New to Cycling - Need Advice

[FitFreak]

I looked at the Specialized Dolce as well as the Trek 1.2 at lunch today. The Specialized felt better than the Trek. Took a few turns around the parking lot with the Dolce and even though it wasn't the right size (I need a 48 cm and this was 51 cm) it was good.

A friend of mine mentioned the Jamis Ventura Sport. It's about $300 less expensive than the Specialized. Does anyone have any experience with this bike?

[ehirsch83]

Hey Fit, I read all of this after I responded to the PM:-)

I ride A1A from Ft.Lauderdale up into boca and north, depending on what ride my schedule calls for, unfortunatly it is one of the safer routes:-( I don't know Boynton Beach very well, so I unfortunatly am not sure of what other roads are around there. The other thing is, the safest time to ride down here is between 5:30am and 7:45am. After that the crazies come out. I do ride in the afternoons a lot(going to do it today) but you have to be super super defensive with the drivers out there on the road. The good thing though, is if you go north from where you are a1a isn't to bad! The worst part for me is getting from Ft.Lauderdale to Hillsboro bridge, once I get through there it is a lot less hectic.

I am glad you liked the Dolce, I would still go to Bike Generation and talk with them:-) They are awesome.
We sell the Jamis Aurora at Downtown, and have a few in right now on sale, but...... For what you are wanting to do I would go with the Dolce. The Aurora is a great entry level bike for someone looking for a fitness bike or road bike commuter, but if you want to continue with it and really think you will progress I would start with either a Dolce, A giant Women's frame(entry level OCR) or look into the Felt line of women's bikes. They are all in the same price range and about what you are looking for.

[OakLeaf]

even though it wasn't the right size (I need a 48 cm and this was 51 cm) it was good.

Are you sure you need a 48? Is that just going by the standover height, or is the top tube too long for you? If it's just the standover, do you have any clearance at all?

If it feels good, chances are it's the right size for you. If you're not sure, ask your BF or the LBS guys to watch you on it.

[FitFreak]

Are you sure you need a 48? Is that just going by the standover height, or is the top tube too long for you? If it's just the standover, do you have any clearance at all?

If it feels good, chances are it's the right size for you. If you're not sure, ask your BF or the LBS guys to watch you on it.

The bike store told me I needed a 48cm. When I did the standover over on the 50 I had some clearance, but not that much. When riding the 50cm it felt good, but since I don't have anything to compare it to (this was the first road bike I tested) it's hard to tell. I'm going to check out a Jamis 48cm today. Now I'll be able to tell if the smaller size is the right one for me or not. Plus I'll have something to compare the specialized dolce to.

I never knew there was so much to consider when purchasing the proper road bike....and we haven't even gotten into pedals, saddles or anything else.

[OakLeaf]

You can't really compare frame sizes between manufacturers. Think of it as more like clothing sizes - it's a rough guide only. Plus different bikes have different geometry that will affect the fit also.

I've heard people say here that most people can ride two or three frame sizes in any given frame.

[FitFreak]

I purchased my bike today. I decided to get the Jamus Ventura sport (female version). While I really liked the Dolce, when I test rode the Jamus it felt right from the beginning. I have to admit that, unfortunately, price had a little to do with it as it was $300 less than the Dolce. I also like the attention and service I got from the bike store. I really felt that they wanted to make sure I left completely satisfied. The owner of the store even rode beside me on my first test ride giving me pointers and advice. when I picked up the bike later that afternoon he spent about an hour with me going over everything including a changing a flat and then did another test ride with me. Maybe this isn't unusual when purchasing a bike, but I was kind of surprised.

Eventually I'll have to get different pedals when I get proper bicycle shoes, but for now I'm going to take it around the neighborhood a few times, get used to riding a bike again.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. It was really helpful and got me thinking about so much when looking at the bikes.

[OakLeaf]

That's great! Sounds like a wonderful shop! Enjoy your new bike!

[KatyLady]

I just Googled the Jamis Ventura - VERY nice looking bicycle. Sounds like you found a great LBS too.

[kermit]

Glad to hear you found the right one! Where did you get it? It sounds like you've got a great LBS for life.

[jenniferh]

I rode tons of bikes before deciding recently. Ultimately I choose the Trek 1.5 (non WSD) bike. It just felt best. Don't limit yourself to WSD.