Greetings! I've just gotten back into the life physical after many years mostly chained to a desk, and am in need of advice. In addition to working with a trainer, I've been riding my bike (a '99 Giant Cypress) a lot -- and I love it just as much as I did when I was a kid. I'm 5'6" and 225 lbs, though working on losing about 10 lbs a month until I hit my fighting weight of 165.

After a not-too-successful attempt to do a 25-mile ride with a lot of climbing yesterday, I came to the conclusion that I need a road bike. Nothing flashy, mind you, and nothing over $800. I do prefer a WSD, since I have short little arms and tiny spade-like hands.

As for goals, I'll be doing a metric-half century next month, a metric century in the spring, and a couple of multi-day rides next summer (if not sooner). So I need a bike that can stand up to the training I'll require to meet those goals, while not making me feel like a total slug.

I did some looking online and found the Motobecane Gigi -- it really looks like a great deal through Bikesdirect.com -- but I'm a little leery of buying one online. (The fact that it's pink does factor in highly on the plus side! ) Any suggestions you can provide will be gratefully considered!

Rubi