First Bike, any thoughts?

[Jenn]

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I'm new to biking. My husband bought a Trek 1000 and I've been riding his on the weekends. I spin everyday during the week at home on a LeMond but really enjoy riding outside when I don't have the baby.
We have been looking into getting myself a bike as I am sick of having to ride my husbands. He swears that I need to get the same bike as his, but I don't know if that is what I want and if that is what is best for me. I beleive there is another version of his bike that is more geared towards women but I don't know. I've been reading tons of reviews and looking at different bikes but just am unsure. The people at several of the bike shops here are quite arrogant and rude so I don't know what to do. Any suggestions for a beginner bike that any of you prefer?
Thanks
Jenn

[IFjane]

Jenn - pick up a copy of the Bicycling Magazine Buyer's Guide. I just got mine in the mail and it has a selection of entry-level bikes along with women's specific designs that you could research. If nothing else, it might give you something to look for when you go shopping.

As for the rude LBS's....Keep looking for a NICE shop!

[missymaya]

Hey Jenn,
Glad to hear your getting into the sport! I would suggest getting fit for a bike as well. By getting fit for a bike, it might help you make choices on the bike that's most appropriate for you.
As for the arrogant LBS, well just ignore them. The same thing happens to me and my BF and I just go on my way, getting what I need without their hoighty toighty attitudes

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Jenn,
Many women have shorter reach than men and will not be comfortable going long hours on a bike designed for a man, like your husband's (DearHusband's, DH's) bike. You might want to try test riding some women-specific bikes at any bike shop near you. Forget whether they are courteous or not- just go in and test ride their bikes anyway it will help you decide what you need. You don't need to buy the bikes, just try them out. It's almost impossible to know which type of bike will be great unless you have ridden others to compare it with.
Just because your dh's bike is a perfect fit for him doesn't necessarily mean that type of bike will be a perfect fit for you- your proportions are DIFFERENT- he doesn't know what it feels like to be in your body on a bike. Try some bikes out, riding around and around the block at nearby bike shops.

[LBTC]

Welcome to a great sport and a fabulous forum, Jenn!

Like the other girls have said - a properly fitting bike is the most important thing. If it fits well, it feels good and if it feels good, you will ride it! Hopefully you can find a bike shop (BS) with a good attitude, but if not, as the girls say, ignore the way they act and test ride lots of bikes. You want to feel the difference in real life before making the purchase. Look at lots of brands and lots of styles and when you figure out the dimensions (or if you can have a professional tell you which dimensions to look for after a proper bike fitting), you can narrow down your choices...then you can look at things like which BS you want to deal with and choose the brand that way, or you can make your choice based on the best components for the money, or even use colour as your deciding factor.

Fit first. The rest will come.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Jenn]

Thank you all so much! I'm so happy to have found this forum! There is sooo much wonderful information here!
We get the cycling magazine and I looked through all the reveiws and there are some that I like and want to go try and ride. Being a stay at home mom with a 1 year old on military pay, my budget is somewhat limited so that narrows the margin in a BIG way. Not to mention, everything else I have to get. I was pretty big into mountain biking in my single younger days but I definately enjoy road biking more now. Until I find one, I'll just keep spinning, which I like but it's better to be outside.
Thank you all again for the advice, we are going to go to some different shops this weekend, maybe we'll get some better sales people. That is what they are there for right?? To SELL not to chase off...
Thanks again!
Jenn

[KSH]

I rode a Trek 1000, 50 CM, for 2 years just fine. Many of my rides were an average of 40-60 miles.

I am 5'4" with a long torso and short legs.

It's a good solid bike, and just because you are a women does't mean you necessarily need a WSD bike.

I recently bought (well, got it as a gift) a Specialized Tarmac Expert, 49 CM. Fits me just fine too.

[nic840]

I can relate to you with bike shops who are rude and unhelpful...Do they want my money or what? Having worked in sports retail I just don't understand... you are going to drop a good amount of cash to start with and then all the future purchases... Don't you want me back?!!? I felt so small when I walked out of there...but I digress...
Having recently purchased my first roadbike I have a few suggestions about doing it on the cheaper side.
(Mind you I love my bike-oh and its not a WSD bike)
Do your research. Test ride at local bike shops, have them fit you on different bikes and ride them. Go home and think about what you liked and didn't like. Get all the info that you can squeak out of them.
Go to a different bike shop and test ride a few more makes... then look for something used.
It sounds like you are not in that great of a hurry so you can spend some time researching it. This forum has been really helpful.
Craigslist has some great used bikes or contact some local clubs to see if anyone has something they are selling in the make and size you like.
Good luck and enjoy it! My bike is my new best friend! -Nic

[lacyliz]

Welcome to the forum! It's fantastic - everyone here is so helpful.

