new bike

[trayc]

I have just gotten into biking and bought a Trek hybrid but soon realized that I needed and wanted a road bike. Any suggestions on a good, afforadable first road bike?

[slinkedog]

What is your budget and what size is your hybrid? Welcome to TE!! Hope you have lots of fun cycling!! :)

[trayc]

I am having a blast!!! It is neat to find a new sport at my age(42). My budget is slim, about 500 to 700 dollars. I am short 5'1" so I know the run of the mill bike wont fit me. I have looked online but don't really want to buy over the net without really knowing what I am buying. Only one bike store in my town.

[CorsairMac]

Welcome to the boards trayc! Nice to meet you. Can't help you much with the road bike, I did the same thing only I bought the commuter bike and now wish I had gone ahead and splurged for the road bike! Ahhh well! If you get a chance, theres a thread under the open forum called "getting to know you". Give ya some laughs learning about us, and if you're so inclined...tell us about you. Also gives you a chance to see what everyone else is riding...and gosh is there a LOT of variety! Good luck on your search and again, welcome!

[Jo-n-NY]

You might want to look into the Specialized line. I am 5'2 and ride one of the Dolce's 51cm which is not the smallest size. The regular Dolce suggested price is $800 but it has Shimano components and is also on the lighter side. You would be getting a good value bike for the money. I think this link should bring you right to the Dolce page. I am sure you will be researching and comparing so I just thought I would offer you my 2 cents.

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFamily.jsp?sid=05Dolce

[Asphaltgirl]

You sound just like me! It was so hard to find a women's specific within my very meager budget. I ended up purchasing a Windsor Willow for $400.00--over the net (actually through Ebay-the company sells their overstocks there) and am thrilled with it. Brought it to my LBS and had the boys go over it and they gave it a clean bill of health. Would have loved to have spent more and would have liked to have given the business to the LBS (feel real guilty about that) but finding my size was tough. Good luck.....
Barbara

www.bikesdirect.com

[shewhobikes]

Glad you're here. I did almost the same thing. Bought a mtn bike first, added slick tires, and within a month realized I really wanted a road bike but was a little intimidated. Thankfully the LBS encouraged me to get a sports road bike (my Cannondale SR 800) which is a road bike with some comfort features (seat suspension, different handlebar positions, etc.). I am as happy as a lark so far, having put just over 200 miles on it since January.

I'm a newbie too at 49 and loving cycling. I'm 5 foot 6.5 so can't help you on smaller fits, but I hope you find what you're looking for real soon! Have fun.