Need some guidance

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Clancy [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I will help you out what do you want to know ? best bike for the money?

Yes, something that will last me quite a while and if you don't mind I would like some options to choose from.

No drill sgts here, and it's an Army base.
Any good brands for a short beginner?
We're not talking dwarf size just 5'6 lol

Gooseman1993 said:

No drill sgts here, and it's an Army base. Any good brands for a short beginner? We're not talking dwarf size just 5'6 lol

You're being trolled. What sort of price range do you have for a bike?

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by alienator [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

You're being trolled.

What sort of price range do you have for a bike?

I'm willing to pay $300 maybe more

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Clancy [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

these are one of the miscreants and hoodlums I was referring to before.

Look asswipe I know what you're doing so bug off.

Gooseman1993 said:

Look asswipe I know what you're doing so bug off.

In that price range, your options are mainly to buy used or to buy new old stock (NOS) at a bike shop. Note that used doesn't mean a $50 POS. I'd recommend keeping an eye on Craigslist and eBay, and trying local bike shops to see what they have. Note that new bikes in a given price range generally have the same level of quality, so the important consideration (and the most important consideration no matter the cost) is how the bike fits you, feels and handles when you ride it, and how it appeals to you. On the used market, quality at a given price can of course vary wildly.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Gooseman1993 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I've recently witnessed my uncle start cycling and he posts pictures up of where he goes and I think it's so incredible and I want to experience those things!
So forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong thread but I really want some help on how to start cycling here around Ft. Bragg, NC and also buying the right bike for me and not get suckered into some overexpensive bike.
I've looked up for trails around here but just want some clarity for what I've looked up, and I want to be confident for where I decide to do riding.
Also, I really want to know what the best bike would be for someone who has never done this before, and I'm pretty short 5'6.
I also want to know the appropriate and most comfortable apparel for beginner cyclists.
I know it's alot to ask but I've just been inspired and I really want to try this thing out and I want to start off with the best equipment suitable for my experience level.
Hell, a cycling mentor would be awesome if you're willing to take me under your wing and you're around the area.

Thanks in advance!

Buy some stuff that you can use, but might not be such "beginners" stuff because is most likely that you will want these more "non beginner" stuff later on... pretty soon probably too.

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They might still crawl into your email inbox if you are getting these forum activity emails, but its better then nothing and if you are just reading the stuff from the forum should be fine...

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Gooseman1993 said:

Look asswipe I know what you're doing so bug off.

You catch on fast, you'll do fine here. Welcome to the forum. If you don't mind wading threw some sewage you will learn a lot. I guess my take in an entry level bike is just don't waste your money on mass merchandiser [censored] that is poorly made and won't hold up.

OP, what approx. age are you? What type of cycling are you looking to try (training, racing, touring, recreational, road cycling, mountain biking, bike path cruises, etc.)?

$300 is really too low for anything but a Craig'slist used bike purchase...not that you can't score a killer deal on CL. Both CL and eBay have been the source of great bike bargains. Just protect yourself from getting burned. Caveat Emptor and all that stuff applies doubly on the internet side of life.

Size-wise, you'll probably be looking at a 52-54 CM frame...just guessing here based on your 5' 6" statement. A proper fitting or at least test riding a few frame sizes is recommended.

Your best bet is to find a local cycling club. You'll get plenty of advice, both good and bad. You will learn much faster by riding with and listening to folks that share your interests.

Fall is almost here and the discount deals on bikes have already started. Subscribe to email updates from Jenson USA, Performance (based in the Carolinas), Nashbar, Chain Reaction, Wiggle, ProBikeKit, BikeTiresDirect, WeKeepYouCycling and keep a running list of what interests you. Check out the local bike club monthly bulletins for fall bikes for sale...'tis the season to upgrade. Club newspapers can usually be picked up at bike shops or read online.