I was in your situation about a year ago- now I'm on my 3-rd bike and I'm beyond hooked.

I agree with all the other commments about fit - it's important. I would definitely check out Giant's OCR3 for Women- They always get great marks from Bicycling Mag and others - and at 650.00 new, it's a really good price for the bike and components - comes with a Shimano triple (12-27 cassette good for climbing hills), women specific geometry, etc. They tend to be pretty comfy - the tires are standards at 700x26 - which are substantial for a road bike (that might be good for you if you every ride on dirt roads or are used to a rougher road - it also helps with beginning stability).

I also highly recommend Bicycling Mag's Book- New Cycling Handbook- the first chapter is about types of bikes/riding, has a very understandable chapter on fit and things you need to know about bikes and riding. I bought it when I first got in to cycling and it has been extremely helpful. Took some of the mystery out of shopping for a bike - and helped me deal with Bike Shops. Though, I have to say, my LBS guys are great- they really help me and didn't treat me like a second class citizen when I was brand new. I know you'll find a shop or a person who will help without the tude.

Let us know how you do- Good Luck- No joy like being out on the road...

[logdiva32]

I am new to road riding also, about 9 months now. The thing I've learned is measurements and recommendations are great, but take what is comfortable for you. I am riding a 50cm Novara carema pro '06, and I love it. LBS (Local Bike Shop) says it is too big. But I don't, they are all men. I have long legs 31" inseam and need the longer frame, but have a short torso, so had to go WSD (women specific design). So take your time.
BTW: I am military,also, yes my paycheck is meeger, LOL.

[logdiva32]

man, spin everyday. One tough chica..

[Kitsune06]

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I'm new to biking. My husband bought a Trek 1000 and I've been riding his on the weekends. I spin everyday during the week at home on a LeMond but really enjoy riding outside when I don't have the baby.
We have been looking into getting myself a bike as I am sick of having to ride my husbands. He swears that I need to get the same bike as his, but I don't know if that is what I want and if that is what is best for me. I beleive there is another version of his bike that is more geared towards women but I don't know. I've been reading tons of reviews and looking at different bikes but just am unsure. The people at several of the bike shops here are quite arrogant and rude so I don't know what to do. Any suggestions for a beginner bike that any of you prefer?
Thanks
Jenn

People will give me crap for saying this, but I strongly suggest you get an entry level bike. Not the best, not the lightest, etc etc.

The gearing and weight will be a challenge at first, but once you get fast and comfortable enough with it, to where you can justify spending the obscene amounts some people here do (i.e. if you ever want to race etc) you will just *fly*. ...but I think light and fast can be a real limitation, to a degree.

Find something that fits you comfortably- get fitted and I strongly suggest you check out something that can be upgraded. Cyclocross bikes can be outfitted with fenders etc, be good all-around bikes, commuters, workhorses, etc. When starting, go all-purpose. As you develop, seek specialized builds to fit your desires.

best of luck to you

[mimitabby]

People will give me crap for saying this, but I strongly suggest you get an entry level bike. Not the best, not the lightest, etc etc.

The gearing and weight will be a challenge at first, but once you get fast and comfortable enough with it, to where you can justify spending the obscene amounts some people here do (i.e. if you ever want to race etc) you will just *fly*. ...but I think light and fast can be a real limitation, to a degree.

Find something that fits you comfortably- get fitted and I strongly suggest you check out something that can be upgraded. Cyclocross bikes can be outfitted with fenders etc, be good all-around bikes, commuters, workhorses, etc. When starting, go all-purpose. As you develop, seek specialized builds to fit your desires.

best of luck to you

I agree with you Kit.. used bikes are a good idea too, if you can find one that fits you!

[SouthernBelle]

I started out with a used bike and I'm glad I did. It helped me decide what was important to me.

[Bluetree]

+3

I have an entry level bike and am outgrowing it, but now I know what I want in a high-end bike and I'm in a more comfortable frame of mind to shell out k's of $$$$.

Plus, I've learned to ride on lower end components, so I can appreciate the better ones; I've fallen/crashed and banged up my frame and not fretted about it; I learned a lot on it (still am learning). Overall, an entry level bike was a good ROI for me.

Good luck!