I'm 55, out of shape and want to buy a new bicycle. I need advice?

I'm thinking a comfort bike will be my best bike. I like the diversity of the Giant Sedona. I really don't want to go over $500 as that is my budget. Any suggestions would be welcome!I'm 55, out of shape and want to buy a new bicycle. I need advice?
Go ride some $1000 dollar bikes, and find one you like, then look for a used one. Just make sure it feels good and tight, lubed, and no weird clicking or anything.


Get a used one and have it tuned at a local bike shop.I'm 55, out of shape and want to buy a new bicycle. I need advice?
Try:





www.bikesdirect.com





They have comfort bikes along with most other classes. I bought my road bike there and saved a lot of $$$.





Before you decide I'd go to a bike shop and check out all of them and see what you like and what size you are the start comparing cost.
Buy a good used bike. After about a week you will know if you want to ride or not.


Then buy a $100 bike off Craigslist.
I would definitely go to a bike shop, but pick one that you trust. Ask around - people will tell you where the honest dealers are located. They will also tell you about the best techs to help support the bike once you're up and riding. You will find that a Giant Sedona is a good choice when looking to get back into shape. It's a good brand and has good components. Be sure to ask them to help you set up a training schedule so you can work your way into better health. Good for you for doing this!
Giant Sedona is a good hybrid. Make you are sold one that fits you. Make sure you budget for accessories like helmet and a comfy pair of padded bike shorts....even if you don't look sexy in Spandex, they are worth it. You can probably regular shorts over them, too.





Other options:





I was looking at some bikes on the web for my brother...





my criteria


-hybrids


-700c size wheels instead of MTB wheels


-not too whimpy looking


-300 - $500 MSRP (you can probably find these bike


cheaper than MSRP generally. also if you find a past


year model you might get a good deal.)


-enough gearing to ride up most hills if you are in


decent shape.








The Sirrus, San Rafael, and the 7.2FX are more


performance-oriented and have fast skinny tires.


The others are more comfy, but not grand pa-ish in any


way and have fatter tires that can be taken on hard


dirt paths occassionally.





Specialized Sirrus (base model) (comes in ladies


step-thru model)


Specialized Globe (base model) (comes in ladies


step-thru model)


Marin San Rafael (has front shocks)


Marin Kentfield or Larkspur (marinbikes.com)


Trek 7.2FX (trekbicycles.com)


Trek 7200(comes in ladies step-thru model)


Trek 7100(comes in ladies step-thru model)


Bianchi Bay City (www.bianchiusa.com)
You are right to consider the Giant, they make good products. The comfort bikes were built for people like you. You might also conside one of the new Lime bikes from Trek. They have the automatic shifter. I think Raleigh and one other company also make them with the auto shifter. I think they are in the $500 range.
go to a bike shop and get measured for a bike. they'll help you find one that is perfect for your height and weight, and your needs.