Help please?

probably not a (expensive) road bike. Maybe a "hybrid" bike (mountain bike handlebars but thinner tires), or entry-level mountain bike.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by keydates
probably not a (expensive) road bike. Maybe a "hybrid" bike (mountain bike handlebars but thinner tires), or entry-level mountain bike.

What is the advantage of thinner tires? I really know nothing about bikes, and that is my problem. I WANT to, and I'm not trying to act like some hotshot and go buy a bike with no prior knowledge. If there's a REASON I should get "this" bike, why? (just curious, ya know 🙂 ) Oh, and by the way, and brand suggestions? Would Walmart (just for starts) be an okay thing??

you'll be generally faster with thinner tires. Thicker tires are for better traction. If you're really only going for leisure rides, there's no need for super-expensive bikes. I'd personally recommend you go to a real bike shop and ask the people for advice...they probably know more about cycling than the people at WalMart. Just look around, take your time.
Hopefully other people who know a lot more about cycling than I do will also pitch in on this thread.

I was in the same position as you about five years ago. Fortunately a friend of mine gave me his old 10 speed and even though the frame was ridiculously oversized for me, it allowed me the time to realize that cycling was something I really wanted to do. When I was ready to buy my first "real" bike, I went to three different bike shops and rode on about 20 different bikes. I finally settled on a good schwinn aluminum frame with a modest component set for about $500. Today I ride a $4,000 Trek 5500 with full Dura Ace and Mavic SSLs, LOOK CX6 pedals with a HAC4 Ciclosport and a ton of money in helmets, gear and spandex. Does this make me a better cyclist? Not at all. But I learned to appreciate what I needed and took my time in building my current rig. DO NOT go to Walmart and buy some lead horse of a bike. Support your local bike shops and let them recommend and fit you to the right bike. When you're ready to upgrade, work with them and learn as you go. Best of luck and enjoy the time on two wheels.