very new at this and LOVE it!!

[j.nurse63]

Test ride different bikes. Even if you really really like one, you will get useful stuff out of other test rides. My last batch meant I got to try every major handlebar style out there, a Brooks, almost every standard wheel size (missed 16" and the various sizes of 650x). It was a lot of fun, and very useful. I took fliers on all kinds of stuff that I didn't expect to like. Turns out I don't particularly like brifters but a lot of other stuff was fun.

I also learned that I can peg a basically good fit on a very short test ride. I can't always verbalize what's wrong, but if it's bad, I won't feel right.

Thanks Torrilin...

OK...getting back into this alone can be SCAREY!! I feel like I will never know what is the best fit...the right bike...saddle, shorts...I have never done this before! I have tested the Specialized but now know I need a much longer ride to feel the bike. I keep reading the posts...looking on line...knowing that I have a $1000.00 budget. And of course...I keep riding.

Can anyone help me to narrow the search for the best entry level bike? I typically ride 60-80 mi/ week. I would LOVE the social aspect of group rides/charity rides. (frankly, I need to discover the friendships out there...long marriage, divorce 2 years ago and now empty nesting of my wonderful boys!! YIKES...I am alone!)
But I love riding...just getting lost out there. And as I mentioned...finding the dairy farms for ice cream is a real treat!

Any help would be appreciated. Too many items on the menu for me.

thanks!!