Help buying a Bike

[Takeover_inc]

I am moving from the country into a small town and i am wanting to purchase a bike for transportation. I am clueless when it comes to bikes, so if anyone could help steer me into the right direction.

What i am needing is something that i could ride to work daily (mile or two total) and trips to the store ect. My main complaint with most bikes is that they are too uncomfortable for me ride regularly. To combat this i want something that has a nice sized seat, and some sort of suspension to obsorbe the bumps.

I am 6 foot, 160 pounds. not sure if this factors into anything but there it is.

I think something like the Crossroad series from Specialised would be good for me, but again i am pretty clueless in this area. Is there something out there that would fit my needs at a low price?

Thanks a lot for any help.

[kerowo]

Search for Comfort bikes or Cross bikes. They have a more upright posture and usually some kind of suspension. They will also have bigger seats although the skinny seats are comfortable once you get used to them.

[ottsville]

comfort/cross or search "coasting + Shimano" which is a new movement by manufacturers to capture the adult around-town market. The bikes are made so that you can sit on the seat and still flat foot the ground, unlike most road, cross, or mtn bikes. They also have an automatic 3-speed transmission. I;ve yet to ride one, but the concept sounds good and I've heard good reviews.

[kerowo]

Automatic transmissions are going to be more trouble than they are worth. Really, shifting isn't as difficult as the TV comercials make it out to be...

[ottsville]

They're more aimed at the townies that want to bike. I'm sure that shimano has done their research and the transmissions are solid. This is not a new concept; internally geared hubs have been around a long time and companies have been playing around with automatic shifting for years. For the low amintenance crowd, I think it's ideal...all you should have to worry about is lubing the chain.

It's not the way I would go, but I think it's a good idea.

[cbloom]

Does your town have any hills? Are you planning on ever doing longer rides or fitness rides?

This is a nice bunch of bikes to choose from :

http://citybikes.com/itemlist.cfm?ca...p;catalogId=39

[Mr.WeakTight]

when is the best time to buy a bike? I'm in Minnesota. will I get a better deal at fall close outs or in the spring?

[cbloom]

[ QUOTE ]
when is the best time to buy a bike? I'm in Minnesota. will I get a better deal at fall close outs or in the spring?

[/ QUOTE ]

Good time to buy right now. 2008 models just came in, so go and ask if they have closeouts on the 2007 models. Anyplace selling a 2007 model right now should be discounting it. As it gets closer to 2008 they should be on big discounts.

Some stores will have big sales for christmas, but bikes aren't as seasonal as say toys.