very new at this and LOVE it!!

[OakLeaf]

Pretty soon the 08s are going to be on sale, so keep that in mind. If your shop has any 07s hanging around, you might want to look at those for some good deals, but sizing will probably be limited.

OTOH, as RM pointed out, prices are going way up, and the trend recently has been for componentry to go down in quality from year to year within model names in mid- and lower-priced bikes. So unlike a car, a leftover '07 (or earlier) may be a very good deal.

[aicabsolut]

OTOH, as RM pointed out, prices are going way up, and the trend recently has been for componentry to go down in quality from year to year within model names in mid- and lower-priced bikes. So unlike a car, a leftover '07 (or earlier) may be a very good deal.

That's definitely true, but size availability for 07s and before can be pretty slim picking right now. I'd look there first, and then look at what a comparable model is component-wise for an 08.

Also keep in mind that while components sometimes go down each year at a given price point, frame quality goes up! They tend to make the highest end frame better and better, so the quality will trickle down. Example: Now that we've got an S-works Tarmac SL2 at 11r carbon, the Pro tarmac SL2 is 10r, which used to be S-works level (regular Pro level is 8r). I wouldn't be surprised to see the comp level jump up to 8r (from 6r) in 2009-2010.

[j.nurse63]

I continue my quest for my first road bike. Gonna chat at the LBS re: Cannondale...best value. From the advise I have received here, I will check out non WS geometry to see about the fit. I now know I can ride further for the test and have been doing so.
What is the difference in wheels/tires?? 650c vs 700c? What should I be considering? (Honestly, I have ordered a few of the books from TE to help with my learning curve.)
Still need to measure my sit bone structure to help with the best saddle.

I continue to ride daily and feel so much stronger. Sometimes it is only for 10 miles and other days 25...LOVE it! My elbows are sore a lot and now my tailbone is too. I remind myself not to lock my elbows and I am constantly shifting on my big seat...trying to get off my tailbone.

I am excited to possibly particpate in a local woman's group ride by the end of June. Typically, I ride 10-15 mph...unless the wind is pushing me backwards If these women describe their ride as "a comfortable & laid back 30 miles" , do you think I can keep up? I have been riding the typical route I think they take. Rolling hills in CT and MA with great scenery. I have read a lot of the threads about group rides here. Great info.

thanks for the help!!

[mimitabby]

unless you are really really small, the regular 700c wheels ought to be fine.

You haven't told us how tall you are.

[j.nurse63]

Oh yeah...I am 5' 4" with a 30" inseam.
so are the wheel size related to height? are certain ones more common that others? are the 700c wider?
hope my questions are not too annoying

[aicabsolut]

700c refers to circumference. The other measurement you'd see on tires refers to the width: e.g., 700x23

650s are generally only available on very small road frames. You *shouldn't* have to worry about that based on your inseam. Get 700c wheels if there's an option.

If your tailbone hurts, you're in the wrong saddle. It is probably too big and not ergonomically shaped in the back. Elbow pain is a sign of incorrect fit more than improper form IMO, unless you have some really bad habits. I have known a person to give herself tennis elbow on her road bike, but again, the problem stemmed from her fit mostly.

[j.nurse63]

I don't play tennis...but I know what it feels like! I have it. They are sore. Chatted with my LBS today. We talked "fit" for almost an hour. I know that this seat is NOT what I should be riding on. It ididn't bother me for the first part of the spring, but now...bottom line, my Mongoose needs to be limited to the grocery store. It is not enough and way too heavy for the riding I am enjoying now.

So...I drop the credit card sooner than later?? LBS is going to take a Ruby they have from last year and build it for Saturday. I will test for a long ride. He will do a basic fit and then I'll give it a try. It felt great on my short 20 min test but I wanted to spend more time on it to be sure.
It is a lot of $$ and I hope I am moving in the right direction with this. It is exciting and scarey! I'll keep working those extra shifts!

Thanks for explaining the wheels.

[aicabsolut]

If you're in a significant amount of pain such that you don't like riding your bike, then yeah, getting the right bike and components for you is definitely worth the $$.

[j.nurse63]

I am soooo excited!! I went to my LBS to test the Ruby Elite again. Went out for about 1.5 hrs on some of my same roads. It was a great fit...although I know my saddle may be an issue. I will ride a few times and measure my butt! They have an open saddle policy to be sure what I have is the best it can feel.

You guys have helped so much!! Thanks for all the advice...things to ask about...ways to test...bikes to consider.
my biggest fear was buying too much bike. But, I flew today and the hills that usually leave me out of breath were not the killers while on my wide tired Mongoose!

A very happy chic!! Jean