point me in the right direction..

[mimitabby]

You're averaging 15 mph on a comfort bike???

WOW! I don't think you'll have any trouble converting to a road bike.
For me it took some time, but I did it and i'm 55.

If you're riding on roads; get a road bike. the Bianchi Vespa is a nice cyclocross bike if for some reason you really need a cyclocross bike.

Your size is important; if you are a small woman, many bikes are going to be problematic because they are not made with us in mind.

[bikerz]

You might be able to transition pretty easily into a road bike - The bike I bought a few years ago (Specialized Sequoia) was a road bike configured and built sort of like a "comfort road" bike - it had a suspension seat post, and an adjustable stem that allowed for a more upright position. During the first year I rode it, I ended up trading out the suspension seat post for a regular one (much more efficient use of my pedaling energy) and over time also moved slowly into a less upright position.

Do you have a friend about your height with a road bike you can test ride? It will probably be a transition, but not too difficult a one! TE is littered with "aha!" stories of women who went from hybrid to road bike and never looked back! Enjoy the ride!

And - welcome to TE!

[Torrilin]

Which LBS? I grew up in Harrisburg, and I know some of the shops are better than others. I haven't been to the one in Hummelstown since they moved locations, so I'm not sure if it's still owned by a woman. My cranky 60ish bike commuting adopted uncle still lives in the area, and may have useful ideas.

[indysteel]

Ugh!!! I have to roll my eyes at your LBS. While I agree that it takes a bit of time to get used to a road bike, it's not THAT big of a transition. Maybe I'm too quick to assume it's a function of male chauvenism, but I find it hard to believe that they'd take the same attitude with a man.

So, if you think you'd like a road bike, then I'd either find a new shop or tell your current shop that you're really not interested in buying a hybrid, thank you very much. Then just start looking at what's available. Determine your budget, concentrate on getting a good fit and have fun with the process. Test ride as many as you can; some will feel and handle better than others. And don't worry if you can't afford a top-of-the-line bike. There are plenty of entry level bikes that will serve your needs well and allow you to economically determine whether road riding is your thing. Especially in the coming months, you might be able to snag a good deal on a 2007 model.

I'll share my own story for what's its worth (and for you regulars, I know I'm repeating myself). I bought a Trek FX in June of 2006, unsure of whether I'd enjoy cycling as an adult, even though I loved it as a kid. The FX is a hybrid of sorts, with flat bars but no supsension. Well, I took to biking immediately and quickly realized that I should have just gotten a road bike. Within about six weeks, I bought my beautiful Bianchi road bike. I haven't ridden the Trek since, but the Bianchi now has about 5300 miles on her. Was there a transition period between the two bikes? Sure. Was it totally worth it? Absolutely.

Good luck; keep us posted as to what you buy.

[RoadRaven]

15mph suggests a good steady pace

As the others say, getting used to a road bike will be easy.

I think you need to consider where you want to ride, Lynn... and that will help you settle on a road or cyclocross or whatever...

Talk to your LBS about the local roads you want to ride, and events you think you might be interested in. They should be able to guide you... have fun

[emily_in_nc]

I think she may have meant that she rode 15 miles at a time, not 15 mph. That speed is pretty fast for a heavy comfort bike, which is why I think she might mean mileage rather than speed.

Anywho....maybe she'll chime in here and let us know!

[Tuckervill]

She said 15 miles per ride.

I'm averaging 10 mph right now on my road bike, and so, if she's going 15 mph on a hybrid, I'm seriously discouraged! lol.

Don't let them sell you anything you don't want!

Karen