First Bike, any thoughts?

[nic840]

I can relate to you with bike shops who are rude and unhelpful...Do they want my money or what? Having worked in sports retail I just don't understand... you are going to drop a good amount of cash to start with and then all the future purchases... Don't you want me back?!!? I felt so small when I walked out of there...but I digress...
Having recently purchased my first roadbike I have a few suggestions about doing it on the cheaper side.
(Mind you I love my bike-oh and its not a WSD bike)
Do your research. Test ride at local bike shops, have them fit you on different bikes and ride them. Go home and think about what you liked and didn't like. Get all the info that you can squeak out of them.
Go to a different bike shop and test ride a few more makes... then look for something used.
It sounds like you are not in that great of a hurry so you can spend some time researching it. This forum has been really helpful.
Craigslist has some great used bikes or contact some local clubs to see if anyone has something they are selling in the make and size you like.
Good luck and enjoy it! My bike is my new best friend! -Nic

[lacyliz]

Welcome to the forum! It's fantastic - everyone here is so helpful.

I was in your situation about a year ago- now I'm on my 3-rd bike and I'm beyond hooked.

I agree with all the other commments about fit - it's important. I would definitely check out Giant's OCR3 for Women- They always get great marks from Bicycling Mag and others - and at 650.00 new, it's a really good price for the bike and components - comes with a Shimano triple (12-27 cassette good for climbing hills), women specific geometry, etc. They tend to be pretty comfy - the tires are standards at 700x26 - which are substantial for a road bike (that might be good for you if you every ride on dirt roads or are used to a rougher road - it also helps with beginning stability).

I also highly recommend Bicycling Mag's Book- New Cycling Handbook- the first chapter is about types of bikes/riding, has a very understandable chapter on fit and things you need to know about bikes and riding. I bought it when I first got in to cycling and it has been extremely helpful. Took some of the mystery out of shopping for a bike - and helped me deal with Bike Shops. Though, I have to say, my LBS guys are great- they really help me and didn't treat me like a second class citizen when I was brand new. I know you'll find a shop or a person who will help without the tude.

Let us know how you do- Good Luck- No joy like being out on the road...

[logdiva32]

I am new to road riding also, about 9 months now. The thing I've learned is measurements and recommendations are great, but take what is comfortable for you. I am riding a 50cm Novara carema pro '06, and I love it. LBS (Local Bike Shop) says it is too big. But I don't, they are all men. I have long legs 31" inseam and need the longer frame, but have a short torso, so had to go WSD (women specific design). So take your time.
BTW: I am military,also, yes my paycheck is meeger, LOL.

[logdiva32]

man, spin everyday. One tough chica..

[Brandi]

My first REAL bike ended up being my first bike for only 2 years. I didn't get fitted properly and had a lot of problems. Aches and pains but I loved it so Much I indured the pains. My husband wanted to build he's first bike and decided I earned it. I can"t believe the difference. I should have really done my homework. And i would test drive !
Your husbands bike might be wonderful for him but there might be something even more wonderful for you.

[Jenn]

My only other question was regarding my size, now that you mention your long legs! I'm not a small woman, I'm battling a thyroid problem that my endocrinologist is trying to figure out and no matter how hard or how much I work out I cannot lose any weight. I spin everyday in hopes it will do something and the scale has not budged (it's soo aggrivating) Anybody else would have dropped a ton of weight by now. Having my daughter ruined my body!
Anyway...sorry to get off the subject. Because of this I'm about 5'7" and am a size 14, not chubby though, I'm just thick. Anyway, because I'm larger I don't know if a man's bike is going to fit me better?

[nic840]

It all depends on the models. When I went to the LBS to testride I automatically felt too compact on the women's bikes. I am 5'5", 160 athletic build, size 10/12. As soon as I got on the men's bike it just felt right. I think I liked the stretched out postition a little more.
A girlfriend of mine is the same height and I always thought we were pretty similar in proportion...got on her bike a Specialized Ruby and it was amazing how much different we were. I felt so squished up and short. Her frame size was smaller because her legs are shorter...who would of guessed just looking at us. (my friend and I both have two kids under 3...so that baby fat is still there too...Ugh!)
She loves her bike and I love mine... It all depends on preference and positioning. THis is why test riding is sooooo important!!!!
I ended up purchasing a '06 Trek 2100 on sale and I love it.

Good luck with the Thyroid issues... keep on that endocrinologist. I had pituitary issues in college, I understand the hormone battles!