Can anyone recommend a bike?

[KCMax]

I would guess we have a fair amount of bikers on this forum, so this seems like a good question to ask. I am looking for a bike to go short distances - couple of miles or so. To the store and back - put a seat in the back and take my kid to the park, that kind of stuff. Eventually I would like to ramp up to longer rides.

What would be a good bike to get? I'm willing to spend a decent amount of scratch if its worth it, but would prefer not to pay too much as I'm not looking for a high performance bike or anything.

And what are some good local places to shop?

[KC Sporting Life]

Check out Midwest Cyclery, located at 39th and Main.  The owner has been in business for many years, for a long time on Broadway near Westport.  He's good about finding you something that will work for your.  They're great about repairs as well. 

Can't really comment on the additional baby seat, but I like Gary Fisher or Bianchi hybrid bikes for just tooling around town. 

[heatherkay]

You should check out Family Bicycles in Waldo as well (http://familybicycles-kc.com/).  Lots of commuter bikes.

[KCMax]

You should check out Family Bicycles in Waldo as well (http://familybicycles-kc.com/).  Lots of commuter bikes.

I've checked them out. Very friendly and a pretty good selection.

[cknab1]

I brought my last bike at River Market cyclery.  The people there were friendly and seemed knowledgable about bikes in general.


http://rivermarketcyclery.com/

[zonk]

I brought my last bike at River Market cyclery.  The people there were friendly and seemed knowledgable about bikes in general.
http://rivermarketcyclery.com/

Second.....they know their stuff!  And quite a selection...affordable on up.

[kcmeesha]

definitely try to get an extended test ride. I bought a bike and suggestions from the store owners were great, but later I found it to be slow and uncomfortable. I didn't spend tons of money and still ride it but not as much as I would if it felt different.

[kclofter]

I'm willing to spend a decent amount of scratch if its worth it, but would prefer not to pay too much as I'm not looking for a high performance bike or anything.

And what are some good local places to shop?

I bought a Giant Sedona, 21 speed at River Market Cyclery 2004.  It has about 10 miles on it and has hung in storage ever since.  PM if you want it (I can make a deal).  Note - will need tires. 

[bbqboy]

I bought a Giant Sedona, 21 speed at River Market Cyclery 2004.  It has about 10 miles on it and has hung in storage ever since.  PM if you want it (I can make a deal).  Note - will need tires. 

there's your deal, max. Consider a trailer, as you can always haul grocieres and stuff, in addition to kids.

[mlind]

there's your deal, max. Consider a trailer, as you can always haul grocieres and stuff, in addition to kids.

Those trailers look cool.  When my kids were little, all that was available were these seats on the back of bikes (sort of like the ones you used to see in Peanuts).  No kid helmets then, so we used a hockey helmet.

[KC0KEK]

I'm considering switching to a recumbent bike. Any suggestions there? Thanks.