As to clothing and accessories...a decent helmet, some shorts (and tights as the temperatures drop) and cycling shoes for starters. Gloves, jerseys and the other stuff as the budget allows. Cycling isn't a 'cheap' sport, by any means! But, costs can be managed with careful planning and being patient. The art-of-the-deal is acquired...you'll soon figure out what is priced right and what is a retail joke.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by alienator [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

In that price range, your options are mainly to buy used or to buy new old stock (NOS) at a bike shop. Note that used doesn't mean a $50 POS. I'd recommend keeping an eye on Craigslist and eBay, and trying local bike shops to see what they have. Note that new bikes in a given price range generally have the same level of quality, so the important consideration (and the most important consideration no matter the cost) is how the bike fits you, feels and handles when you ride it, and how it appeals to you. On the used market, quality at a given price can of course vary wildly.

Thanks for the pointers! I'll start looking around soon

Holy [censored].. I come back from the gym to find an assload of posts.. Thanks guys I really appreciate it, I'll read through everyone's advice and respond to what I can

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by CAMPYBOB [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

OP, what approx. age are you? What type of cycling are you looking to try (training, racing, touring, recreational, road cycling, mountain biking, bike path cruises, etc.)?

$300 is really too low for anything but a Craig'slist used bike purchase...not that you can't score a killer deal on CL. Both CL and eBay have been the source of great bike bargains. Just protect yourself from getting burned. Caveat Emptor and all that stuff applies doubly on the internet side of life.

Size-wise, you'll probably be looking at a 52-54 CM frame...just guessing here based on your 5' 6" statement. A proper fitting or at least test riding a few frame sizes is recommended.

Your best bet is to find a local cycling club. You'll get plenty of advice, both good and bad. You will learn much faster by riding with and listening to folks that share your interests.

Fall is almost here and the discount deals on bikes have already started. Subscribe to email updates from Jenson USA, Performance (based in the Carolinas), Nashbar, Chain Reaction, Wiggle, ProBikeKit, BikeTiresDirect, WeKeepYouCycling and keep a running list of what interests you. Check out the local bike club monthly bulletins for fall bikes for sale...'tis the season to upgrade. Club newspapers can usually be picked up at bike shops or read online.

As to clothing and accessories...a decent helmet, some shorts (and tights as the temperatures drop) and cycling shoes for starters. Gloves, jerseys and the other stuff as the budget allows. Cycling isn't a 'cheap' sport, by any means! But, costs can be managed with careful planning and being patient. The art-of-the-deal is acquired...you'll soon figure out what is priced right and what is a retail joke.

I just hit 20 and I want to do it for recreation and to get around base. Not really interested in mountain biking but road cycling and touring sounds like something I will definitely be doing once I get the hang of the whole thing. I'm fully willing to pay any price to get this whole thing started this is something I really want to do.

I was in the same boat as you ,I got lucky i got mine off craigslist. Also a lot of dealers AWAY FROM FT BRAGG are giving awesome discounts and sales, Because you live in or close to base ALOT of bike shops i.e. bicycles and motorcycles, the prices will be through the roof. Trust me im a retired US Army and in 20 yrs. I never saw a store outside of any base with cheap prices. so my advice to you is, either see if the PX has anything in their catalog, or go to Raleigh or Durham and when you look at a bike ask for Military discount. Most bike shops do offer it. and also 12 month free interest financing in most shops. My wife just got a FULL carbon fiber Road bike was listed at 2100 and after discounts she paid 1500. so before spending a lot of $$$ do your recon go get fitted for a bike and then start shopping. that’s what i did.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Medevack1 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I was in the same boat as you ,I got lucky i got mine off craigslist. Also a lot of dealers AWAY FROM FT BRAGG are giving awesome discounts and sales, Because you live in or close to base ALOT of bike shops i.e. bicycles and motorcycles, the prices will be through the roof. Trust me im a retired US Army and in 20 yrs. I never saw a store outside of any base with cheap prices. so my advice to you is, either see if the PX has anything in their catalog, or go to Raleigh or Durham and when you look at a bike ask for Military discount. Most bike shops do offer it. and also 12 month free interest financing in most shops. My wife just got a FULL carbon fiber Road bike was listed at 2100 and after discounts she paid 1500. so before spending a lot of $$$ do your recon go get fitted for a bike and then start shopping. that’s what i did.

Thanks so much!