Another Newbie

[pll]

I have been there, too. I started to ride to work due because it was less painful than walking (plantar fasciitis) and went with a cheap bike, with the additional consideration that I wanted to have peace of mind while I sat at work and the bike was locked outside the building.

If I was to buy a hybrid or similar for longer rides, I would take a good look at the Specialized "Sirrus" and the Fuji "Absolute" ones. And if you can find a 2005 Bianchi Alfana (no longer in the 2006 Bianchi line up), that is just a beauty. Anyway, all of these have nice components (definitely much nicer than the Trek 7000), and they are more like road bikes with a flat handle bar, skinnier tires.

I have never paid attention to prices after Thanksgiving, but the 2006 models should be on sale whenever the 2007 roll into the store and November is the month when they do.

Have your bike shop fit you to the bike. Make sure your wrists are in a neutral position when you are on the bike to avoid pain in your hands in longer rides: stems can be changed, handlebars shortened, etc. Also, you should also try bikes on a longer ride (20-30 minutes)...

Good luck in your bike shopping.

[CyclChyk]

Any bike you start out with will probably be just fine. At that price range they will be pretty comparable in components and performance. Trek has a great reputation and following. My DH has 2 (a mtn and a road) and loves both. I myself have a Bianchi. The brand name is purely personal preference.....

Above all else make sure your LBS fits you to the bike you end up buying. Read up on bike fitting on the web so you know you are getting the proper treatment. My first fit was no where near as in depth as my second fit and I could definately tell the difference. (My first bike was a Giant; it was a little oversized for me). And in the event you have any discomfort or pain from the fit, or even if anything feels a little "off", go back to your LBS for a consult or adjustment. These little details will make a huge difference in your sticking with cycling.....

Then of course, there will be the dreaded SADDLE issue........

[suzieqtwa]

I too am an injured runner. I destroyed my ankle this year training for the Marathon. I only biked when I was 10 or so ,and really had no interest in it ,but I needed to do something ,so my husband bought us both hybrids. I got a Gary Fisher,about $420.00. I didn't know how to ride it ,and I was so frustrated. I thought all my past running would help me ,but it didn't. It took me about 3 weeks of 10 minute-20 minute rides ,up hills to get hooked. I realized I could go pretty far ,and it was fun. I did a 46 mile ride in October. Someone stole my bike about a month ago ,and I started riding my husbands TREK 7.2 FX. I didn't realize how much better it was than mine...very smooth gear changes ,and just a real nice bike. Its a bit big for me ,but my new TREK 2.1 WSD is in lay away now . Anyway ,in answer to your question ,I'm quite pleased with the 7.2. I think its perfect for trails ,and roads. Good luck......... Start with a Hybrid,the TREK is a great bike. Oh, I think they have spring sales ,but not Thanksgiving sales.
Suzie

[KSH]

Well, I don't really have any opinions on hybrid bikes. I started on a road bike and recently purchased a tri bike.

I am not sure about hybrids... but I always WISH someone had told me about the quality of the gearing on the bike I was buying.

If you can get Shimano 105's... try to. Gears that shift easily will make your life easier and your bike more enjoyable to ride.

Good luck and welcome to the world of cycling!

[KnottedYet]

I have a Kona Dew for my hybrid commuter, and I'm pretty darn happy with it. It's aluminum (ouch!) so I don't have to worry about it rusting here in the Seattle rain.

An added benefit is that it has a slanting top tube, so shorter folks (like my kid or short visitors) can lower the seat waaaaay down and go for a ride with me.

The geometry of the Dew is good for me. Kind of a cyclocross geometry. I found the Trek hybrid geometry to be awkward, but I loved my Trek 570 "Fast Track".

I would definitely try a couple different brands in your price range. They will feel different, and when you find a geometry that suits your riding style and body mechanics it will feel really amazing, like "HEY! THIS IS MY BIKE!!!"

[Trek420]

KnottedYet "I would definitely try a couple different brands in your price range. They will feel different, and when you find a geometry that suits your riding style and body mechanics it will feel really amazing, like "HEY! THIS IS MY BIKE!!!""

yes, it's kinda like dating in that way

Also there is no particular "season" on bikes, the deals are on service and sometimes equipment. Often when buying bikes shops will give you $___ amount off on stuff and service.

But I always say you are shopping for two things:

the frame, because you are stuck with that. When trying bikes if you get a chance to try the next model up...go for it. That will give you an idea of what you could do later on with upgrades such as better wheels etc. (good threads here somewhere about upgrading entry level bikes)

the shop, I loooove my shop and my mechanics. Good service will save you time and money. So if one shop just "feels" better...go there.

[seychelle]

Thanks for the replies everyone !

Also, you should also try bikes on a longer ride (20-30 minutes)...

pll, do they rent them out at the bike shop ? I doubt they would let me use it on loan, right ?

I'm sorry about your PF. Has it resolved ?

Above all else make sure your LBS fits you to the bike you end up buying. Read up on bike fitting on the web so you know you are getting the proper treatment. My first fit was no where near as in depth as my second fit and I could definately tell the difference. (My first bike was a Giant; it was a little oversized for me). And in the event you have any discomfort or pain from the fit, or even if anything feels a little "off", go back to your LBS for a consult or adjustment. These little details will make a huge difference in your sticking with cycling.....

Then of course, there will be the dreaded SADDLE issue........

I've been reading, but I'm still relatively clueless ! As far as the saddle issue, you mean to tell me that my natural padding will not help here either ?!

I too am an injured runner. I destroyed my ankle this year training for the Marathon. Someone stole my bike about a month ago ,and I started riding my husbands TREK 7.2 FX. I didn't realize how much better it was than mine...very smooth gear changes ,and just a real nice bike. Its a bit big for me ,but my new TREK 2.1 WSD is in lay away now . Anyway ,in answer to your question ,I'm quite pleased with the 7.2. I think its perfect for trails ,and roads.

I'm so sorry Suzie ! will you be able to run again (or do you have any desire to) ? I am 5'2". When I tried the 7.2 FX it seemed fine, but I don't know what to compare it to so any bike feels fine for a ride around the parking lot.

Well, I am not sure about hybrids... but I always WISH someone had told me about the quality of the gearing on the bike I was buying.
If you can get Shimano 105's... try to. Gears that shift easily will make your life easier and your bike more enjoyable to ride.

Good luck and welcome to the world of cycling!

Thanks for the tip and the welcome !

I have a Kona Dew for my hybrid commuter, and I'm pretty darn happy with it. It's aluminum (ouch!) so I don't have to worry about it rusting here in the Seattle rain.

I would definitely try a couple different brands in your price range. They will feel different, and when you find a geometry that suits your riding style and body mechanics it will feel really amazing, like "HEY! THIS IS MY BIKE!!!"

I'll keep that in mind. I'm in Florida so rain and humidity are a constant here too. I'll have to see if any of the LBS carry it.

The geometry/bdoy mechanics makes total sense when I equate it to the right running shoe. Definitely something to keep in mind.

But I always say you are shopping for two things:

the frame, because you are stuck with that. When trying bikes if you get a chance to try the next model up...go for it. That will give you an idea of what you could do later on with upgrades such as better wheels etc. (good threads here somewhere about upgrading entry level bikes)

the shop, I loooove my shop and my mechanics. Good service will save you time and money. So if one shop just "feels" better...go there.

Thanks. I do have a preference for bike shops already believe it or not and I happen to like the one closer to my house (smaller shop) better than the big bicycle shop in town. Maybe it was because one of the owners is a female and she was very helpful when I went in.

What are the essentials that I must look for in a bike frame ? material it's made from, weight ... ?

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate yout help !