I’ve been lurking this sub for awhile and there’s so much I don’t know. I love the look of the “vintage style” but I’ve heard they aren’t great. These 4 are the ones I like most so far.
Any advice would be appreciated.
by strawberrymoon1111
I’ve been lurking this sub for awhile and there’s so much I don’t know. I love the look of the “vintage style” but I’ve heard they aren’t great. These 4 are the ones I like most so far.
Any advice would be appreciated.
by strawberrymoon1111
12 Comments
If there’s any bike shop local to you at which you can test out anything similar to these, I would recommend that. There’s a broad range of riding positions given by these bikes, from more upright and relaxed, to more leaned forward–particular when the seat at proper height is higher than the handlebars.
Another thing: 2 of them are single speed or fixed gear which may not be so friendly to you if you live in a hilly area since you will have no “easy gears”.
That would at least help you narrow down what style of bike to go for. State is a decently well regarded brand, but there’s a great benefit to purchasing from a brick and mortar that will professionally put something together for you.
Was going to comment but what he said or she idk
Btw “ I heard vintage bikes aren’t great” horseshit -vintage bikes are amazing
Vintage bikes *can* be great, but friction-shifters on the down tube are a “love it or hate it” proposition and older plastic derailleurs can be fragile as glass if the bike spent years chained up out in the sun.
A vintage bike can be a great bike, but it probably shouldn’t be your first/only bike unless you’re buying it with learning to work on it in mind; much like buying a vintage car.
As to these specific bikes, you’ve got a couple VERY different riding positions/philosophical ideals going on here.
The 1st and 4th would be very comfy, utility-friendly, easy bikes to ride. But you won’t be riding anywhere fast.
The second and third will be more stylish (taste is obviously subjective but I find them more stylish), faster, and theoretically “more fun” to ride, but they aren’t as immediately comfortable and won’t take panniers/bags/baskets as easily.
Like someone above said, see if you can ride similar bikes locally so you can see which seating position and feel is right for you.
How important for you is it to have a pink frame?
The right bike for you is not necessarily a matter of experience, but rather what you intend to use it for. The best place to shop for a bicycle and have guidance about what sort of bicycle would meet your needs is your local bicycle shop.
In truth, beginner or not, they’re only two sorts of bicycles. One is the kind that you will ride and the other is the kind that you will not ride. This has very little to do with whether you are a beginner
Diamond frames are going to give a better ride generally.
Step throughs are either going to have more flex in the frame or weigh more due to the extra material required to stiffen the frame.
Single speed / fixed gear aren’t really friendly for new riders. Look for something with an internal geared hub.
Don’t get the fixed gear. They aren’t for everyone.
I would get the 7 speed. Also good call on not getting a beach cruiser most people don’t have the muscle to actually enjoy them.
Also the second bike is uncomfortable for many people.
Take the fixed gear off of your list, you definitely don’t want a fixie as a beginner.
Going to a bike shop might seem intimidating but it’s the best thing you can do. They have different styles of bikes that you can try and see which style you like. And I promise you that most bike shops are well equipped to help a beginner find their bike! For example, I find beach cruisers really annoying to ride because they’re hard to ride uphill and wobbly in general. You also definitely want gears as a beginner so scratch the bikes that don’t have them. Lastly, as a woman I understand that you want a bike in a color that you love but I’d advise you to buy a bike you like to ride and not a bike you like to look at. My first adult bike was Trek FX 3 that’s mostly black with a purple logo and top tube. Did I compromise on the color a bit? Yes. But riding it made me fall in love with cycling and I’m so happy about that 💜
Hey I can see you posted Reid cycles so assume you’re in Melbourne or Australia at the very least. If you’re in a City such as Melbourne I’d highly recommend visiting your local bike/repair shop as they’ve usually got a few second handers at least or worst case scenario they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. If you are by complete chance located in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Radhaus is a good place to start.
You should go to a physical store and test the bike. Buying through the internet is not a good idea. You might not be able to completely judge the bike like that but at least check if it’s comfortable. Frames like 2 and 3 are forward leaning and put weight on your hands. First one is the most comfortable frame and most practical.
Vintage and vintage looking are two different things. I would say vintage looking but modern bike is better. It has all the newer tech and modern standard build. Vintage bikes re great but they need work and knowledge that I assume you don’t have.
If you have to choose from those I would say the first one is the best.
Step through frame is awesome. Unless you are racing it’s perfect. It’s a bit heavier and not as stiff but ability to get on the bike with something on the rack is great. I have a bike like that myself. You really don’t need aggressive top tube frame that is difficult to get on.
7 speeds are great, especially on a derailleur. Internal gears suck and advantages don’t overcome the drawbacks. Just take care of your chain and sprockets. Make sure they are clean and properly lubricated.
Stay away from single speed bikes. They are great for a second bike for short distances. If it’s your only bike get one with many speeds. 3 speeds would be too little, 5 is ok, 7 is a sweet spot.
Baskets are useful. I have a front and a rear basket. Perfect for carrying stuff.
It depends on your use case 2 and 3 could be good choices. I assume you are a novice and don’t know much about bikes. You definitely should test ride different types of bikes, see what’s comfortable and what feels right.
To be honest without more information about your riding habits or intended use for the bike it’s hard to tell. The proposed bikes are really different from each other.