Another Newbie

[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 !