Bikes-what kind to get? (Sarasota, Bradenton: rental, neighborhood, where to buy)

[Triple crown]

Our family just moved to Florida from the north and we want to start bicycling. I have not been on a bike since before I could drive (well, maybe the occasional rental on vacation a time or two years ago). There are so many types of bikes (mountain, road, hybrid, comfort) I have no idea where to start. We are only going to use them to ride around the neighborhood streets and trails so we don't need anything fancy and we don't want to pay a whole lot for them. But at the same time we want nice ones that are going to last and are comfortable. Any suggestions? What about where to buy them?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Triple crown

Our family just moved to Florida from the north and we want to start bicycling. I have not been on a bike since before I could drive (well, maybe the occasional rental on vacation a time or two years ago). There are so many types of bikes (mountain, road, hybrid, comfort) I have no idea where to start. We are only going to use them to ride around the neighborhood streets and trails so we don't need anything fancy and we don't want to pay a whole lot for them. But at the same time we want nice ones that are going to last and are comfortable. Any suggestions? What about where to buy them?

For around here, nothing beats a nice cruiser bike. I ride one made by "Giant", a great bike company. There are bike shops that carry them. You will pay about $400, which is more than the cheapies at Walmart, but BELIEVE ME they are worth it, and the bike shops can tune them up when needed. Comfort bikes are also an alternative, and I own one (also by Giant) but the cruiser is a lot more comfy. The comfort bike has a lot of gears and can go on hard-packed trails so is a good option if you will do that type of riding. For neighborhood rides though, I recommend the seven-speed cruiser. Have fun - I NEVER get tired of riding, and it is great exercise!

[blueherons]

I have one of the Walmart cheapies that is about ten years old that I ride a lot (to and from work, the grocery store, etc) and it works just fine. However, I am upgrading soon because you just cannot beat the comfort from one of the better bikes. My husband has a Trek that is 20 years old that is in amazing shape. My sis and brother in law also have expensive bikes that are amazing to ride.

Go to one of the bike shops (I recommend Siesta Key because Lance is such a sweetie AND a hottie) and rent different ones from him. You can sample to see what works best for you.

FWIW, it is law that you must have front and rear lights on your bike for night riding and if you ride on Longboat, a bell. The police DO ticket.

[TamRE]

We bought our bicycles at Walmart too. We have had them 8 years and still going strong. Just keep them clean and the tires pumped up. We just use them for riding around the neighborhood.

[HarryWho?]

Riding for kicks, get a cruiser. Riding for fun and exercise, get a hybrid. Gary Fisher are good quality at a good price. If you can find one used, even better.

[Obrero]

I have been oogling the Townie cruiser bikes for a while now. It is firmly on my Christmas list.

Cruiser Bikes | electra bicycle company

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by Obrero

I have been oogling the Townie cruiser bikes for a while now. It is firmly on my Christmas list.

Cruiser Bikes | electra bicycle company

Oooohh! Bike porn!

[NYtoOsprey]

i ride an old cruiser from about 1941. Found it on craigslist and fixed it up lots of fun!

[Picshooter]

My wife will warn you....don't get me started talking about bikes. Nobody likes riding, fixing or just plain talking about bikes more than me. I commute to work 20 miles round trip a day (most days) and ride weekends.
Some important things when choosing a bike are: What do you want to do with it? (How will you use it?) Bike trail, around the neighborhood once in awhile, to run errands?
Just as, if not more important is getting a bike that fits. If it is uncomfortable and doesn't fit you will not ride it much. Most Wal Mart or discount store bikes only come in one or two sizes, Better bikes come in many sizes. There was a survey done years ago when it was estimated that most discount store bikes were ridden less than 100 miles in their lifetime. When it comes time for repair people are surprised that the cost to repair them is almost as much as a new one.
A better quality bike is made to be repaired and last a long time. The components like brakes work so much better too.
I suggest shopping at some local bike shops. There you can sit on and compare, and probably take a short test ride as well as offer suggestions to make your experience more enjoyable.
You can find these local bike shops online. I suggest Sarasota Cyclery on Osprey Ave. Village Bikes is virtually next door to them too.

If you would like more info you can send me a DM

[gypsychic]

I bought my cruiser bike at Ryder Bikes in Bradenton. They are great guys there. Mine is called Giant Suede and has 7 gears and hand brakes. It is beautiful, comfortable and I love it. They seem to sell more Treks there now, though (basically the same bike). My other bike I purchased in another city - it's also a Giant, but a comfort bike. It has 21 gears and a suspension fork and seat to absorb bumps. It used to have larger knobby tires for trail riding, but after moving down here it now has road tires because I don't ride on trails in the country anymore. I love my bikes so much. I have been riding regularly for 8 years now and I never get tired of it.

Definitely spend the extra and buy a good bike that fits and suits you from a bike shop.

ETA: Those Electras are nice - they were outta my budget though! They make some real beauties.