What kind of bicycle to purchase?

First, you can probably find a great deal on Craigslist for a used bike. But if you want a new bike, the best time to buy is around Christmas. Performance Bicycles usually has great deals. If you plan on riding in any kind of inclement weather, you may want to consider a hybrid. The tires are slightly thicker than a road bike which gives you more traction without the weight of a mountain bike. Also, steering a road bike can take some getting used to. However, if you plan on venturing further than 20 miles, or you will be riding up some significant incline, I would recommend a road bike. They are lighter which means less weight for you to propel forward. I would try out different frame sizes to make sure you feel comfortable. They will normally let you test ride a bike before buying. This site is great for bike racks; http://bike-racks-for-cars.net/

20+ miles is quite a long ride. If you prefer an upright position, then a hybrid with no shocks. A hybrid is like a road bike with straight handlebars. As far as a rack, for the occasional cyclist the best rack is one that hangs off the back hatch or trunk. These racks do not lock your bike, so they don't deter theft. The other options would be a roof rack (typically Thule or Yakima) or rear sport hitch rack. These are better racks but more expensive to install. If you have an existing factory rack, you can also get a adapter rack (i use a Rocky Mount one, that bolts to my factory rack). I agree,REI is a good source for bike and rack info.

Go to the local bike shop and try out the comfort and hybrid bikes. You want a bike that works properly and comes in different frame sizes so it's comfortable to ride. For a bike rack get a Saris Bones they will fit about anything and comes with a lifetime warranty. Stay far away from department store bikes they are very poor quality. Google " bike shops + your zip " you will get a map with the local shops on it. See what brands they have and go to their web site. Look at comfort and pathway bikes. http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4502048&sortby=Price+%28Ascending%29&hist=cat%2C4502048%3AComfort+Bikes http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/SubCategory_10052_10551_400322_-1_400001_400307 http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&site=&source=hp&q=saris+bones&oq=saris+bones&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=1922l6172l0l6766l11l11l0l3l3l0l110l827l3.5l8l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=e23c6db8b00a3c0b&biw=800&bih=403

Lynn There is nothing really simple or cheap if you want a bike that will travel comfortably and quickly over 20 miles. You will want a ultimate speed, 18 or more, hybrid or drop bar 'racer'. You wll want two water bottle cages, a seat bag with spare, tire irons, patch kit, and frame mounted mini pump...... And, a good krypto Ulock. Soccerref

Look on craigslist for HYBRIDS or COMFORT bikes in the bicycle section. You can get a nice qualtiy USED name brand bike for the same price as a new Wal-Mart generic bike and it will last you alot longer.

I bought a used bike from a nearby university. Like you, my needs were very simple, so I ended up with a 7-speed town cruiser, nothing special. A bike shop will sell bike racks for your car. So will a sporting goods shop like REI.

i would suggest a hybrid, and as for a bike rack try a nearby motoring shop or ask them, they will most likely know. :)