this post was submitted on 21 Oct 2024
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Let me tell you a little story!
I got back into bikes as an adult just over two years ago. This is after 20+ years of not riding one, so I was a complete beginner as far as maintenance goes.
The first bike I got was a folding bike from Tern. Having not known what to look for in a bike, I think I lucked out because the components are all easy to replace and maintain. It uses rim brakes, which are very simple mechanical parts you can find anywhere. A standard 8 speed chain and basic Shimano rear derailleur (no shifter for the front gears, since it's a "1x" setup), with 20" tires that are easy to find replacements for.
Then I ended up with my son's 90s mountain bike not long after. With the help of YouTube (mostly the Park Tool channel), I was able to completely disassemble, and reassemble that bike. Including truing the wheels, learning how to adjust cantilever brakes, and replacing much of the drivetrain. This learning experience was wonderful, and I wanted to go through it so that I could build up my confidence in maintaining it.
The frame on that bike was much too small for me, so after about 1100 km I ended up getting another used 90s mountain bike: steel frame, 26" wheels, and also easy to repair with parts that are very inexpensive by today's standards. Again, made some upgrades, and learned to do all the adjustments from watching videos.
This past July I got a road/gravel bike. Modern components, aluminum frame, drop bars, large 700c wheels, and "skinny" tires compared to my other two bikes. Yes, the performance in the tech is quite a bit better, but there are a few caveats.
Modern tech isn't as forgiving as the older stuff. Being off by a few mm isn't a big deal with my vintage MTB. But it can cause chaos with my modern bike. The disc brake system in particular is very sensitive to contamination and slight bends in the rotor, so I'll need to be careful with that. Maintenance, like shifter adjustment and brake adjustment, are also different from the older stuff. But once you learn it, you learn it. This bike has external cables, so it's easier than one with cabled buried deep in the frame.
If it's about ease of repairability and durability, I'd go with something older (i.e. 90's mountain bike). But look up the model to make sure that it's not an older big box brand bike, or else you'll be getting something that won't be very enjoyable.
However, it's really important to know what your plans are, because that might dictate which bikes might actually be best suited to your needs.
Do you plan to tour with it? Commute? Ride through snowy winters? Rain? Do you live near an ocean (i.e. concerns with salt)? Are you looking for a fast road bike or a slow cruiser? Will you be carrying heavy loads?
Most bikes are fairly easy to maintain once you learn about their specific components. Don't let that put you off.
Thanks for such a detailed response! I'm planning on mainly using it for smallish trips, say heading into my local town. I've recently move to being just outside walking distance but it's very short distance to drive for.
I also live around a lot of woods and it'd be good to be able to ride on a dirt path now and then.
From what I can see a 'hybrid' sounds like it'd be a good fit?
A hybrid bike would be a great place to start. Your first bike is rarely your last. As you ride it, you'll gradually learn what you like and don't like about it. Some things can be replaced or upgraded. Eventually you'll have a better idea of what to get for your second bike. If you're buying used, make sure there are no signs of rust, the brakes and shifters work as expected, there are no squeaky or metal-on-metal sounds, and the bike is appropriately sized for you, and you should be good to go.
Also, you don't have to do all the maintenance yourself. Bike service is usually pretty cheap. Some things I do myself, but when it requires special tools, the bike shop makes more sense.
+1 to this. A steel frame 90s mountain bike with 26" wheels, some maintenance know how and about $100 in parts will get you thousands of km of riding with much less trouble compared to a fancy aluminium/carbon frame with hydraulic breaks and a drivetrain that locks the moment something goes slightly out of tolerance.
Only caveat is needing to buy some tools, but good tools will last.
On the plus side, tools will pay for themselves after only a few uses. 👌