Quote Originally Posted by tulip View Post
Get a bike that is comfortable and don't worry about the geometry ("aggressive" or whatever). You will be the fastest and strongest rider you can be if your bike fits YOU properly.

Exactly. I'm old and slow and I ride a race geometry. Why? Because I love the feel and I love the idea of my go-fast machine. Yes, the handlebars are closer to level with the saddle than 4 inches below (again, I'm old), but I love the feel of a bike that responds when I kick (the opposite feeling of your #4). It is like being a kid again.

Do I get poked fun of? All the time, but age has taught me to ignore (and chuckle at) the youngin's who are clearly jealous that the old, slow lady has a screaming race machine that she toodles along on.

Try the bikes and get what feels right. But, remember, when you whittle it down to the final one or two, take the bike out for a long ride over varied terrain. What feels good on a 2 mile ride might have kinks on 20.