First Bike, any thoughts?

[SouthernBelle]

I started out with a used bike and I'm glad I did. It helped me decide what was important to me.

[Bluetree]

+3

I have an entry level bike and am outgrowing it, but now I know what I want in a high-end bike and I'm in a more comfortable frame of mind to shell out k's of $$$$.

Plus, I've learned to ride on lower end components, so I can appreciate the better ones; I've fallen/crashed and banged up my frame and not fretted about it; I learned a lot on it (still am learning). Overall, an entry level bike was a good ROI for me.

Good luck!

[Aggie_Ama]

I had an entry level bike and I don't see the problem with it. Okay, the bike lust got me and it sucked to wait to upgrade. It is also meant when I upgraded I could appreciate the better shifting and handling.

I had a Fuji Finest WSD and it was a pretty good bike for only $600. My only complaint is it had an aluminum fork and that makes for a rougher ride. The bike itself was steel and that helped a lot. Otherwise, she stood up to over 4,000 miles with only tune ups, new chain and new tires.

[ChickWithBrains]

For a long time, I had a beloved bright orange mountain bike. It fit me wonderfully but it wasn't a road bike by any stretch of the imagination.

When it was time for my first roadie, I looked at a bunch of entry levels only. And I rode maybe 8 before I decided -- and the one I loved (because it fit best) was actually a men's frame. But the geometry was just right, and with the right seat it became perfect.

Now, I've had it for less than a year but have put long hours in on the trainer, but I'm getting a feel for what I really want (specific shaping of the hoods and drops, stem height, vibrations) and can dream happily about the day I'm worthy of a cervelo...

[CyclChyk]

I agree with Kit - among others who have posted. Get a CHEAP entry level bike - I got an expensive new first bike(Giant OCR Limited) I THOUGHT I wanted. Not 6mos later I ditched it for an even more expensive bike I REALLY wanted (928 Bianchi).

Wish I had been wiser. Woulda saved myself a couple grand.............. gotta have matching accessories ya know

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

There are pros and cons to buying an entry-level bike as your first road bike.
I compare it to musical instruments- when I was going to get my first banjo, I knew most people tended to buy an entry-level banjo first and then they had various "issues" with playing it. I'm not like that. First I read and researched and tried many banjos until I felt I knew which type would suit me, and I boought a mid-to-upper level banjo. I've gotten several other banjos in the years since then, but my first banjo is still among the best and most enjoyiable and valuable of the bunch. I've never regretted it, it's a pleasure to own and play.
Same thing with bike...yes I rode inexpensive typical bikes when I was a kid. Been there, done that. Now last year when it was time to buy my very first "real" bike in 32 years(!)- I again did lots of research, had very good advice from two bike gurus, and bought my "NOT entry level" Rambouillet. I know this great bike will serve me well for as many years as I want it to, and if i ever want to sell it I can probably get a reasonable price for it too- just like with my good banjo which I could sell now for about what I paid for it 8 years ago. Bikes might not retain their value quite as much, until they become "vintage" anyway. But I could probably get "most" of my money back if I were to sell my bike at some point.
But in the meantime i will have gotten tons of pleasure from both my most excellent banjo and my most excellent bike.

I do see the value in buying an entry level cheaper bike to start out with though. Certainly there is a financial advantage, if that is one of the main factors in deciding.

Both approaches are good, but it might depend on what type of person one is to decide which approach is better for THEM. In any case, i would say that it might be more advisable to do substancial test riding and research if one were to opt for buying a higher end bike to start out with.

[Jenn]

Well once agian, I cannot thank you all enough for the GREAT advice!! We went to a new bike shop yesterday and the sales guy was wonderful. I decided that I needed shoes and clips for my spin bike and DH needed pedals and shoes and clips badlly for his bike. I rode a few bikes and surprisingly, the Trek 1000 WSD fitted for me was what I liked the best! The price wasn't bad and I guess Trek is having a sale and this shop gives a military discount on top of it. I could not believe how much better a bike that fits you feels. I slept on it last night and we are going back to get it after we come back from our trip to Mexico to see my father...money...money...money...never have enough huh?
Anyway, I thought about all the things you all mentioned while I was trying the different bikes and I am so appreciative. Thank you for not making feel like an idiot.
I went out on DH's bike this morning with my new shoes and clips, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! I LOVED IT. It was only 20 degrees out and I froze my butt off even though I thought I was dressed warm enough, but I rode for an hour and did 17 miles, but I can't wait to get my bike, I know I'll be MUCH more comfortable.
I'm sorry for such a long post, I just wanted to tell you all thank you so much!! This is a sport that I am already in love with!!
~~~HUGS~~~
Jenn