Quote Originally Posted by seychelle View Post
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 ?
Hi seychelle,

The PF did resolve after about 18 months... this was in 2002, 2003.
Long test rides: The bike shops I have visited allow you to do this for free leaving your ID at their counter. I suppose some may want to put a hold on a credit card, but I have never encountered this. Once they have your ID, they can point you to a suitable route where you can ride and test how the bike feels and handles: turns, accelerating, stopping, bumps, standing, etc. Some stuff becomes obvious only in longer rides.

Saddles: There could be books about this issue and the issue of bike shorts. The best saddle is the one that makes you comfortable (many people hate the saddles I use, but they work for me). The stock saddles that come with most bikes are not too comfortable, some are men specific designs. So, once you find a bike you like, have a women specific saddle put on and test ride it again. Keep in mind that if you are not used to riding, the first few significant rides (1 hour or more) you are going to be feel sore.

Materials: I don't believe you will get a great range of choices in the $500 neighborhood, either aluminum or steel. If you move up market, then you start seeing some carbon. For example, the Specialized Sirrus Sport has carbon in the seat stays and the fork, with their "zerts" inserts which are supposed to dampen vibration even further. Anyway, I have an aluminum road bike that was $550 and the vibration from the road kills my hands on long rides (more than 5 hours, as when I did a 100 mile ride). Steel vibrates less (aluminum would be stiffer), but can rust. Carbon can shatter when hit, titanium is very expensive.

I would stay away from suspension forks -- they add weight and they noticeably slow you down on the road... but your can test ride this hypothesis!

Isn't it fun to shop for a bike?