Kill me! Kill me now!

[quint41]

Hey, Scottie! Where do you live? Maybe someone on the boards has a helpful connection for you.

Before I bought my bike (last Sept.), I was equally confused and rode a number of bikes. I ended up going to a guy who used to own a bike shop, but now has a private business out of his home. He asked me what I expect to do with my bike, measured me on the Serrotta fit bike, then (because he does not own a shop, he has no affiliation to any particular brands) compared my measurements to all of the bikes on the market in my price range. Told me which bike he'd recommend and what changes he'd make to suit my needs. I love my bike! It fits me like a glove!

That being said, now all I can do is think about upgrading my components, or getting a commuter bike, or a Rivendell, or . . . . . . .

Welcome to the asylum!

[Geonz]

You honestly don't know where this adventure will take you.
I started with a relatively inexpensive hybrid for fitness riding, much like the 7.3 ... it's a good starting point

[KnottedYet]

I started with a $400 flat bar commuter (aluminum cyclocross frame) when I switched back to df's after having a recumbent for years.

Now I have 2 not-so-inexpensive drop bar (steel cyclocross frames) bikes: one for going fast and lookin' *hot* and one for utility/commuting/touring.

I loved my $400 Kona Dew, and my LBS gave me a great trade-in for her. Someone bought her, so she has a new home now.

What if you buy an inexpensive bike that is comfortable and fun to ride *now*, and plan to trade it in later? If your LBS does trade-ins, it can be a great experience.

My Kona gave me the chance to learn that I'm just not that comfortable on aluminum, and that flat bars are awesome for shorter rides but become painful on longer rides, and that I reeeeeeeally like low gears.

[dex]

My commuter/city/oh-you-want-to-ride-something-with-a-little-dirt-and-gravel bike is a Bianchi Boardwalk. I love it a lot.

[Geonz]

That's another nice one.... basically, I'd ask around and talk around and figure out the bike hsop you want to develop a relationship with and then get their version of the right kind of bike.