I haven’t ridden a bike since probably middle/high school, but I’ve missed it for a long time. I started shopping around (browsing online and went to an LBS) around covid and was faced with the shortage at that time so put it on the backburner. I have been thinking about it again recently but not sure where to start. Would love to make a purchase by summer, but it’s not urgent.
Looked on the sub a bit and I think what I would want would be a hybrid? But the details about suspensions and coils and tires is all gibberish to me. My only familiarity brandwise is just the childhood bikes I got from Walmart like Next, Schwinn, Huffy, etc which are not recommended here.
I’m 5’3″, heavyset and live in a suburban area. Would only be riding on flat, mostly even surfaces (sidewalk, asphalt park trails) in fair weather. I’m in the southern U.S. and would prefer something under 800 or so. Totally open to buying secondhand, I’ve browsed FB marketplace but its mostly Walmart type bikes. Also happy to visit an LBS again but don’t want to get swindled into buying something no good. Brand names to look for would be super helpful.
I *love* the look of “classic” or “vintage” bikes such as the [Huffy Nel Lusso](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Uj0AAOSwJeFjyl~1/s-l1600.jpg) so this style would be my preference. But I don’t like the lack of changeable speeds/resistance (my last bike had a little dial you turn that made it easier or harder to pedal), and lack of handlebar breaks. I’m actually not a fan of those cruiser style handlebars. Other then those two things I really like that style of bike.
Feel free to redirect me if this has been posted (I did look at a few threads before posting) and otherwise thank you so much!
by firelord_catra