First Bike.... Ever

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I was so excited to find this website so that I can hopefully receive answers and information from experienced and unbiased women!.....

Steel, Alum or Carbon?

When you ask a question like that, don't expect too many unbiased women to answer!
(just kidding)

The more different types of bikes you test ride, the more you will be able to identify what you DON'T like, and that will help you narrow it down. First, try riding all 3 frame material types: Steel, Alum or Carbon (we are assuming you don't want to spend hug money on a titanium bike just now). There are substantial differences in how they all feel and handle. Other big factors include price, what kind of riding you intend to do (more fast or more distance? Lots or few hills? etc) Once you have made that big decision, then you can start your search for the right brand and model for you. Once you decide on the right model, then you should decide on exactly what size frame you should get in that model.

Don't let anyone sell you a bike just because it's right there on the floor on sale. You might like that bike but might need a slightly smaller size of it, for example. They could order that smaller frame for you. Getting the wrong size bike frame to begin with (perhaps because it's on sale) and then trying to "make" it fit you by switching/tweaking components is not the best approach. Better to get the right size frame and then have the ability to tweak the components to fine tune the fit. You want to be comfortable so that you'll want to ride your bike as much as possible and generally fall in love with riding.

It's exciting! Good luck with your search and don't be in too much of a hurry....enjoy the learning part too so you can make informed decisions when you plunk down your cold hard cash.

[Eden]

Don't let Mikey fool you about the MSRP...... no one actually pays that amount unless they don't know they shouldn't or they don't care. My LBS (I have a Ruby Pro) showed me a little sheet from Specialized that listed the MSRP, the "sale" price and a third price which was the lowest one they were allowed to let the bikes out of the store at.

[RoadRaven]

Don't be sorry for writing a novel
Welcome to the board, and if you want informed ideas, debate, suggestions and feedback you have come the the right place

Be warned... you go from being a "beginning cyclist" to an "addicted and avid cyclist" extremely quickly. So get the bikes you want - don't restrict yourself to a price bracket. Beginning cyclists deserve exactly what they want.

Look around your LBSs... and lok around this forum. Suss out who does similar cycling to what you intend and then look at what type of bike/s they have.

Enjoy the search.... its all about anticipation...

[Melalvai]

I'm all for buying a used bike and spending a few months or years figuring out how it works and where it fits wrong. Then go to the bike shop and get fit, knowing already about where your arms will be too short & your legs too long.

[Tuckervill]

Don't let anyone sell you a bike just because it's right there on the floor on sale. You might like that bike but might need a slightly smaller size of it, for example. They could order that smaller frame for you. Getting the wrong size bike frame to begin with (perhaps because it's on sale) and then trying to "make" it fit you by switching/tweaking components is not the best approach. Better to get the right size frame and then have the ability to tweak the components to fine tune the fit. You want to be comfortable so that you'll want to ride your bike as much as possible and generally fall in love with riding.

On...the...other...hand...

Buying the bike on sale that mostly fits can allow you take advantage of your initial enthusiasm, good weather, and whatever bubble of motivation is working in your mind right now. It's what I did when I bought my first road bike. There are degrees of comfort, which you can trade off for riding now, or riding later; for spending X that you have now and riding now, or for saving enough for X so you can only ride later (sometimes much later).

We have friends with whom we kayak and camp a lot. They spend so much time making decisions about what gear to buy that they still have to rent kayaks when we go, while I'm happily paddling around in the one I bought years ago on a whim, and I can go any time, anywhere.

I grew up riding any bike that I could pedal, so the idea of not having "perfect" fit before I start riding is not so foreign. Plus, how would I know about everything I want to fit right if I don't put some miles in? You could spend big bucks on a bike only to find out many miles later that you wish you had bought something else.

I'm suggesting that just "good enough" is sometimes good enough. We don't always have to strive for perfection, especially when we're trying something new.

Karen

[SouthernBelle]

You pointed out 'minor' differences in the 2 bikes. I promise that on a long ride, these will become major differences.

