help for a total newb

[Kellyridesagain]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this site, just found it the other day. I'm totally excited to have found such a great resource of information!

I know you see these questions all the time, so I hope you don't mind another repeat. I am looking to get into the world of biking once again, previously I was on a mountain bike, although that was some years ago. I am looking to purchase a new road bike for my re-entry into the sport.

Of course my question is, what do I look for in a road bike for beginners like myself? I went to my LBS today and they were very helpful in loading my brain up with lots of information on road bikes.

My budget is around $1300, and I want something I can put alot of miles on, as my plan is to use this bike for fitness. The bikes they had me looking at were the Gary Fisher Ion super GS and the Trek 1.5 and Trek 2.1. I originally went in looking at the Trek 1.2, simply because I am not sure whether I should put that much money into my first bike. Are there other bikes I should be considering in this price range, obviously I would like to get the most out of the money I will be spending.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

[tulip]

Hi Kelly, and welcome.

I suggest that you peruse the posts here. I think you'll find some useful advice on what to look for.

The most important thing is fit. If the bike doesn't fit you properly, it won't be comfortable and you won't ride it.

Go back to the bike shop, and maybe some others, and test ride a bunch of bikes. See which ones you like and which ones are most comfortable.

[MommyBird]

My favorite LBS is a Cannondale store.
The Synapse 6 has a comfort geometry.
CAAD9 6. We recently purchased a CAAD9 5 for our son.

Both of these bikes are in your range. You may try them if you have a shop that carries them in your area.

#1 priority is to shop where you can get a good bike fitting. Asking how tall you are and a visual size up is not enough.

Have fun shopping!

[ny biker]

#1 priority is to shop where you can get a good bike fitting. Asking how tall you are and a visual size up is not enough.

Have fun shopping!

Word.

[Zen]

Ride lots of different bikes.

LOTS.

You say you intend to ride for fitness. This means you don't need the latest-greatest-this-and-that.

Ride flat bar bikes.
Ride drop bar bikes.
Ride steel,aluminum, and carbon bikes.

Don't buy based on a name.

When you find the bike for you, you'll know.

[Catrin]

Ride lots of different bikes.

LOTS.

You say you intend to ride for fitness. This means you don't need the latest-greatest-this-and-that.

Ride flat bar bikes.
Ride drop bar bikes.
Ride steel,aluminum, and carbon bikes.

Don't buy based on a name.

When you find the bike for you, you'll know.

What she said!

I just started riding in December and have purchased two bikes since then. The first one came from a store that was really more interested in the sale than how well it fit me. My second bike got a lot more attention fit-wise, and it feels so much better that I don't want to ride my first bike. Pity, it is a nice bike but it does not quite fit me and I will have to eventually decide whether to spend another fitting fee for a re-fit or just sell it.

That it fits you is most important, so take your time and visit more than one store. You have a nice budget for a first bike :)

Welcome to TE!