Artwork via https://www.daemoncycling.com/post/153777359042/posterulockjustice
"Put an iron smile on your face, 'Cause the cops don't care if I get erased"
Haven't had one of these for a while and I'm running out of things where it makes sense to write general guides on (anyone want a guide on how to lock your bicycle properly?) so let's just chat.
Got a question about your bike or bikes in general? Need a few pointers for mechanical issues or some tips? Post away!
calling in @dallasw @Kissmydadonthelips @late90smullbowl for their knowledge pre-emptively. If you also wanna get on the list or you want to not be on it, just hit me up
If you'd like, maybe support my Comm request for a cycling comm !
Past Guides (if you want to add your own or other good resources just post them here or message me and I'll add them):
Tips on buying a bike to get around on - a beginners guide
Tips on basic bike maintenance - a beginners guide
cheap ways to individualize your bike a bit
How to scope out a right sized used bicycle online by pictures alone
Tips for biking in the cold / winter
When buying a bike on the cheap, here's some red flags
Online content (to learn) about bicycles and bicycling
Tips on what to take on your first longer bikeride
Former Megathreads
Whatever floats your boat then, really. Any bike'll do that, it just depends whether you want to be a bit more comfortable (like a dutch cycle) or a bit faster.
They get a bad rep from cycling enthusiasts because many of them are elitist assholes, but I think a hybrid / trekking bike would do you well. It's the jack of all trades of bicycles, really. Maybe see if you can get one with internal gearing as those require way less maintenance. It's not perfect at anything, but you can pretty much ride it everywhere at a decent speed and comfort.
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EU based, but reasonably good ones can be had new for about 500€. I'd assume it's not that different elsewhere in the west. Used market is a toss up for where you live. I've done multi day tours over hundreds of kilometers on a 250€ used trekking bike and it has never failed me. Something like this would probably be a good fit for your needs. . Aluminium frame, 3 gear internal hub and the hydraulic disc brakes are nice and you can fit a proper rack to it.
Rule of thumb is you want a bike from a brand that separates their models by years. Department store bikes are often called BSO - Bike Shaped Objects - because they tend be assembled wrong and the components fall apart after about a year.
If you find one, feel free to throw me a PM and I'll tell you what I can from looking at it online.