[silver]

What every body else said was good......and here are a few of my amateur observations.

In my opinion, it is very important to buy your first bike from a local reputable bike shop. You will need a lot of help with initial adjustments and you should have the convenience of being able to pop into the shop whenever to ask questions. Most bike shops will give you one year of free adjustments or some discount.

did you feel comfortable at that shop and the sales person? How does your bike friend feel about this shop? Of course the bike shop guy will be biased but take that into account and try to discern whether he is trying to get your the best fit. Maybe look to see whether he has the size bigger and smaller and ask to try them both too and ask why he feels the size is right. this can weed out whether he's just trying to sell you what he has. Ask if he will order the next size bigger/smaller, if you think you'd like to try it.

With just a basic look at your measurements.....at 5'7" and an inseam of 31" actually I'd say that your torso is on the longer side....My understanding of the WSD idea is that women usually have longer legs and shorter torsos than men. So it would be my guess that you would be ok on either. so I'd go with what felt best to you in terms of the handlebars.

materials......most everybody has a definate preference on this! but from what you describe your riding desires to be, I'd steer you to aluminum or carbon. If carbon is in your price range then I'd go with it. Carbon is going to give you an excellent ride and be lightweight. This is will be great for going fast in triathlons, climbing hills, and accelerating out of turns. Carbon will also be comfortable for long distance riding.

As to whether to go for the better bike as a beginner.....if you've got the money, then I'd say yes. since you are already athletic, you are just going to need to learn some of the more technical riding things and you will be going strong. You might be quickly disappointed with a lower end bike.

Keep in mind that as you get more addicted to this sport (and you will!) you will want more and better. One of the best ways to update any bike is to get better wheels. Rarely is a bike sold stock with wheels that are worthy of it. this cost could be $500 to $2000 in the next year or so.

hope this helps!

[KSH]

Hey Girly! I live in Dallas and I bought both my Trek 1000 and my Specialized Tarmac (OK, boyfriend bought that one!) from Richardson Bike Mart.

Do not buy your bike online... buy it at RBM. You want to be fit on the bike after you buy it and you will need to take it in for the occasional tune-up. Sure, they will work on a bike not bought there, but some of those things are included in the price.

The Ruby is a nice bike. Do you like it? Have you compared the ride and fit to other bikes?

I guess the other question is this... can you easily afford a bike in that price range? If so, and the bike is the best one for you.. then go for it.

I love my Trek 1000, but the components... the Tiagra and Sorta shifters/derailer on it were a pain in the booty. I had to take it to the shop for minor adjustments all the time. Shoot, there was a point for 6 months I couldn't get in/out of the large chain ring. Shifting with those components was a pain.

My Specialized has all Ultegra... derailer, shifters, brakes, etc. I have yet to take it into the shop for an adjustment. Well, maybe once after the chain stretched some... but that's common. So, ONCE in a YEAR. With my Trek 1000, I was in the shop 4 times a month.

The 105 components are good too... so if you have the money... and you can afford it... DO NOT get a BIKE with anything LESS THAN 105's... 105's/Ultegra/DuraAce... all very good. Tiagra and Sorta are OK, but they aren't great.

Good luck and once you get up and riding... check out the Greater Dallas Bicyclists. They even do a newbie's ride on Sunday's. Great for somene who is just learning to ride on the road and in groups.

[mimitabby]

You pointed out 'minor' differences in the 2 bikes. I promise that on a long ride, these will become major differences.

Yes. In 5 miles that extra stretch is going to mess with your neck, back, shoulders and that grip is going to start hurting your hands.

if the ruby feels good, get it.
Aluminum, Steel, Titanium, Carbon? It's up to you, it's all about how much you want to spend. I've had countless good miles on an aluminum, cheaper bike.
I'm riding steel now and I like it better. But if that carbon bike is the right price and you like it, go for it.
You aren't going to have a BAD bike because it's made of the wrong stuff.
Have fun. and keep us posted on your progress!

[TechsanNurse]

Thank you all for all of your advice! I'm still shopping around and still overwhelmed with the decision!