Bicycles-recommendations?

Gjac wrote:

Tom/Mary Lou wrote:
Thinking of getting new bicycles. We are older now & certainly don't need a gagillion speeds. Any recommendations would be appreciated. THX

It would be good to hear from the OP again on how they will use the bike, but from the original post it sounds like they want a bike to ride around the camp ground on dirt roads. I have a Jamis 24 speed Mtn Bike that I have had for more than 20 years which was over $700 back then. I have gone through multiple chains and gears sets. Has the Rock Shox on front which no longer work. Now at 68 I want a little more upright position to ride in. Also have an old Bianchi 21 speed road bike. The head broke twice on that bike and no longer ride it, even with Areo bars being bent over for long periods was uncomfortable. Mid 50's I could do 100 miles/day but not any more. One thing a lot of people don't realize it a lot of the cost that goes into a higher end bike is weight reduction. More money does't mean stronger and lasting longer, only lighter weight and better performance. So based on your age, general physical condition how you will use the bike, I see no problem with buying a $200 bike Mtn Bike from Dick's or Walmart. The Mtn bike is the most versatile just get one with an adjustable head or short head set so you can sit more up right to take some pressure off your lower back.

Don't disagree with you all that much, but some of those department store bikes are built so darn cheap, I just think for a couple hundred more you can get something that will really last. Depending on your intended use of course. Nothing worse than trying to fix a broken down bike.

Interesting you mention your Jamis, I had a Schwinn high Sierra for 20 plus years. Was very reluctant to up-grade. But I will say this bikes have come a long, long way. Now that I have the new one, that old Schwinn feels like such a sled. I would never go back.