Quote Originally Posted by southtxrider View Post
As far as what type of riding I will do, I really don't know I hope to do long distance 40+ mile trips regularly
Southtxrider, I'm going to put a virtual $5 bill on the virtual table right here. If at this same time next year, you haven't bought yourself a road bike, well, you can put that virtual $5 bill in your virtual pocket.

A few random thoughts:

* If it's possible, do your test rides somewhere other than a small parking lot. All bikes will feel somewhat unstable when you're going in slow, tight circles.

* The price differential between road and hybrid bikes isn't necessarily huge -- you can buy an entry-level road bike for $600-$700.

* Certainly there's nothing wrong with getting a hybrid, and if I do win my bet next year, then the hybrid can become your spare "beater" or trail bike if you don't want to sell it.

* Don't buy your bike at WalMart. The cheap prices may seem attractive, but the more inexperienced and uncertain a cyclist is, the more she needs the skills of a real bike shop -- of people who can recommend appropriate bikes and set-ups, who can properly fit you to the bike, who can reliably assemble the bike, and to whom you can return if you have any problems. (A lot of bike shops will offer free or reduced maintenance services on bikes you purchase from them.)

Have fun!!