oh baby, I got me a new shiny bike!

[mayqueen]

Okay, so my final choice was.... The DASH 2 by Giant! Did multiple test rides on different flat bar road bikes, but this one was it! Had a big grin on face riding it all the way home. Funny though, I gave myself a budget of 1100 bucks, I couldve got the DASH 1, but I just didn't like the color! Doesn't that sound completely silly? Sure it had a better DT and came with CL pedals, but I just couldn't get past the ugly blue. Oh well, I'm quirky like that. Anyway thanks all for the FB road bike suggestions, I visited about 6 shops to find most of them. I can say, I am thoroughly satisfied!

[Tri Girl]

It's all about the color! CONGRATS!!!

pictures??

[Zen]

Looks similar to the Trek FX6 but for the adjustable stem.

[Yelsel]

Looks similar to the Trek FX6 but for the adjustable stem.

The Trek FX series is more like a hybrid crossed with a road bike. It is very sporty for a hybrid, but has a much lower standover, more relaxed fork angle, and longer chainstay -- and the wheelbase is a couple inches longer. This gives more stability and easier steering control. The Giant Dash 1 is more like a road bike with flat bars, with a sportier geometry. The FX1 and FX2 are the sportiest bikes at their pricepoint, where they are competing with straight hybrids and townie bikes... but at $900-$1200 there are a lot more options, and you have to really want a "stabilized roadbike / sporty hybrid."

And more to the point -- congrats on finding your first love! Have fun decking her (and you) out with the money you just saved.

[papaver]

Pics pics pics!!! So we can drool too.

[buffybike]

My husband is looking at the Dash3 and I've got the Avail3 (the women's specific Dash). I'm happy with mine except for a few issues with the shifters. My LBS assures me that I'm just "breaking in" the chain and it's normal.
And "color" was important to me, too. I had the bike shop change my handlebar tape from white to black to 'toughen it up' a bit!

[runningteach]

Congratulations on the bike!

[Owlie]

My husband is looking at the Dash3 and I've got the Avail3 (the women's specific Dash). I'm happy with mine except for a few issues with the shifters. My LBS assures me that I'm just "breaking in" the chain and it's normal.
And "color" was important to me, too. I had the bike shop change my handlebar tape from white to black to 'toughen it up' a bit!

I think the Avail 3's the women-specific Defy 3. The Dash seems to be the women-specific Rapid. But, what do I know? *shrugs*

I like the green, much nicer than the weird yellow on the 3. (I hate yellow. But that's just me.) My LBS' website doesn't have the Dash 1 up yet. Congrats on the new bike, and have fun!

[mayqueen]

thank you all for the congrats. took it out for a long ride and i was smiling all the way, until the bugs got in my teeth. Ive learned that you probably shouldn't have the mouth gaping while riding! No pic sorry, my camera is broke and i can seem to find one of good size on google.. BUT when i do, i will make sure to post.

May

[e.e.cummings]

Congrats on the new wheels - I just bought my Giant Avail this year and I love it (see pic to the left). Ride on!

[Tuckervill]

thank you all for the congrats. took it out for a long ride and i was smiling all the way, until the bugs got in my teeth. Ive learned that you probably shouldn't have the mouth gaping while riding! No pic sorry, my camera is broke and i can seem to find one of good size on google.. BUT when i do, i will make sure to post.

May

Reminds me of my youngest child when he was a baby and we took him swimming for the first time. He was having such a good time, smiling so much, kept getting water in his mouth...which of course choked him a little and made him mad but he kept on smiling!

Karen

[buffybike]

I think the Avail 3's the women-specific Defy 3. The Dash seems to be the women-specific Rapid. But, what do I know? *shrugs*

I like the green, much nicer than the weird yellow on the 3. (I hate yellow. But that's just me.) My LBS' website doesn't have the Dash 1 up yet. Congrats on the new bike, and have fun!

You're right! I meant "Defy"...my bad.

[bmccasland]

Another bike found a new home! Congradulations! May you have many happy miles together!