So I would like to get a new bike, just to ride around town (and use less gas!) and to get some exercise with the kids. Just looking for opinions on a decent one that is not very high end. Something like those Schwinns that are on sale at Target this week-are those okay? Or does someone have a bike place in Lake County or northern Cook County that you would recommend for a reasonably priced bicycle? Thanks a bunch!
I bought a used Trek bike on Bookoo. It's a $400 bike, I got for $80.
The only piece of advice I have for you is to take measurements to make sure the bike fits.There are websites that you can google to find more info, but basically, you measure your inseam (crotch to floor) and then there are charts that will tell you what the frame size should be. Frame size is measured from the middle of the crank (the wheel that the pedals connect to) to the top of the post that the seat goes into. There are other measurements (like the distance from the handlebars to the seat) but those generally go in proportion to that first measurement. Once you know your frame size, you can measure in the store and then test out the bikes that are the right size. I have had two bikes in recent years that were too small and they were awful to ride - having the right size bike makes all the difference in the world, no matter what price point you're buying at.
I have an $800 Mtn Bike I got for $40. It's 4th hand, and great. I had no idea of the value of it, liked the way it looked and felt, until I looked into getting a 2nd one. Yowza.
Since then we've gotten 4 more bikes, all under $100, all worth $400-$1000 new in store.
Pawnshops & Craigslist.
Besides making sure it fits, I also learned that there are differences between men's and women's saddles and the chamois in the shorts. Make sure you have a woman's saddle and shorts - makes a big difference in the comfort level.
Just a thing to consider...I bought a bike to ride with my dd on Craigslist. Believe it or not it was only $20 and it is fairly nice. I didn't need anything fancy, just a bike to do some recreational riding.
