200, it is a schwinn, and it has an upright riding position like a cruiser, but has the mountain bike tires, and plenty of gears.

Good for you!

If you're going to bike for more than just leisurely pedals around your neighborhood, I would go for a true road bike (the kind that has skinny tires). The bike you're looking at is more for biking a mile to the beach, or running some errands and such. In a bike event, most riders will be on road bikes. You don't have to spend a fortune on a road bike. If you're just starting out, borrow one if you can or buy one used on craigslist to make sure you actually like it first. I did my first triathlon using my husband's old beat up bike. It was actually a bit to small for me but was fine and then I bought one that fit better this spring.

Go to a bike store and let them measure you to tell you what frame size you are and that can help with buying something used. This is really important - my husband and I are the same height but our proportions mean that my frame size is bigger than his. There are some tutorials on-line that also tell you how to take your measurements at home. Once you know your size, you're much more likely to find something that feels safe and comfortable.

Don't be intimidated by clipless pedals, which may come on some used bikes you look at. You can always switch them out to regular pedals or pedals with toe cages until you decide whether or not you like it enough to invest in clip-in bike shoes and pedals.

FYI for a beginner, a 25 mile ride will be 1.5 - 2 hours so be sure to allow time to train for your ride. Sounds like a great thing to shoot for though - have fun!

ETA: I didn't realize that the bike you are considering doesn't have gears - definitely wouldn't work! You need gears! My newer bike has 21 but even 6 or 10 can work.

As long as it isn't a hilly course and you aren't out for time, you should be able to mange 25 miles on any bike, gears or not. That said, the more you spend on a bike the better it's going to perform in the long run. Skinnier wheels are easier to propel, so stay away from the chunky mountain bike wheels. (Though I've taken many 15-20 mile road trips on my mountain bike.) I would suggest checking out Cragslist for a used Trek bike. I've gotten very lucky on there for bikes for my family. I just picked up a like-new Trek for my son, normally would cost around $500 but got it for $150. Good bikes like these are generally going to be well maintained, so you are less likely to end up with junk.

My ultimate advise? WEAR A HELMET!!!

I would consult with your local bike shop to get the kind of equipment that will make your trip one you will want to repeat...Having the right size bike, and the seat and handlebars adjusted for you is crucial. You will need a woman's saddle, women's shorts (the chamois are stitched differently for women and you do not want to deal with a sore crotch...), gloves that fit right and a helmet. Drink bottles and a spare kit. Buying used is a good idea, as is borrowing one to see if it is what you like. Some bike shops might even rent one to you for this. Gears are needed too...

I think any bike would make it 25 miles as long as the rider can! :) I always wanted one of these bikes as well. I agree with some of the others that having gears is very helpful but I don't think it's fully necessary if you do not plan on riding for speed. I completed my first sprint triathlon last year and the bike portion was 13miles, but I very rarely shifted my gears. When I'm training around my neighborhood, I do shift alot more because there are a ton of hills. My friend never shifts gears when she rides and she has a 21 speed. My husband and I went to TN, years ago and we rode the Cade's Cove bike loop, 11miles, and we rented the bikes from there. They were these cruiser type bikes and I loved it. Very comfortable but definitely not something I would use for speed. Guess I should mention my bike was about $88, I think from target and it is well over 12years old. I felt like I wasn't good enough when I was starting the triathlon for the first time last year because I didn't have the "right" kind of bike. Lots of women had very fancy, very expensive bikes. For me, it was just the satisfaction of finishing. If this is the one you have had your heart set on, go to the store and ride it around. You'll know when you get on it if you love it or not. Good luck and have a great time if you do the bike event. It's a great feeling to finish something you've never done before.

No. I am not a cyclist, but I know that to do a big ride and to bike for exercise/fitness or at all seriously, a cruiser isn't going to meet your needs. You need a bike with more gears. I am currently shopping for a bike myself (also hoping to start riding) and the employees at the bike shop recommend bikes with 21 gears, but say that 7 gears can also work well. This is definitely not a bike for a big ride.

Also, they told me that, while the wider and more cushioned seats seem more comfortable at first, they are not good at all for long rides, as they cause too much chafing. You need the skinnier, less comfortable seat and your body will adjust.

has to have gears. go to a really good bike shop. even if you buy from a cheaper place, use their valuable advice to choose the right type of bike.

Good for you for getting into biking! I am getting into it, and have done two 40 mile plus rides this year and plan to do another in October!

PS I have a cheap old basic ladies comfort bike, I forget the brand, it is about 10 years old, and has only 7 gears nothing special. It's ok but I plan on getting a new one for my birthday in a few weeks.

I'm no bike expert, but I would think you would want a bike that has gears. If I were riding 25 miles I know I would. Heck, I like having my gears to ride 3 miles, lol.

ETA: If you want to ride the bike for leisure after the race you are considering, perhaps consider a hybrid style also. It isn't a "cruiser" or a "trail bike" but neither is it a "road bike". But it can do any of it. It's what I have.
And J.B. is right, take the time to go to an actual bike store and get fitted and try out several different bikes. Biking for adults is a lot different than when we were kids and your parents just bought whatever was already put together at the local Kmart or whatever.... If you were just buying something to take a spin around the neighborhood once in a while, sure. But a 25 mile road ride? MMmmmm , I'd take the time to get fitted. And train for it. Not only does your bottom need to adjust, your wrists/hands need to train also---they get tired if you aren't used to it.

No, you want to go to a bike store and have them help you and spend the extra money. I used my son's beater for the 15 miles of a triathlon I did one year, and it was do-able, but the next year when I used a good bike I realized what a huge difference a good bike makes. And you are talking about 25 miles. If you are only going to do it once, and you are in pretty good shape, then yes, you can muscle through on a crappy bike, which this is.

But if you are going to invest in a bike, and plan on biking more than once, I suggest putting out the extra money and getting a better bike. You will need to pay at least $250 for a decent bike. 88 bucks is a piece of junk, essentially.

No advice but wanted to say Good for you for getting out and making a difference!!! Good luck to you on pedaling for a cause!!!

Let us know how it goes!!

Trek bikes are very light weight. Really smooth rides. I wouldn't ride that bike long distance. Its more of a beach cruiser.
I bike 3 times a week pulling my 2 lil ones in a trailer. Great exercise!
Good luck. : )