Looking for some recommendations on buying a bike. 

Hello everyone. 

I apologize if this is in the wrong section and I'm sure you guys have heard this topic a million times, but I'm really looking for some good advice on a bike to purchase and thought I would ask some people who have a lot of experience with buying / riding bikes. 

So, I recently have wanted to start riding a bike again.  I'm only 19 so the last time I was riding was when I was....like 12 or so =P. Thus, I have no knowledge at all on what type or what the difference really is in each bike. 

Some things I am looking for are:

-Small (need to at least be able to fit it in my little ford focus)
-Comfortable
-Versitile (I'll probably be riding it around the neighborhood but I'm not sure yet.) 
-Easy to operate
-Somewhat stylish
-Fun to use! 

I'm basically looking for a starter bike, something that I can easily take out and ride when I feel like it.  My price range is about 200-250 dollars.  My friend "supposedly" can get me "any" bike for a fraction of the cost so anything a bit over would be cool to. 

ANY suggestions, tips or feedback is GREATLY appreciated.  Again, I'm new to this site so I apologize if this is in the wrong section.  If there is another thread with a good list of beginner bikes I would love to see it. 

If you're going to be placing your bike inside of your compact car, I would suggest getting a nice folding bike, at that price point.  Either that, or monitor your local Craigslist for a used chromoly steel bicycle that has a quick release feature on the front wheel.  That way, you could just quickly remove the front wheel and load your bike. 

As far as full sized bikes go, I've always found road bikes with dropped bars to fit into cars more easily than mountain bikes.  Partially due to the bars, and partially from lighter weight.  Take the front wheel off and they slide into a back seat or hatchback quite readily.  I find my road bike quite comfortable, but if you haven't been riding in a few years, you may not agree. 

I'd say a hybrid or an older (non-suspension) mountain bike would be a reasonable choice. 

Stay away from road bikes: the position is all hunched over and leaves you unable to breathe properly.  Also, it's much harder to see the sights around you when you can only see the ground in front of you.  B-O-R-I-N-G!!! 

That which does not kill me has made a massive tactical blunder. 
Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.  Louis L'Amour
'07 Giant Cypress WSD "Radagast the Beige-and-Black" * '97 (?)  Bianchi Premio "Orion" * '09 Trek Allant "The Black Pearl"

A Home Built All Rounder, Bianchi 928, Specialized Langster, Dahon Folder

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Originally Posted by MichaelW

For an easy-riding, car-storable, utility bike, look for a 20" folding bike.  Dahon do loads and there are lots of me-too designs.  The 3-speed hub gear versions are very clean and easy to use. 

Took the words right off my keyboard. 

I keep a Dahon Boardwalk in the trunk of my car and it gets a surprising amount of use.  When parking is tight I can drop my people off and find a remote parking spot and ride right back.  Having work done on the car?  No problem.  Instead of hanging around I can ride to something interesting.  Find an interesting neighborhood and want to explore?  Can't beat a bike. 

And if you go to the folder forum look for posts by member brakemiester he sells Dahon and is a GREAT guy to do business with. 

You can further the brotherhood of man by eliminating class. 
You can lift the wage earner up by equalizing earnings. 
You can bring about prosperity by overturning the holders of power. 
You can strengthen the weak by eating the the strong. 
You can help the poor by destroying the rich. 

A Home Built All Rounder, Bianchi 928, Specialized Langster, Dahon Folder

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Originally Posted by Condorita

Stay away from road bikes: the position is all hunched over and leaves you unable to breathe properly.  Also, it's much harder to see the sights around you when you can only see the ground in front of you.  B-O-R-I-N-G!!! 

What planet are you on? 

You can further the brotherhood of man by eliminating class. 
You can lift the wage earner up by equalizing earnings. 
You can bring about prosperity by overturning the holders of power. 
You can strengthen the weak by eating the the strong. 
You can help the poor by destroying the rich. 

Stay away from road bikes: the position is all hunched over and leaves you unable to breathe properly.  Also, it's much harder to see the sights around you when you can only see the ground in front of you.  B-O-R-I-N-G!!! 

Interesting perspective.  We all have different preferences, of course, but I've never had a problem with watching the scenery while on a road bike.  In fact, my most comfortable position on the MTB is hands on the bar end extensions, similar to being on the hoods on a road bike. 

That which does not kill me has made a massive tactical blunder. 
Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.  Louis L'Amour
'07 Giant Cypress WSD "Radagast the Beige-and-Black" * '97 (?)  Bianchi Premio "Orion" * '09 Trek Allant "The Black Pearl"

I sense he's trying to goad a bentster into launching a tirade.  It won't work. 

Radagast the Beige-and-Black, Orion, and The Black Pearl mentioned in my sig line do not fit the description of "'bent."  Yes, even the Premio is set up for upright riding.  I'm not a racer wannabe, don't wear "kit," and have never liked drops. 

That which does not kill me has made a massive tactical blunder. 
Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.  Louis L'Amour
'07 Giant Cypress WSD "Radagast the Beige-and-Black" * '97 (?)  Bianchi Premio "Orion" * '09 Trek Allant "The Black Pearl"