How to Choose a Bike

[iowarider]

Hi!

I just joined the forum, and I hope to learn a lot from all the other female riders here.

I am beginning my search for a new bike. While I'm not new to biking, I am new to looking for a quality bike that fits me properly. I am simply a recreational rider so I'm not looking to spend thousands or get too fancy. What I would like is a road bike, easy to figure out in terms of gears and things and affordable.

I live in Iowa so I tend to do most of my riding in the spring and summer. Most of my miles are done training for and riding RAGBRAI, the week-long ride across Iowa. I've done six, all on a mountain bike. The last two I switched to slicks instead of knobby tires (and what a difference!). Still, I know a road bike would be lighter and easier for RAGBRAI.

So, how exactly do I go about beginning my search? What bikes do some of you have that you would recommend? What sort of price range is reasonable--$500? $700? More? I would likely ride more with a better bike.

Thanks,

Angela

[kermit]

If this is an investment you are sure you are going to use then plan a budget and look at everything. Ride as many bikes as you can, even ones out of your price range to get a feel for what fits and what you like. The more you can spend the better the bike and the less likely you will be six months from now having/wanting to upgrade. I made the mistake of buying a cheap starter bike, and later buying the one that I really wanted. The cool thing about now is the new 09 bikes are coming in and you may find a great deal. Keep in mind you need a helmet, shoes, pedals, water bottles, etc. so factor that in. I personally have a carbon Specialized (roubaix comp). My husband also rides a Specialized. This is a great site to learn from as well as www.roadbikereview.com. There you can actually look up different bikes in their reviews. Good luck and keep us posted on the new ride.

[kie_fujo]

i made the mistake of getting a bike that didn't quite fit the first time and i paid for it. caused me a lot of shoulder pain. i now have a specialized dolce elite which is women specific and i love it. being short i think the women specific bike was the best choice for me. a bike is a very personal thing though.

[amy]

I did the same thing. I bought a starter bike. I loved it sooo much... for 2 whole months. Then I wanted something faster and lighter and more comfortable. I spent $500 on the starter and over 5 times that for next one. It was actually a far better bike and far more expensive bike than I had ever intended to get. I was shaking when I was paying. What am I doing? Will I ever ride this thing??? It was ultimately some of the best money I ever spent. This is not to say you have to spend this much. I happen to be a challenging fit and this is what felt good. And I was lucky to be in the position to pay for it. But if you can swing it, don't be afraid to spend a little more and get the nicer bike. You'll be grateful later.

Good luck!

[mimitabby]

You get the best bang for your bucks for buying bikes under about $1200 unless you are going custom. As bikes increase in value from there what you are paying for are GRAMS, this pedal is 20 grams lighter than that pedal, etc..

So splurge and go up a couple models from that $500 bike you're looking at. you'll not regret it.
and do it REALLY SOON prices are going up because of increased fuel and shipping costs!