mazak321

I am interested in cycling and getting a bike. I want something to ride around the local neighborhoods and see if this is a hobby I want to continue with. Not sure how to get started. Looking at bike shops that I have happened by seems overwhelming. There is so much going there I am not even sure what questions to ask. I live in Atlanta, GA and could use a recommendation on a place to go with some good customer service that can walk me through picking a bike and getting started.

Thanks in advance for any feedback in getting started.

ups

Don't have any info on the Atlanta area.

As far as being the new rider, there are about a hundred thousand posts on bike forums providing the information you're requesting.

My answer is get any kind of bike that holds air in the tires and just start riding. Doesn't matter if it's a beach cruiser, comfort bike, mountain bike, old 80's road bike or any other type. Just get a bike start riding and if you like it then you will start looking for something that will better fit your needs.

Also ask a local bike shop to show you how to change a tire on it, then buy a flat repair kit from them.

God luck and welcome to the world of bicycling!

freeranger

Not the best time to get started, with all that's going on. SO MANY different types of bikes-drop bar road, flat road, mountain, hybrid, cruiser, etc. And lots of variations within the different categories. Most bike shops closed, and if they are open, I would doubt they would offer a test ride so you could tell if the bike fits and is one you'd enjoy riding. Guess you could go used-from local Craigslist or whatever, but would you be at ease with riding a bike that you didn't know who rode it before you, or if someone did test ride it, did the owner wipe it down good. Glad to hear of your interest in joining the cycling community, but test riding a bike might be difficult right now. Are the shops open in your area? If they are, would be a good place to start. Whatever you do, please don't buy a big box store bike.

mazak321

Thanks for the feedback!

mazak321

I thought the same thing. Right now may be a challenging time. I believe the bike stores are exempt from the current count executive order as they provide transportation services. Because of everything I turned to the internet to start my search and figured when the worked got back to "normal" I could be more informed.

Thanks for your feedback!

MRT2

If you already had a bike, this would be an excellent time to ride. Weather is starting to get better. A lot of people suddenly find themselves with extra time. Traffic is light.

That said, think about what you want out of a bike. How old are you? Are you super fit, or do you need to get in shape? How much do you plan on riding? And how far? Do you plan to ride in urban ares, rural, suburban, or a bit of all 3? Paved or unpaved surfaces? Do you want to ride alone or do you plan to do some club riding? Last but not least, how much are you prepared to spend, and remember you should budget a bit for accessories, helmet, lock (if you plan to leave the bike unattended for even a few minutes), pump, spare tubes,, etc.

rm -rf

My local bike shop is open for repairs. And they will bring bikes outside and work with you to see and try different ones.

Your question is a bit too open ended. There's so many different types of bikes now. Pick a couple of bikes from the Trek website, for instance. You might look at hybrid bikes, road bikes, or trail mountain bikes. Trek has a huge range of prices, so you should find something that fits your budget. Post the links here, and you'll get a lot of responses. What's it like in your area? Urban, suburban, rural? Few or many hills?

Years ago, I got a mountain bike for riding around the city. It was great fun. Then I got a road bike, and started riding a lot. It's all road for me now. I think most riders don't really know how much they will ride, and where they'll go. Get a bike you like and want to ride. It probably won't be the last bike you buy.

Maelochs

This is an awesome time to start cycling ... most times are.

Best bet is google---find local shops and call them up, see what is going on.

tgenec86

If you are even close to Norcross, please contact Scott Mosko - he owns The Bicycle Doctor. He will take the time to walk you through bikes, options, and riding style. I can't recommend him highly enough. Tell him Theron referred you. (770) 825-0080

hillyman

YouTube a great place for a beginner to see different options that match your needs.

SayWatt

+1 to use google to find local shops. Giving them a call before going would be a good idea in these times. As far as bikes I would suggest trying something like a trek ds-2 that can be ridden enjoyable on all surfaces for a first bike. Most brands will have a similar bike I just don’t know the names of them.