oh baby, I got me a new shiny bike!

[mayqueen]

Okay, so my final choice was.... The DASH 2 by Giant! Did multiple test rides on different flat bar road bikes, but this one was it! Had a big grin on face riding it all the way home. Funny though, I gave myself a budget of 1100 bucks, I couldve got the DASH 1, but I just didn't like the color! Doesn't that sound completely silly? Sure it had a better DT and came with CL pedals, but I just couldn't get past the ugly blue. Oh well, I'm quirky like that. Anyway thanks all for the FB road bike suggestions, I visited about 6 shops to find most of them. I can say, I am thoroughly satisfied! :)

[Tri Girl]

It's all about the color! CONGRATS!!! :D

pictures??

[Zen]

Looks similar to the Trek FX6 but for the adjustable stem.

[Yelsel]

Looks similar to the Trek FX6 but for the adjustable stem.

The Trek FX series is more like a hybrid crossed with a road bike. It is very sporty for a hybrid, but has a much lower standover, more relaxed fork angle, and longer chainstay -- and the wheelbase is a couple inches longer. This gives more stability and easier steering control. The Giant Dash 1 is more like a road bike with flat bars, with a sportier geometry. The FX1 and FX2 are the sportiest bikes at their pricepoint, where they are competing with straight hybrids and townie bikes... but at $900-$1200 there are a lot more options, and you have to really want a "stabilized roadbike / sporty hybrid."

And more to the point -- congrats on finding your first love! Have fun decking her (and you) out with the money you just saved. :)

[papaver]

Pics pics pics!!! So we can drool too. ;)

[buffybike]

My husband is looking at the Dash3 and I've got the Avail3 (the women's specific Dash). I'm happy with mine except for a few issues with the shifters. My LBS assures me that I'm just "breaking in" the chain and it's normal.
And "color" was important to me, too. I had the bike shop change my handlebar tape from white to black to 'toughen it up' a bit!

[runningteach]

Congratulations on the bike!

[Owlie]

My husband is looking at the Dash3 and I've got the Avail3 (the women's specific Dash). I'm happy with mine except for a few issues with the shifters. My LBS assures me that I'm just "breaking in" the chain and it's normal.
And "color" was important to me, too. I had the bike shop change my handlebar tape from white to black to 'toughen it up' a bit!
I think the Avail 3's the women-specific Defy 3. The Dash seems to be the women-specific Rapid. But, what do I know? *shrugs*

I like the green, much nicer than the weird yellow on the 3. (I hate yellow. But that's just me.) My LBS' website doesn't have the Dash 1 up yet. Congrats on the new bike, and have fun!

[mayqueen]

thank you all for the congrats. took it out for a long ride and i was smiling all the way, until the bugs got in my teeth. ;) Ive learned that you probably shouldn't have the mouth gaping while riding! No pic sorry, my camera is broke and i can seem to find one of good size on google.. BUT when i do, i will make sure to post.

May

[e.e.cummings]

Congrats on the new wheels - I just bought my Giant Avail this year and I love it (see pic to the left). Ride on!

[Tuckervill]

thank you all for the congrats. took it out for a long ride and i was smiling all the way, until the bugs got in my teeth. ;) Ive learned that you probably shouldn't have the mouth gaping while riding! No pic sorry, my camera is broke and i can seem to find one of good size on google.. BUT when i do, i will make sure to post.

May

Reminds me of my youngest child when he was a baby and we took him swimming for the first time. He was having such a good time, smiling so much, kept getting water in his mouth...which of course choked him a little and made him mad but he kept on smiling! :)

Karen

[buffybike]

I think the Avail 3's the women-specific Defy 3. The Dash seems to be the women-specific Rapid. But, what do I know? *shrugs*

I like the green, much nicer than the weird yellow on the 3. (I hate yellow. But that's just me.) My LBS' website doesn't have the Dash 1 up yet. Congrats on the new bike, and have fun!

You're right! I meant "Defy"...my bad. ;)

[bmccasland]

Another bike found a new home! Congradulations! May you have many happy miles together! :D