inanout wrote:Hi! looking for some advice for my first bike. Have never ridden one before but want to start.
My budget is around $400-$500, and I've more or less settle on either a Commuter, road or hybrid. But I don't know what kind of specs I should be looking at and whether I need to look at certain frames due to my weight (115kg/183cm), or what kind of brands are reliable at this kind of price range. It'll mostly be for getting around town and maybe a monthly trip or two.
Looks like you've already got lots of views. Here is my 2 cents worth.
As someone who started riding at 120kgs, I'd say +1 to avoiding a race bike.
As you say, you've never ridden before. I reckon the first bike should be something like a flat bar road bike.
It gives you a nice upright position, it's stable and should be comfortable.
If you can get a second hand disc version, then great.
The reason for a disc brake bike is because the wheels will be built stronger than a rim brake wheel.
I've broken a few spokes on a rim brake bike, but not one on a disc brake bike.
I've lost a few kgs since starting, but had both a flat bar and a road bike at the time and only broken spokes on the rim brake roadie (which has now been replaced by a disc brake roadie)
If you enjoy riding your flat bar, you might get the bug and then look to upgrade - hence the suggestions of buying used, but some well meaning advice about jumping straight to a roadie might mean that you get a bike that is not that comfortable for you, and you may not enjoy the riding at the beginning.
One other thing to note - the warranty on a bike is pretty much only for the original purchaser. It's not like a car - it is not valid for the second hand buyer. That's why you should expect a much bigger depreciation on a bike.
Good Luck