Buying First Bike? Clubs? Confused?

[Wisconsin]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to biking and live in central Wisconsin. Looking for advice on purchasing first road bike. I'm looking to do it recreational and possibly charitiy rides and for companionship. Any LBS in Wisconsin anyone can recommend? Any clubs? Just starting to go to shops but haven't rode any yet as we have a lot of snow. Does anyone have an opionion on K2 bikes? I'm eager to spend that tax return!!

Thanks

[bcipam]

Wisconsin:

Go to the New Riders Topic and index new bikes or first bikes. There has been alot of good advice given.

As to clubs: Do an internet search for your area. ** If you are a newer rider, like for a "recreational" club vs. a racing or touring club. Most club website will have descriptions of their rides etc. I suggest that before you try joining a Club, that you first become comfortable riding along on road. Are familiar with riding in traffic, hand sugnals and calling out road hazards. Check to see if the club has a "newcomers" or "newbies" ride. Generally the ride leaders will discuss safety issues etc.

Good luck. Joining a club can be real fun!!!!!

**Also check your regional area out on this forum. Clubs may already been suggested.

[SJCzar]

Hello fellow Wisconsin Biker,

I'm in the Milwaukee area and have a few favorite bike shops here but it sounds like you're in a different area of the state.

If you are nearer to Madison, I know that there are other women on this site that live in that area and could recommend some shops. Most shops also have information on local clubs or hold weekly rides themselves.

I know nothing about K2 bikes (I have a Trek that I love). The new spring line should be coming in at the shops soon so you should have fun checking all the brands out.

Once summer kicks in around here there are some really fun organized rides that you'd enjoy riding in.

Good Luck

[Geonz]

Go online... and be ready to keep going out and riding to find the kind of riding that works for you. It's really hard to communicate what a ride will be like - there's a real tendency to want to welcome people... but if everybody but the newbie is a seasoned rider, they tend not to realize when they've worn a person out! Even "beginner" rides can get this way because beginners iwll keep going to the ride... and they aren't beginners any more.
I've heard Wisconsin is an awesome state for cycling.

[Wisconsin]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the advice. I moved from Germantown, Wi and may want to make a trip to the Milwaukee/Madison area to bike shop as up north they don't have much selection. I was originally thinking to get sized and try out bikes and then try to buy one off Ebay to save money but most here advise against this for first bike. I agree a LBS will proabably be better but if I have to travel 2-3 hours for one I don't know how much service I will get from them besides the initial sale. Has anyone had experience with K2 bikes as one bike shop seems to think they are a real value with good components like the treks? Wish I had a seasoned biker to come with me bike shopping.

I'm also still looking for local bikers and clubs. There is a Wausau club near here but somehow my password didn't get sent to me and I can't contact them by email or posts but I'll try again.

Thanks again,
Wisconsin

[SadieKate]

We don't see K2 bikes out here in the West much. You might check Road Bike Review for consumer reviews.

http://www.roadbikereview.com/

Have fun!