First "Adult" Bike



kdelong

Well-Known Member
Dec 14, 2006
3,477
134
48
OK, both bikes are about the same techologically. They have bottom of the barrel components on them. Not really a problem if you are just going to use them for basic short distance transportation, hopefully on fairly level ground as both are going to be VERY heavy. Because you are using lower quality components, try to save around $120 every six months for a tune-up (adjustments), or learn to do it yourself and get the tools needed. This is a pretty good DIY site : http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help

You will need to know the approximate size bike that you need. Take a few minutes and a tape measure and use this link: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO .When you go to order your bike, get a size that is as close to your size as possible. It is always better to go down in size than to go up in size, so if your size falls in between two of the ones that they offer, go to the smaller size. Don't sweat the size too much as you aren't going to need to worry a whole lot about comfort on rides of five miles or less. The primary concern is that you don't do any damage to your body.

I would go with the Schwinn Admiral because it comes with a rack so that is one less thing that you will have to worry about getting. Make sure that you pick up a helmet. Don't worry about less expensive versus more expensive in terms of the protection that it offers. All helmets have to comform to a specific safety standard. The more expensive ones are prettier, have more vents for air flow, and might have all different kinds of features to help get a more comfortable fit (and have a better known name or more advertising expenses built into the price) but it will not offer you any more protection than a cheap one.

When you get a little extra money, see about getting a pair of bicycling specific shorts, mainly for the comfort that they provide. And if you really get bitten by the cycling bug, start putting away money whenever possible for a really good bike in a few years. Good luck and have fun riding on someting that moves.