I've been reading the forums for about a week, but hadn't posted before.

Anyway, I also really like Bicycle Outfitters. I haven't been biking in many many years, but my husband, about 6 or so months ago, got into it and picked up a Cervelo and has been riding. I've got a mtn bike, but since I was riding with him on the road, I wanted a road bike. (Besides, the mtn bike *really* needs to be cleaned).

So I budgeted for a new bike and I wanted something for under $1k, so probably $1200 all done (including tax and other things like new lights).

Well, 10 days ago, we took my truck in to find out what was going on with it. Turns out it's got severe compression issues, etc., so we don't want to drive it. Luckily, there's a shuttle from a local train station (about 2.5 miles away) to work. I decided that I'll bike in once I get the new bike.

I went to 5 different local shops. Out of all of them, Bicycle Outfitters didn't try to upsell me. Plus they really seemed to know what they were doing and just gave me the best "feel". Everyone was extremely helpful. They were also the busiest. Generally there were maybe 1-2 people in the other stores when we went there, but at BO, the store was packed.

So, I went back and got my Bianchi Imola there. I got a great deal on it since the bike is an '03. I've also put a bunch of miles on it, especially for being a biking semi-newbie who hasn't ridden in a long time. In fact, yesterday, my hubby and I decided we'd ride up to his work since he's now considering bike commuting. So we rode from Mtn View to his work in Redwood City. All in all, 26 miles, which is the longest and farthest I've ever ridden. The headwind on the way back really really really _sucked_. :P

Now, time to find a saddle that feels comfortable. :P

Mel