newbie to cycling, need help?

[laxitivepo]

so i want to start a new healthy hobby as cycling....i have been doing a lot of research on what type of bikes to get, but i was wondering are their any beginner type bikes that I should be looking at, cuz i know that TREK bikes for sure would be another 5 years from now..i already know the outfit of what to expect, just now looking into bikes. I will eventually look into buying better bikes, but whats a good starter brand/type? I already got myself fitted for a bike, but the bikes at the shops ive been too are quite pricey to start out on.
being that i have to buy all the equipment, looking into about 300-400 on a bike

 

[Jesse-Alexis]

why are you counting treks out for a first bike?? My first road, mountain and Tri bikes were treks. They have great entry level bikes that are relatively inexpensive and great quality. I don't know what kind of bike you are looking for but for the road i like the Trek 2012 1.1. It is still the great trek quality and high end, yet it doesn't have all the bells and whistle that are not necessary for a beginner (and that make them really expensive ). For a mountain bike i like the 4300 for the same reason i like the one before. Just because you are a beginner it doesn't mean you don't deserve quality! Hope you enjoy cycling as much as i do!

 

[John]

You can look at bikes direct or craigslist. Bikes direct are OK but the higher in price you go, the better the value. Your price point is pretty low so the value won't be as good. And remember, you'll have to either assemble and tune it yourself or get a shop to do it (extra $60).

Craigslist, in your case, is probably a better option. You can test ride the bike and get something decent for $400.

Best of luck

 

[BigE]

Take a look at BikesDIrect. They have reasonable and good quality entry level bikes. You might have to pay a bit more for things like STI instead of stem shift, but what I've seen is okay.