I've seen a few threads over the years about what places are good for purchasing a bike but never really paid attention. Now I am in the market to purchase a bike for recreational use - nothing serious and would appreciate some recommendations. Any advice would be great. TIA. 

Bike Barn in Atascocita is a good store. They're very friendly and knowledgeable. 

Thank you RW19. I will put that on my list to check out. Isn't there a bike shop in Kingwood that was good too but closed down? 

Bike Werks (or something like that) - it's in the shopping with Chelsea's and Embody. They are open. 

Garage sale or Goodwill 

I got mine from Target - it doesn't have hand brakes but that's what I wanted. I think it was around $100. 

Thanks all. Yeah I'd like to get a step up from Target, Walmart, Goodwill. I need quality and something that will fit well to keep for the long haul. I am willing to pay more for the professional advice on that fitting as well. 

Performance Bicycle on FM1960 W. in Champions
. Well worth the drive. About 30 minutes. www.performancebike.com. Great selection and sales. 

We are also looking for a comfort bike.
We love the Bike Lane now in The Woodlands and will be returning there. Ken used to work there and we loved him. IDK if he is there any more?? They include an intensive fitting with adjustments and usually a free year of tune ups. Yes, bikes need tune ups, too. 

Thanks for all the suggestions! Lots to choose from and I didn't know about the store in Champions. 

I was not impressed with Ken at Bike Lane- took my bike back 3 times for adjustments- finally took it elsewhere.
I LOVED Mike who owned Better Bikes but he sold to Bike Barn- not a fan- they're too busy upselling to understand what their customers really need or want.
Jeremy at Bike Werks is decent and I did purchase a hybrid from Permformance bikes- they will listen and set you up with something in your price range with out upselling you on it or anything else the store has to offer!!
I still miss Mike and Better Bikes. Now we order everything on line and fix the bikes ourselves. The mechanics in this area are not good- well maybe save Jeremy at Bike Werks- but I'd wager that my hubby knows more about bike mechanics than the local mechanics. 

After searching online for prices and selection plus the advice on here I think I'm going to check out Performance Bikes first. They have a great sale going on and they have a free ship and assemble if I have to go that route. I was surprised at the cost of some of these bikes!! But I'd like to walk in and tell them what my budget is, what my need for the bike is and have them provide best selections for my budget. If that doesn't work seems like Bike Barn will come next. Thanks all! 

Performance Bikes is one of two Big Box stores of the Bike World. 

No need to go over to the Woodlands or spend $400 on a Giant at Bike Barn. Try Sprockets off of Ford rd in Porter. They can build you a bike from their lot of used bikes (he will put new brakes, chains, tires, etc) or he can order you the perfect bike.

The owner is a cool guy and knows his stuff. 

I like Sprockets. The guy is a true lover of bikes!

He repaired my husbands wheelchair tire/wheel as if he were going to roll the Tour de France with it!