afraid to pull trigger :(

[flgirl107]

Getting ready but not sure of which direction to go in. I've decided I would like a bike but not sure of getting a road bike or a fitness bike. I first started thinking fitness (Trek 7.3FX) but have noticed that most start this way but end up getting or wanting a roadie...I hate to spend the money since I've already went from looking at the 7.2fx to now the 7.3fx! at the price of a new Trek, I could probably get an entry level road bike...

any opinions or experiences are greatly appreciated...(the last time I bought a new bike was back in the late 70's and it was a 10sp Raleigh)

Thanks

[warneral]

I would agree that it seems people "outgrow" the finess/flat bar road bike quickly. It really isn't that much trickier to get used to the drop bars. I honestly rarely use the drops and keep my hands on the hoods or top of the bar.

I actually got a road bike and went clipless at the same time which really wasn't too smart But I did get a used road bike to start which made me feel a little better when I would fall over and scratch it!

[indysteel]

How do you intend to use the bike?

I preface what I'm about to say with the caveat that there are a number of very happy FX riders on TE who have not "outgrown" their bikes. There is nothing inherently limiting about a bike like the FX.

That said, I'm one who quickly went from the FX to a road bike. It took all of about two months if memory serves. Once I got my road bike, I never rode the FX again. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a fine bike. I just like my roadie that much more. I'd emphasize, though, that my roadie fits me and has a comfy ride. That's the key to the comparison.

[7rider]

Where would you be riding?
Would you be riding alone, or do you have a group of friends with whom you'd be riding? Do you have a group who's already committed to riding, and you'd be joining them?
Are you thinking speed? Any aspirations to race or ride distances, or would you just be noodling along a bike/multi-use path? Do you want to ride for fitness or errands?
Do you have any physical ailments or assorted aches and pains which might make the position of a road bike painful or uncomfortable?
Do you have a bike shop nearby with a few bikes in stock that you can take and try out (for more than a ride around the parking lot)?
Lastly, do you have the means (space and financial) to change your mind in several months and get a second bike, if the first one doesn't suit your style? (You'll note that many of us here have more than one bike, as sometimes, one just doesn't meet all of our cycling habits).

These are some things that you may want to consider in your search.....

[Roadtrip]

I started out on a Cruiser style (Trek Pure Sport 21sp) bike and now I am a happy owner of a FX 7.3 that I bought only a few months after outgrowing my first bike.

I do have back issues, so for me a road bike is likely out, but I'd test ride both and see what you like better if you don't have any limitations. I actually bought the FX used and saved about 50% on new bike prices and yea, it had a few scratches, but I am likely to have scratched it at some point and I placed a few stickers where the scratches were. I'd likely do it the same way again as for me (learned to ride @ 35 y/o and the Trek Pure was my first EVER bike) I needed that starter (slow/forgiving) bike to gain confidence on before stepping up to the FX.

I'm happy and surprised myself how quickly I've come to enjoy riding the FX... who KNOWS if I'll someday find myself oggling the roadies at the LBS... but for now I'm happy!!

Shannon

[Cataboo]

Try getting a used one - you can prob sell it for about what you paid if you end up outgrowing it.

[flgirl107]

used probably is the way to go but doesn't everyone say you should be fitted. Right now, the only thing I do know is that when I test rode the Trek 7.2fx that the 17 was a much more comfortable ride for me than the 15. I felt jammed...

I've looked on Craig's List...but you really need to know what you're looking for and what size...(I would say)

Can anyone offer advice on what size roadie to look for? I'm 5'3...

I will say that it seems like the Northeast has more of a used community selling bikes than in the South? Got to be population...and the bigger push to get people out of cars and on bikes...

Thanks for all the responses...I will have to take a roadie out too before I commit.

Warneral: good advice
Indysteel: not sure yet...don't have a bike yet to know. But from what I hear the 7.3fx cannot do trails where I'm located...too sandy. so sounds like road only.
7rider: pretty much road
not sure of group but sounds fun
speed is always good. I do have a competitive edge and may want
to try maybe a duathalon or try distance.
no injury to speak of, except when I run too much
I do see myself with more than one bike in my future but I would like to be satisfied for at least a yr or two before getting my second...
Roadtrip:my lbs said he thought I would be happy for what I want to do...with the 7.3fx

typical Libra...weigh things out forever...(instead of make a darn decision and sticking with it)...lol