Your budget is going to limit your choices. But that聮s probably OK. Get a bike, get some experience with it, and as time/budget/interest allows, move up the cycling food chain.
Giant FCR 3W
FCR 3W BikeYou聮re probably looking at a hybrid. Marin聮s Muirwoods ($429; marinbikes.com), for instance, offers a fairly fast ride in a bike that聮s based on a mountain-bike design but without the suspension components that add weight. It has a triple chainring that makes hills much easier, and a comfortable geometry. It聮s not a racer by any means, but a bike that can move along. Giant聮s FCR 3W ($480; giant-bicycle.com) has very similar geometry and specs, with maybe a little zoomier seat position for better speed. I think Giant bikes offer excellent value. Scott聮s Sub 30 ($560; scottusa.com) is zoomier yet, with a nicely low handlebar position that lets you get into a wind-cheating position even though it has 聯straight” handlebars.
It聮s difficult to find a true road bike (with drop handlebars and skinnier tires) for under $500. K2聮s Mach 2 is selling for $700 at REI, and that is one of the better buys around. It has an aero road-bike position, a light aluminum frame, and a reliable Shimano/FSA drive train. And its well worth upgrading as time goes along with better wheels, tires, and so on. You can also troll around for something used; a bike that聮s a year or two old will often lose 40 percent of its new value.
One problem with bicycling is that it聮s pretty equipment-intensive. You will, of course, need a helmet (Giro Kaya, $30; giro.com), gloves (Pearl Izumi Gel Lite Tour, $20; pearlizumi.com), and glasses (Performance Vector Multi-Lens, $50; performancebike.com). Don聮t forget as well a pump (Topeak Peak Blaster; topeak.com), tube patch kit and levers ($8), and seat bag (Cannondale Fast Bag, $20; cannondale.com). Cycling-specific clothing is nice, as well聴look for house-brand items from REI, Performance, or Bike Nashbar. It can all add up when you聮re just starting out.
Hope that helps, and happy riding!
You聮ve seen our picks for 2007 Gear of the Year, and now the entire
国产吃瓜黑料 Summer Buyer聮s Guide is online. Check out this year聮s more than 400 must-have gear items, including road bikes.