My husband and I went riding this weekend and decided we wanted to buy some bikes of our own. Since we know very little about bicycle types and things to look for, I was wondering if any Pixie experts could offer some advice.

1. Any good reference materials to learn about bikes (good brands, functionality, etc)?
2. Any recommendations on mountain bikes and/or road bike brands or types? (I am seeking aroad bike, husband wants a mountain bike)
3. Anything to watch out for?

Words of advice greatly appreciated.

We're looking for something under $500 a person -- likely more in the $200 range. I don't want to get ye old basic bike at Target (these haven't worked out well for us in the past). And I need something that will help me do a hill! (Berkeley has a LOT of hills)

Thanks for the help.

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney

I had a GIANT mountain bike in college that never went up a hill or off road. It was a very basic bike and I loved it. It's sitting in my parents basement and I'm convinced someday I will get it back.

I would recommend finding a local bike shop and talking to them. They generally are very helpful and will find the right bike for you. Be honest with them and tell them you are just starting out and that you don't want a premier bike but a good solid basic bike.

As a gauge, I paid about $300 for mine at the time. I think you will be able to find something in your price range that is a good beginner bike without much problem.

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When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and swing.

Very good advice Maddy... I said almost the exact same thing, but via PM.

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Put me on wheels and I'll turn tricks.

Clever? Nah, I ran out of that years ago. But if you find this, let me know, k?
"The road goes ever on..." ~ Tolkien

In memory of my friend skip...
Go then, there are other worlds than these

Thank you both! I will do -- and a little birdie advised me of some places to go!

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney

My wife and I have Raleighs. They are a year or 2 behind the technology of Treks or Canondales but are the best buy for the money. In my humble opinion.

I just bought a new bike a few months ago, as my regular bike is still in NO.

If you don't know what type (mountain or road) try a "comfort bike", sort of a midway bike, with a nice wide saddle for us with soft bottoms, and a more upright riding position.

I bought a "Specialized" because they still make small frame bikes for small framed women.

(I am only 4'10" so a regular adult bike doesn't work well for me)

WW

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"I wondered, am I a lesbian, am I straight, or bisexual? Then I realized that I am just a slut.
So where's MY parade?"

---Margaret Cho

My Specialized road bike and I completely blew others away during our bike ride in Napa yesterday.....the 25 miles went by like it was nothing.

(and yes, to experienced bikers 25 miles *is* nothing - but I had fun!)

A great time was had --- and I just wanted to remind everyone else that going back to childhood roots can be fun. Especially if there's alcohol involved!

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Life is too short not to love and be loved....preferably multiple times in one night.

I think men talk to women so they can sleep with them and women sleep with men so they can talk to them. ~ Jay McInerney

That's from the tectonic plate activity. If they didn't tell you about that, don't worry, you'll learn about it soon.

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"going back to childhood roots can be fun".

Yes, she was.

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Calm, quiet, smooth, devastating

A good bike ride can do wonders for the soul.

Glad you had a good time on your ride.

And don't wait a long time to do it again.

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Put me on wheels and I'll turn tricks.

Clever? Nah, I ran out of that years ago. But if you find this, let me know, k?
"The road goes ever on..." ~ Tolkien

In memory of my friend skip...
Go then, there are other worlds than these

Yeah! Do it REAL soon. You may want throw away that compass and get a GPS unit first though. The roads have the habit of moving to different places than shown on the map.

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What about the roads that I find myself driving on, but don't exist according to GPS

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Plug me into somethin'

If the theory does not conform to the facts, then the facts must be discarded.

No good deed ever goes unpunished

Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, & beat you with experience.

They came from California.

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[QUOTE=PantyFanatic]That's from the tectonic plate activity.

So thats why we have speed bumps!

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The mind never forgets what the hands have learned

Don't try and eat your bicycle.

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On the kinkometer, my kink measures as a sine wave.