Newbie Intro & New Bike Help

[swanny70]

Hi Everyone!
I am a newbie to these boards and generally new to the sport of cycling. I've always biked but usually just a pleasure ride with the family.

This summer I completed two triathlons on my Fuji hybrid/comfort bike which I purchased in April of '04. This spring, I had some modifications done to my bike...thinner tires, comfy seat, extenders on my handle bars. The triathlons were fun and something I definitely want to keep up, I am registered for a duathalon in the end of September. I think I finished just fine for my first two races ever, I was thrilled with the mere fact of finishing!

2:04 min finish time for my first sprint tri of 1/3mi and swim 13 mi bike and 3 mi run.

2:20 min finish time for my second sprint tri of 1/4 swim, 23 mile bike and 3 mi run.

I know I want a new bike. I really want to improve my times, especially on the bike. On my current bike, I average about 12-14 mph. According the race results on mylast tri (sprint) my average was 15.1 mph.

I have gone to my LBS, the same place I got my bike and they will take it on a trade in. He said I can take the $50 seat off and put the original seat back on but I would keep the new tires and handle bar extenders on it as they would not be of use to me again.

I need to stay in the entry level price range. I have test rode an '07 Fuji Newest 3.0. At my LBS it is $575 and he will give me $125 for my old bike. This price is very attractive and very much in my range. As a busy mom, I really don't have a ton of time to drive all around the Twin Cities testing a bunch of bikes. I also really want to trade this one in and usually trades are only accepted at the shop of original purchase.

I guess I have one main question....will the difference in riding a road bike be very noticeable to me? I am an athletic person, I run and lift weights 4-5 times a week. I swim about 2 times a week. I am the working mom of three young kids as well as a full-time first grade teacher.

I am hoping that training, as well as the new bike will really pick up my time on the bike leg.

Advice?
Thanks,
Kim

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

....As a busy mom, I really don't have a ton of time to drive all around the Twin Cities testing a bunch of bikes. I also really want to trade this one in and usually trades are only accepted at the shop of original purchase. ...
Advice?
Thanks,
Kim

Hi Kim,
Seems to me you could sell your old bike for at least "most" of what the LBS would give you on a trade-in.
I know you feel you are too busy to go around test-riding bikes before you buy, but... think of the time (and the money) you might have to spend tweaking or swapping parts on a bike that might not fit you perfectly. Many of us spend a LOT of time trying to get hastily bought bikes to fit us just right, when perhaps we would have been better of spending a few afternoons test riding more bikes before we bought.
Just another point of view to consider....

[sundial]

I second what Lisa has said.

What you might want to consider is what you like about your current bike. Is it the geometry, the frame material, the handling? Next, determine your budget and what kind of components you would like on your bike. Research the bikes ahead of time before you go to the bike shop so that you aren't pressured to take a bike that's *a real steal*. Then contact a bike shop to see if they offer a variety of bikes from different manufacturers. Also, take your bike with you to compare the newer bike and also to have it on hand in case the bike shop will take your Fuji in on a trade or to swap out pedals and seat to test ride on the new bike.

Have a great time shopping for your bike and if you have any questions about brands or frames, please ask away. TE members are really helpful and offer excellent suggestions.

[Bad JuJu]

I second what Lisa has said.

What you might want to consider is what you like about your current bike. Is it the geometry, the frame material, the handling? Next, determine your budget and what kind of components you would like on your bike. Research the bikes ahead of time before you go to the bike shop so that you aren't pressured to take a bike that's *a real steal*. Then contact a bike shop to see if they offer a variety of bikes from different manufacturers. Also, take your bike with you to compare the newer bike and also to have it on hand in case the bike shop will take your Fuji in on a trade or to swap out pedals and seat to test ride on the new bike.

Have a great time shopping for your bike and if you have any questions about brands or frames, please ask away. TE members are really helpful and offer excellent suggestions.

+1. Do your homework so you can shop wisely and avoid the heartburn of ending up with a bike that isn't quite what you really wanted. It happens more than you'd like to think.