Beginner Biker - Which Bike Would You Recommend For Me?

[Louis]

New to this forum! Glad to (hopefully) become part of the community!

I'm a male in my mid 20s (5' 5" height") and haven't biked in over a decade, back when I had a mountain bike and would ride it pretty much all day outside cause I had nothing else to do.

I want to start biking again to make the most of these beautiful evenings / weekends outside, but apparently so is everyone else during this pandemic! I think my use case would look like ~1 hour a day, just wandering around neighborhoods or trails while listening to music. I was initially researching hybrid bikes since that seemed appropriate, and my initial budget is ~$500 although I know that cuts down on a lot of options.

Was just hoping someone here has a recommendation for a decent bike for me that (ideally) is available online? I know many many bikes are sold out so I am struggling to find one and the ones I do find, I have no clue how to evaluate if they're decent or not. Thanks in advance!

[G_M]

Hello Louis.
Great that you are (willing to get) back on the bike! First of all, are you located in U.S. or somewhere else? Then I can help with some research. Usually I would suggest something from Trek FX line or a similar model from other brands, but currently the options are limited. You might have to wait for 2021 rides - should be out there very soon. I have noticed that in many stores there are only high-end or $$$ bikes available.

[Louis]

(08-23-2020, 05:52 PM)G_M Wrote:  Hello Louis.
Great that you are (willing to get) back on the bike! First of all, are you located in U.S. or somewhere else? Then I can help with some research. Usually I would suggest something from Trek FX line or a similar model from other brands, but currently the options are limited. You might have to wait for 2021 rides - should be out there very soon. I have noticed that in many stores there are only high-end or $$$ bikes available.

Hi, thanks for the reply!

Yes I am located in the US (Seattle to be precise)! My budget has also increased closer to $900 if that helps at all. Thanks again!

[G_M]

(08-23-2020, 07:07 PM)Louis Wrote:  Hi, thanks for the reply!

Yes I am located in the US (Seattle to be precise)! My budget has also increased closer to $900 if that helps at all. Thanks again!

Alright then, I will get back to you later tonight. My cousin is facing the same issue with "out of stock" labels for bikes he had on the shortlist.

[Louis]

(08-24-2020, 08:29 AM)G_M Wrote:  

(08-23-2020, 07:07 PM)Louis Wrote:  Hi, thanks for the reply!

Yes I am located in the US (Seattle to be precise)! My budget has also increased closer to $900 if that helps at all. Thanks again!

Alright then, I will get back to you later tonight. My cousin is facing the same issue with "out of stock" labels for bikes he had on the shortlist.

Hey just as an update, I ended up getting a Trek Marlin 5 today!!

I ended up opting for a mountain bike as I like the stability / balance and love the aesthetics, and was lucky enough to find a retailer nearby that had one in stock in my size. So thank you for leading me to the Trek brand - they really do seem to have some great lines!

[G_M]

(08-24-2020, 06:32 PM)Louis Wrote:  Hey just as an update, I ended up getting a Trek Marlin 5 today!!

I ended up opting for a mountain bike as I like the stability / balance and love the aesthetics, and was lucky enough to find a retailer nearby that had one in stock in my size. So thank you for leading me to the Trek brand - they really do seem to have some great lines!

That's great! It is a quality 29er, good choice for sure.
Have you been on 29" wheels before? And which retailer was it in Seattle?