New
#1
Bicycle Experts Needed
I am in the market to replace my ancient mountain bike. Since I never actually bike across any mountains, I have decided that I'd like something a little lighter. My budget is quite low by the standards of a dedicated cyclist, so please, no recommendations of the latest $3,000 marvel. I will be typically riding on back city streets, which here in northeastern Ohio are generally pretty beat up and pothole riddled. I wouldn't mind something which could reasonably be expected to be suitable for a longer road trip if the urge hits me.
Budget: $200 to $300
Standard Use: Exercise riding three days a week or so for about an hour at a time.
I'm 5'10 and about 200 lbs of solid rippling muscle, chiseled and buff with the mien of an Adonis. (Alright then, I'm 5'10" and work out regularly; not too awfully chiseled at the moment, which is where the bike comes in.) What size bike should I be looking for?
I'm not sure whether my best fit would be a cheap hybrid, a road bike, the old-fashioned 10-Speed, or whatever. Any advice from the been-there, done-that crowd? I've had back trouble in the past and am not too sure about the old ram's horns handlebars, plus it would be nice to be more upright so I can see cars coming and not get run over.
Given the above, what would you consider my "must-haves" and what is "nice, but not really necessary"? :)
I've been looking at these:
Amazon.com: Tour De France 700c Packleader Road Bike: Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com: GMC Denali Pro Road Bike (56cm Frame): Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com: Men's Schwinn Courier Road Bike - Green (700c): Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com: Diamondback Menona Men's Sport Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels): Sports & Outdoors
Doesn't have to be from Amazon. I have just started searching and began there since I've had good luck with other purchases from them in the past.