Adult beginner bike

[Dorian]

Originally Posted by olrac

The first shop I visited advised me against a road bike. It was a Trek shop. They were pushing me toward mountain bikes, but I kept saying this will be only for paved trails, but the guy said having a road bike or hybrid will not provide a comfortable ride because there is not enough shock absorption. I don't know... I haven't had the chance to test any yet.

When I was reading your original post, I was thinking the same thing about the trail. Without seeing the trail it would be hard to say if a road bike would be best for you. I too am new to cycling and I also ride on a paved trail, but trails are usually a little bit rougher than the actual roads. That being said you could easily ride a road bike on paved trails, but it will not be a perfectly smooth ride, especially if the bike is aluminum. I would think that the best possible bike for you would be a cyclocross bike, but they are still a relatively new type of bike so it will be hard to find a used one and they are pricey when new. They are in-between a road bike and a mountain bike, but it leans more toward a road bike. If you do get a road bike, look on CL like some others said, but if you want new and are good with putting things together you could look at bikes on bikesdirect.com. I just bought a Windsor Wellington 3.0 off of CL which is a bikes direct bike and all 3 versions of the bike are under $600 new.

[Lil1savage]

I have a huffy that I bought from wall mart and
I have had it for 6 years and have had no problems
I wheelie bikes so I don't ride smoothly I also have
A 29 genesis which is very durable and I have had
For 4 years so I would give it a try

[jeffrow1]

Originally Posted by G-fused

Most newbs (even after they learn it) just can't accept it. It ain't about the bike bro - that's a cliche saying that is very true. It's the engine (another wonderful cliche that is true).

I support you getting a better quality bike but don't expect it to make you faster or get much further. Do expect the feel and fit to be different and (hopefully) more pleasurable/fun.

Don't mean to discourage you. Just swallow the poison and deal with it...then ride. You'll get progressively better and be able to handle the mileage you are after if your work up to it. And BTW, there will always be people stronger than you no matter how you perceive their fitness, measure yourself against yourself - unless you get to a level where you want to start racing. Best of luck and have fun.

My favorite is "It's not the arrows, It's the Indian"