Yet Another Newbie!!!!

Hello, I'm a newbie to this whole thing. I've recently decided to take up cycling when last week I took a look in the mirror and saw rolls of fat hanging from my post-partum tummy. Well, it's not really that bad, but I desperately do need to get into shape after 9 months of poor eating/exercise habits. :)

I'm looking for a bike. One that will help me train and ride in the MS-150 but is beginner friendly and doesn't cost a fortune. Most importantly, I want to know what kind of questions should I ask at the bike shop when looking for a bike? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, is anyone here in the Houston, TX area? I'm looking for a beginners group to join. Thanks in advance!

Theresa

Welcome to the board Tn. There are several girls here from the Houston area - they should be checking in either later tonight or tomorrow. As for questions: what are you looking for? Do you want a road bike? a hybrid? do you have some brands in mind that you want to look at? are you interested in the Women Specfic Design? how many miles a week are you planning on riding? what is your budget?

I'll Always put in a plug for Trek coz I'm a huge fan of Trek but it's by no means the only brand out there!!

if you get a chance there's a thread under open titled "getting to know you". Gives you several hours of entertainment learning about us and - if you're so inclined - tell us some more about you!

Congrats on wanting to ride... and for wanting to get back in shape! :)

Before you buy a bike... sit down and really try to determine what you want to do on the bike.

Do you want to ride off road? Or do you want to ride on the road? Off road... get a mountian bike. On the road... a road bike.


Is this going to be something *serious* for you? Or just casual?

Serious... spend some money on a good bike (I have a TREK 1000, which is a great entry level bike, and I have seen the 2004 models on sale for $600).

Casual... get a bike from WalMart (or some discount store)... or get an inexpensive road bike to tool around the neighborhood... or get a hybrid to cruise around on.

Best of luck to you! Good job on doing your research and not just rushing out and buying on impulse!

Hello tn_rx,
Just wanted to say welcome....i'm sorta new as well. I am planning on doing the MS 150 next year (1st timer)...what part of houston are you from? I am from the Sugar Land Area.....can't wait to hear back from ya!!
~Kila~

KSH,

thanks for your reply. I am looking for something that will help me train and ride the MS-150..so in other words, I need something serious. However, money IS an issue...because I am a first timer and don't know if this will really work out. I have a baby and realisitically know that the bike will be utilized only a few times out of the week. So spending hundreds of dollars on a road bike may not be the smartest thing, nor will it make my hubby very happy if it just sits in the garage.


I'm visiting the bike shop this Saturday and will keep you all posted on my acquisition (if I decide on one then. ) :)

Theresa

CorasirMac,

I will put an entry in the "get to know you' thread soon. Thanks for your reply!

Theresa

If it doesnt' fit, though, it *will* sit in the garage 'cause it won't be fun.
If it's a Wal-Mart special, then when things wear out it's time for a new bike ;(

Sometimes you can get something nice used - our local bike shops do trade-ins.

Fit & comfort is the thing - whetehr road or hybrid or whatever. (I have yet to find a road bike I'm comfy on, and since I go fast enough for me on my hybrids, I don't look too hard).
http://www.champaigncycle.com/frame.htm has a button ont he top to go to "choosing the right bike" that has some good ideas for framing your thinking. (It's a *little* dated with some of the links but theideas are good.)

Geonz,

Thanks for the tip. I appreciate the website.

Theresa

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tn_rx

KSH,

thanks for your reply. I am looking for something that will help me train and ride the MS-150..so in other words, I need something serious. However, money IS an issue...because I am a first timer and don't know if this will really work out. I have a baby and realisitically know that the bike will be utilized only a few times out of the week. So spending hundreds of dollars on a road bike may not be the smartest thing, nor will it make my hubby very happy if it just sits in the garage.


I'm visiting the bike shop this Saturday and will keep you all posted on my acquisition (if I decide on one then. ) :)

Theresa

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Well... it's really hard to get a road bike below $700... and used ones (at least at my LBS) were really old and only about $150 less than a brand new bike.

I think you can get into a Hybrid for around $400???

But if you are serious and you don't want to work twice as hard to go fast... try to get a decent road bike. I know my TREK 1000 is on sale for $550 up here. I paid $700 last October.

Also... don't forget that the gear can cost you too. Pedals... shorts.... jerseys (look on the Internet, you can get one for $30 easy), shoes... etc... etc.

I am broke myself, and I actually cleaned houses on the side for about 2 months to earn the money for my bike. Maybe you can earn some extra money somehow?

Best of luck!

OH... and at the most, I have only ridden my bike 3 times a week... due to time contraints. And I think that is just *right*... and my money was still well spent!