2weeks strong...BUT

I've been riding for two weeks now, not everyday but at least 3-4 times a week. My shortest ride was 5.2 miles ( longest 8 miles)on a Wal-Mart special, while my hubbie was on a Trek....talk about huffing and puffing....I call myself upgrading to a GMC Denali, better, but I'm feeling I should have spent the extra money. For what? I'm not quite sure....I cringe at spending more than a 1000 for a bike and although the husband has an awesome bike he's only been in the saddle for two months....both Newbies..or a classic case of the blind leading the blind:)

Thought, recommendations, or just a hello would be awesome.

Anyway, I'm glad there is a forum for women! I'm looking forward to my new challenge in cycling...

Welcome to TE!

My question to you is: What do you want to do, and what do you want to ride on? Roads? Paved rail-trails? Unpaved paths? Do you want to do really long rides, or shorter ones to run errands? Both? At some point, would you want to race? Charity rides? Once you've got those answered in your head, then you can start looking at what kind of bike you want. (Road bike? Flat-bar road bike? Hybrid? Hard-tail mountain?) I spent $750 on my first "grown-up" bike, and I'm probably going to spend a heck of a lot more on my next one.
Since you sound like you're not quite ready to take that big a plunge (yet ;)) consider buying used. You'll get a lot more for your money that way. If you want to buy new, look at Trek and Giant, which tend to be good bang-for-buck manufacturers.
Go to a reputable bike shop, and tell them what you want to do. They'll be able to suggest specific bikes for you and let you try them out if they have one on the floor.
Bike shopping is fun. Enjoy!

Thanks Owlie...to answer your questions...I want to ride on the road, paved trails even better, but we have maybe one where I live, so it's the road..I don't want to race but would like to participate in Charity rides...I think a used bike would be great and hadn't thought about it until i joined the forum.

Just waving to say hi! Well done on starting riding again. You don't have to spend a huge amount to get a good bike. Check out some local bike shops and see which one you think is worthy of your custom.

Welcome! I've just joined recently too. There's a lot of great info to be gained from this forum, and it's nice to not deal with an over-abundance of testosterone, lol. You don't HAVE to spend over $1000 for a good bike, many are under that, even new, and will be a joy to ride after the Wallyworld one!

Welcome! I am a newbie too and I don't even have a "real" bike although I have a really nice folding bike.

I bought a used Specialized hybrid bike on craigslist for $30 and changed out the tires/seat/handlebars. The whole thing cost me about $50. I'm going to try to ride it in the winter, either outside, or if I'm too chicken, on a trainer.

Next spring, I'm going to see where I am and buy a new bike. I almost bought one recently but held back. I want to see how I do with my used bike and then decide later.

Anyway, welcome to the forum - there are some really wonderful and helpful people here and you will learn a lot!

Welcome ToshaMack,

I also vote for going with a used bike first. Once you ride for a few months and hang around here reading you will have a better idea of what you want. You'll probably be able to sell the used bike for pretty much what you bought it for. Style and kind of riding kinda evolves over time. Bike shopping can be fun especially if you already have a bike and don't feel pressured into "having" to get one.

Have fun!

I'm Zona and new to the forum also, I agree with buying a used bike first to see what you like. I started off on a Trek 1.2 that a friend gave me that his wife was afraid to ride, after 2 months of riding I was sold and bought my first
new bike in years. I have been riding my Trek 2.3 for the past 3 years and love it.
A bike you love is worth every penny, and like Bike Writer said you can probably sell the used one when you are ready to upgrade.

Zona