Quote Originally Posted by Melalvai View Post
Steel will certainly be cheaper than carbon or titanium!
and more comfortable than aluminum!

Nancy, I would start at your local bike shop to get some basic info on the different types of bikes out there. What kind of riding do you want to do? Riding on bike paths, on streets, on country roads, on wild mountain trails?? There might be a good bike club in your area; it's worth asking. There might even be some TEers in your area.

I did a bike trip in Vermont last October and it was really nice. Assuming that type of riding, I'd suggest that you look into touring bikes. Jamis makes some nice touring bikes in steel that are reasonably priced (of course, that's all relative). I've heard from people here on TE that sometimes some bike shop guys (and usually guys are the culprits) will assume that because we are women and because of our weight that we want a total hybrid comfort bike for beach cruising. That might be fine, but it won't work for a New England tour! So arm yourself with info and go in with questions, curiosity, and patience.

Keep in mind for your budget that you will also need a helmet, shorts, water bottle and holder, pump, extra tubes (learn to fix a flat!), possibly cycling shoes, and gloves. Oh and some basic tools. And a bell if you'll be on a bike path with pedestrians and other cyclists. Maybe a bike computer to keep track of your distance and speed. As you can see, the bike is only the beginning.

The most important thing about the bike is that it fits you properly. Try out lots to get a good comparison going. Beware of bike shop folks who try to sell you what's on the floor regardless of its appropriateness to your riding type or body. Some deals can be found that way, but take your time and get one that fits. There is lots of discussion on fit in these forums...a whole lot. But the most important thing is that it feels comfortable. If it's not comfy, you won't want to ride it.