Yet another thread looking for first road bike advice

[tulip]

Bike love is great, just do what you can to make sure it lasts.

I agree with Elk--try a couple of steel bikes if you can. I find aluminum quite uncomfortable (a brittle feeling, unlike my steel bikes which feel more smooth). I like the look of the Jake, but I don't like that it's alu.

The bike shop guy seems decent, but just make sure he's not selling you the Jake because it's what he has in stock. Do they carry Jamis or Surly or another steel bike that you can try (even if not in your size--can they order it for you to try)? Trek's are pretty easy to find...and the 520 is a great steel touring bike.

Also be sure that the top tube is not too long. The LBS guy should put you up on the trainer to see if the bike fits, not just do a stand-over test. Rule of thumb on the trainer (make sure the bike is level by putting a phone book under the front tire): in a comfy position (relaxed, elbows slightly bent, etc.) when you look down at the wheel, the hub should be hidden by the bars. Only a rule of thumb, but if you see the hub way behind the bars, it may indicate that the top tube is too long (and vice-versa, but usually that's not a problem for women with shorter torsos).

[kat_h]

I haven't found anywhere in town that carries Surly or Jamis. The Surly website lists one place here as a dealer, but that shop's website doesn't list any. I'll drop in there any ask this week. The only other choices I've seen locally in this price range are the Giant OCR 3, Marin Portofino, or Trek 1000.

When I'm sitting on the Jake the hub is just a touch in front of the bars. If the stem were a 1/4 inch longer I wouldn't be able to see the hub at all.

I'm intrigued by the idea of having a mechanic around too. When I got home from test riding the Jake I went downstairs and trued a wheel on a mountain bike then replaced the cables on an old 10 speed I found in a dumpster. None of my dumpster finds have ever fit so I've always just sold them for beer money. It's going to be so nice to have a bike that I actually paid for, instead of just one that I bought parts for.

[tulip]

Do you have a Trek dealer around? Try a 520 just to compare steel vs alum. Kona Jake is a nice bike, but for hours in the saddle you might appreciate steel (but then again, it might not be a factor for you at all).

[kat_h]

There is a shop here that carries the 520, but it's $1400 and the Jake is $700. It's going to be tight for me to afford the Jake right now but I can manage it. I'm sure I'll move up to something else in a couple of years but that's just more than I can afford right now.

[tulip]

Ouch, I didn't know it was so expensive. Too bad there are no Jamis dealers around. I'm sure you'll find the Jake satisfactory and better than your current bike, which sounds downright painful! The Jake is a cute bike, and very useful for all sorts of riding. Post a pic when you get it.

[kat_h]

I've been tempted to cross the border and look at bikes there. Everything is more expensive in Canada, even when our dollar is even. The Jake I'm looking at is a 2007 so it's $250 cheaper than it normally would be. I've spent most of today emailing someone in town who has one and I think I'm going to go for it.

[elk]

hmmm aren't the Jakes steel? I know the Kona Sutra is...
I'll tip over to the website.

The Trek520 is listed at 1400 but sometimes you can get last years model for under 1000. I liked it..but the TT was too long.. for me. It has a long wheel base. But I don't have long limbs...

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Ok Jake is aluminum...but has the sleeker LOOK of steel...(I hate fat tubes!!!) Jake looks like a really nice ride and I;m sure you won't be disappointed!