Quote Originally Posted by foothill View Post
i am just getting into cycling, and i need help finding a bike. i will be using it for commuting, and i want to be able to go for fairly long distances.

i have gone to two bike shops, and at the first i was recommended a townie (a nice bike, but sooo far away from what i'm looking for) and at the second a catalogue was thrust in my direction and i was left to fend for myself.

weight is important, because i end up carrying my bike a lot (i am small, 5'0", 90 lbs). comfort is also an issue. i can spend about $500.

i'm very clueless about everything, so any help would greatly appreciated.
if you want to commute--and go long distances, the specialized sirrus is great.
for $500.00 the shop will be able to get you into: (1) an entry level road bike (the key thing that brings up the price on a road bike, to keep it simple, is the components: brakes, shifters, cranks, derallieurs (sp?). or (2) a hybrid/comfort bike of some sort.
the road bike will be lighter than the hybrid/comfort bike.

what major city are you near in CA?
I know around here there are a few shops that have used bikes in excellent shape. would you consider going w/used? sometimes you can get a good frame with decent components on the bike used. if you do want to look at used--best to buy from a bike shop.

IMO: the bike shop that left you to fend for yourself--don't bother with them. take your money elsewhere.