Rode my first road bike today

[tjf9]

I have officially begun bike shopping today. I've been browsing and researching, but I had never actually taken a road bike out for a ride. I finally found the time today.

The guy at the LBS was very helpful. After telling him that I wanted a road bike that I could also ride to work, he had me try out a Specialized Sequoia and a Cannondale Synapse. The Specialized was ok, but the components were lower end, so I didn't love that one. The Cannondale just didn't fit right. I tried an XS and a S and I seemed to be in between sizes. The nice LBS guy offer to switch out the stem and see if that helped, but I didn't really have time for that today. I also asked to try the Specialized Dolce Elite. That seemed to fit me waaaaay better, but there's really no room for fenders or a rack. Not a practical option for me.

So no love affairs today. Oh well, I guess I'll need to go ride more bikes.

[KnottedYet]

<subliminal message>

Surly....... Cross........ Check......

Jamis...... Aurora.......

fenders AND rack

road AND trails

<end subliminal message>

[Kalidurga]

<subliminal message>

Surly....... Cross........ Check......

Jamis...... Aurora.......

fenders AND rack

road AND trails

<end subliminal message>

Bah. If you want all that stuff but like Specialized, check out the TriCross. There are three versions (Sport, Comp & Expert) with different levels of components.

(Sorry, Knot... )

[farrellcollie]

Jamis quest wsd might be a bike to try

[tjf9]

The Jamis Quest looks awesome! I just emailed a local shop to see if they have one/would order one for me to try. I actually popped in there last weekend and they had an Aurora - but only in a 57. According to the guy at the shop, they are a hot bike.

Knot - Rack *and* fenders - that's what I meant. I live in rainy Oregon, so fenders are not even a question! The Cross Check seems like it may be too long for me. I think I might be one of thoe women for whom WSD's were made. Proportionally, my legs are definitely long relative to my torso. If I can find one here in town to ride, I'll still give it a try though. It's too early in the process for me to rule anything out.

Thanks for the advice ladies!

[tjf9]

Test ride number two. Ended up at the Trek dealer this time (stopped by there on a whim). Tried the Pilot 5.0 (all carbon - sweet!) and the 1600 (aluminium/carbon - nice, but not as nice as carbon). The gal is also getting a 5000 for me to try. The Pilots are a bit more upright than the 1600/5000, but other than that felt very similar, geometry-wise. All were WSD and felt very comfortable.

I'm not buying anything though 'til I try some steel. I'm really leaning toward the stronger material since I'm pulling a trailer on the weekends with 70 pounds of kids and I'll probably move to a trail-a-bike when the kids get older. The carbon is tempting though!

[outdoor girl]

Hi All,
Just joined TE today. I've been checking in over the past 2 weeks trying to get some info on how to get started. It seems overwhelming sometimes when you first start getting into this!! Y'all have definitely been helpful and have great tips.
Went to the LBS today and got the itch for a bike today, but instead I came back home to check out some more info. I'm glad I did. I was looking at the Cannondale and the Specialized too. I'm glad I checked back, hadn't heard of the Jamis but will check this one........
Can't wait to really get started. I know I'll have more questions as I go