What type of bike should I get?

What type of bike should I get and how much to spend on it?

• I've always been an avid runner but now want to take up biking since I'll finally have my own place and will actually have the room to store a bike indoors (yay!). So want to hear as many opinons as possible since there are sooo many confusing options, and I feel like bike shops are just trying to sell me the most expensive one they have... I'll be using it mainly for commuting 5 days a week on paved road with steep hills 4-5 miles each way. I'd also like to be able to take it off road occasionally, but that's not a requirement. I don't really care to go super-fast either but do want it to be durable and last a while. What type of bike would best suit me? I'm a girl, is it necessary to get a women's bike? What price range should I be looking at and what's the absolute minimum I should spend? Any advice would be appreciated!

• Answer:

  "...and I feel like bike shops are just trying to sell me the most expensive one they have..." And for a damn good reason. The more $$$ you spend, the better the components (parts) and the bike will most likely last longer if taken care of properly. You never want to go too cheap. The most basic answer to your question is to first answer this... "Where & how will you be riding?" OK...we know where; paved roads with hills. You'll need a bicycle with gears designed to pull hills - a lower first gear than a traditional road bike. If you don't need to go "super-fast" you don't need a traditional road bike either. But, you did say you will be "commuting". That's the KEY word. You need a bicycle that can A) take along additional items in panniers or be strapped down to a rear rack. And B) Have those all important fenders for the unexpected puddle or rain shower that crops up. The least expensive bike I can think of (with any quality) is the Diamondback Insight RS Commuter Bike. available in both a man's & a woman's style. See all links below. No...I don't work for R.E.I. But they do have a lot of knowledge & usually an excellent shop. I highly recommend this type of bicycle because I own a similar 2009 model on 4th link. "I'm a girl, is it necessary to get a women's bike?" Not necessarily. If it fits - it fits! But a woman's bike might have a slightly narrower handlebar or a saddle (seat) specifically aimed the woman's needs. Or possibly a slightly lower top tube. Try as many bikes as you want from REAL bicycle shops, not discount stores. Extensively test ride them - more than once around the block. Find the one that just feels the best & rides the best to you. Buy that one...no matter what the cost.