What type of bike is best for...

I think a road bike can handle the hills. Small gear in front, high gear in the back.

If you want, you can get a motorized bike too.

Trek bikes are pretty good, but for fitting and such, you should go to a bike shop and ask for some help. You're not going to get top notch bikes for $600, but Craigslist will have some good deals on bikes. Of course, those bikes could also be stolen, so beware.

 

I personally ride a road bike, and they are excellent on hills due to the extreme light weight. If you are using the bike more for transportation then I suggest a Hybrid. Gears for various elevation, and wider tires for various terrain.

 

If anyone says fixed gear, they're an idiot. No way is anyone going to climb hills on a fixie... unless they are superman.

If you want a new road bike, $600 might be enough for a decent bike. I do suggest you utilize Craigslist for some bikes. They might be used or whatever, but it wouldn't really matter on quality bikes. And, you might have some leftover money for sweet upgrades!

 

The type of bike isn't really gonna determine the gearing you have. What's of more inportance on hills is the weight of the bike I guess. If you really feel the need, you can change the gearing of your casette or chainwheels after you get the bike. Still, I don't really think that's necessary. If I'm at the point where I'm in first gear going up a hill, I'm going slow as fuck I might as well be walking. Or maybe I'm high and just enjoying it. Either way, having low gears doesn't mean you need less energy to go up the hill. All variable speed transmissions are installed for the purpose of taking an input power source with a narrow speed range (your legs) and converting to an output with a high speed range to allow for the most efficient or powerful operation of the machine.

 

Nah, I can't say I do know any good websites. I just know about transmissions . Mechanical engineer here.

 

check giant cycles, specialized, redline, i would say cannondale, but they are spennndy, i personally ride a giant ocr-1, it weighs like 10 lbs max, i only have a single cog in the rear with a chain tensioner, i did away with all the gears, even living in seattle, i just mash those hills, good luck bro

 

A lot of people do. It's all personal preference. Some people are in good enough shape where they can make it up hills with no problems at all on a Fixie, plus the lack of in-depth maintenance is fantastic. Still, it really seems like you want a Geared Road Bike, which is a great choice.

You are at an excellent point right now to check out all the Bike Shops in your area for 2010 models that have just taken a significant drop in price, as most Bike makers have just released their 2011 stock. For instance, I've seen Trek 1.2's (still a very good road bike, despite being on the lower end of their scale) on sale for $500, as opposed to their new price of around $900. If you check the shops out soon, they won't run out of 2010 stock in your size.

In my opinion, 2011 will have a lot to offer as far as bikes are concerned, as the manufacturers really underestimated the consumer market in 2010 and made far less bikes than they thought people would actually buy; they didn't take into consideration that less people have money to drive their cars to work every day and want a less expensive way to commute.

Of course, you can always try Craigslist, as bikes are very easy to diagnose for problems, but it's always hit or miss. Make sure the serial numbers are in place and get the seller's information (at least document their address and copy the ad before purchasing) in case you end up floating down shit creek with a stolen bike.

 

Local shops and craigslist. You'll find the best road bikes for the best prices there.

 

Suzuki GSXR750 will do your job in the summer and the winter

Oh, but your budget doesn't cut it...

Just Kidding, Go to a bike shop ask for help or just get a hybrid/road.

 

ride a bmx.

or be a fixie/fixy douche.

lol those bikes are stupid and are soo thin.

bmx is dope, or if you want something bigger roll on a 24-26" bmx

like this.



or



for bmx good companies are Fit, We the people, Sunday!, Verde, Eastern.

theres alot these days.

 

the best bike is one that pedal's itself .