Gordon, 14, Atlanta, GA
When looking for a starter bike, it is not necessary to buy anything very nice.
There are specialized bikes for certain types of biking, but if you are looking for a bike to start on, I would recommend a hybrid bike. These are a more common type that you can find in any bike shop or even a sports store. It’s a good option if you do not enjoy only one field of biking.
There are bikes specialized for road biking and racing that you would probably want if your only interest is in racing or using your bike as transportation, but these bikes do not cope well with most types of off-roading. There are also bikes specifically for mountain biking and difficult terrain, but these can be bulky and annoying to take around rural areas. A hybrid will work well on both, allowing you to do more with your bike.
When buying a new bike, make sure that the bike has three front gears and seven back gears. This is standard but any fewer gears could cause lots of struggle in the future. Also, if you think that you are going to do off-roading, it is very helpful to have front tire suspension. This makes it much easier to handle difficult terrain without getting thrown face-first over your handlebars.
You don't have to worry too much about what type of brakes your bike has but just know that caliper brakes are very easy to fix and adjust. There are little bike add-ons that I would suggest such as a number of reflectors to stay safe at night and a water bottle holder if your bike does not come with one.
Lastly, while it is not important to get an expensive bike, it can also be dangerous to buy too cheap. You can end up running into a ton of problems in the future, as I know all too well after many vexatious breakdowns, so I would suggest looking at something in the range of $200 or higher.
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