Pre-newbie looking for guidance!

[mooseamerica]

Hello everyone! What a great community.

I'm a half marathoner that may have to give up distance running due to some intestinal difficulties. The doc suggested I take up cycling instead, and I'm really interested. I'm 50 this year and aside from riding a mountain bike here and there, haven't ridden since I was a kid.

Any suggestions on bikes for the brand new kid? Do you buy the cheapest Giant and then upgrade later, or do you start off with something a little more techy? Since I have to buy everything, the cost is a bit scary.

I'm really interested in any newbie info, including how to learn to ride with clipless pedals and proper shifting. Do you join a group right away? Are there any old gals like me in North San Diego County? I need a buddy.

[KnottedYet]

How much do you want to spend on a bike?

What kind of riding do you want to do?

[mooseamerica]

I suppose that info would be helpful, huh?

I'm looking for a road bike. DH and I just checked out the Giant OCR 3W ($650) and the Trek 1.2 WSD ($750). I don't want to spend too much on my first bike because I don't know what kind of riding I'll be doing, how far, etc. I just want to get started!

Or do you think I would be better off with one or two levels above the basic model? What would you do in my shoes?

[KnottedYet]

I'm incredibly, horribly, indubitably biased. I'd be looking for a steel frame bike that fit perfectly in that price range (maybe used) and planning to upgrade components as my needs changed in the future.

But I like steel.

A lot.

Whatever you get, get a frame that feels wonderful to you when you ride, that feels like it's part of you, that you just can't wait to take off on. Components can be swapped later. The frame is the heart and soul of a bike, the frame is the part you can't change.

Feel the bike love, and don't be afraid to go with what (literally) moves you!

Knot-2-lugged-steel-bikes-and-2-TIG-welded-steel-bikes

(most of the steel bikes I'd recommend are in the $800-$1000 range, which might be more than you're thinking of spending. Try looking at used bikes in your area. Sometimes used can be a really good way to get started.)

[Zen]

Did you ride either of those bikes?
I have a the Pilot 1.2 and I like it a lot, but that's me.

[mooseamerica]

Did you ride either of those bikes?
I have a the Pilot 1.2 and I like it a lot, but that's me.

I did today. They seemed fairly equal. But I just rode around the parking lot to get a feel.

What steel bikes are you endorsing?

[kelownagirl]

I'm incredibly, horribly, indubitably biased. I'd be looking for a steel frame bike that fit perfectly in that price range (maybe used) and planning to upgrade components as my needs changed in the future.

But I like steel.

A lot.

Whatever you get, get a frame that feels wonderful to you when you ride, that feels like it's part of you, that you just can't wait to take off on. Components can be swapped later. The frame is the heart and soul of a bike, the frame is the part you can't change.

Feel the bike love, and don't be afraid to go with what (literally) moves you!

Knot-2-lugged-steel-bikes-and-2-TIG-welded-steel-bikes

(most of the steel bikes I'd recommend are in the $800-$1000 range, which might be more than you're thinking of spending. Try looking at used bikes in your area. Sometimes used can be a really good way to get started.)

And the rest of us drool over carbon...

[NbyNW]

I love my steel bikes -- very smooth rides, very responsive. And the chro-moly steel of today's bikes is a wonderful material. Steel does not necessarily mean heavy!

Never been on a carbon bike but I'm sure there's a reason why people love it, too -- it probably just comes down to personal preference.

Try out lots of bikes and don't let anyone rush you into a decision.

Good luck and have fun!

[OakLeaf]

And the rest of us drool over carbon...

Except for us crash-prone riders of carbon frames, who drool over titanium

Here we go spending someone else's money over their budget again

[Ana]

I would test ride everything in your price range that you would consider purchasing (hybrids, flat bar road bikes, road bikes with drops)!!! Personally, I like to keep a chart with the bikes that I have my eye on and then I can add ones that the bike shop points out and record the price, components, what I thought about it, etc.

Ride to your hearts content at different stores in different sizes (keep in mind that most people fit 2 sizes--which is usually comes down to a fit preference) and chances are you will know which one you want!

Also, keep your eye out for a friendly bike store you like with staff that are friendly and willing to help you try all these bikes! They should be able to ask you about your riding style, your goals, etc to make some good suggestions about the kinds of bikes that would best serve you. One of the worst things is having to buy a bike from a store with unhelpful people because a lot of shops offer you free tune ups if you purchase your bike at their store so you're most likely to return So pick a place that seems professional that you would trust to work on your bike and are not only friendly but also willing to accommodate your desires as a customer!

One way to tell is if they offer to adjust the seatpost height for you when you test ride (if they don't offer, ask them so you can get the most accurate approximate fit when you test ride)! They should also be able to tell you something about the fit of the bike when they see you on it (too small, too cramped, not enough standover, etc).

OMG, this makes me want to go bike shopping