Need advice in buying new bike

[sneertough]

My plan is to buy a new bike for my husband. It will be my birthday present to him. I'd like to know your advice and where to look for a cheaper but the best bike. Please tell me your thoughts.

[BCSaltchucker]

road bike? comfort bike? ebike? TT bike? mtn bike?
budget?

cheaper deal on a good bike is to buy used. but then that has pitfalls for the inexperienced. (hey my dad recently bought a used $8k S Works Venge w Red for $1500.)

Can get an entry level enthusiast road bike which will suffice for around $1000 at a bike shop, but the sweet spot is more like $2000, at a bike shop. So, maybe go to a local bike shop where the experts there can steer you in the right direction.

[blackfrancois]

i'd buy the best vintage steel lightweight you can find on craigs or ebay in his size for $500 or less. these bikes feature:

- cotterless cranks
- nice original paint (allowing you to resell the bike easily)
- chromoly framesets or better with matching forks
- on-frame derailleur hangers
- down tube or bar end shifters
- all aluminum components (rims, etc.).

[BCSaltchucker]

or heck, why not just get a pennyfarthing?

[AlanE]

I'll be totally honest with you - don't. I wouldn't want someone else, even my wife, to select a bike for me. Pay for it? Yes. But the selection is a personal decision. Take him shopping for a new bike, but let him pick it.

[No Time Toulouse]

So, do you know how to properly SIZE a bike? No? Then it's a bad idea.

[Oxtox]

buying a bike for someone else without their input is a horrible idea...

[ogre]

Post in the ‘other’ forum and you’ll get a different set of answers. But provide some specifics such as type of riding, fitness level, biking experience, budget, etc.
But bottom line is you can’t just buy him a bike, it’s gotta be the right fit and be comfortable, etc. and you gotta have a positive vibe with the shop you’re dealing with.

[Peter P.]

Don't buy a bike for him. Instead, give him a card, perhaps a hand-drawn card, that looks something like an award or diploma inside. The "award" announces hubby has won the right to pick up a new bike. You can list price limits etc., on the award.

Or, cut out a large cardboard piece in the shape of a bicycle, wrap some paper and ribbon on it, and write on this large cardboard the same thing as above.

Sort of like a gift certificate, but with some real effort behind it. Get creative and it will be a real hit!

[sneertough]

road bike? comfort bike? ebike? TT bike? mtn bike?
budget?

cheaper deal on a good bike is to buy used. but then that has pitfalls for the inexperienced. (hey my dad recently bought a used $8k S Works Venge w Red for $1500.)

Can get an entry level enthusiast road bike which will suffice for around $1000 at a bike shop, but the sweet spot is more like $2000, at a bike shop. So, maybe go to a local bike shop where the experts there can steer you in the right direction.

Thanks! I 'm also thinking to buy a used one. Maybe a road bike will suffice his needs.

[Chain]

buying a bike for someone else without their input is a horrible idea...

If you wouldn't buy him a date... don't buy him a bike. One needs to pick out their own ride...