What should I get?

[lacyliz]

My two cents are that when I first started riding I wanted the same thing - a bike I loved and one that was versatile. I did what the other girls suggested about rsearching/riding bike. I also saw consumer reports' report on bikes. I bought a Giant FCR - women specific. I loved it - I actually still have it and use it for riding in the winter.

It's very versatile- good on the road and can be used on trails - it's a hybrid - leaning toward road. It's only 22 lbs (light for hybrid)- anf has great gears for the price. It's $500 brand new. L

[Flur]

I'd also recommend shopping around at various LBSs. I've noticed that many of them (but not all) seem to be geared to a specific type of rider (racing, mountain, tandem, etc.) They usally carry a lot of different kinds of bikes, and they know a lot about their niche, but they sometimes have a hard time giving lots of options outside of their niche, and may wind up steering you towards something you ultimately don't want. Shopping around is the best way to avoid getting excited b/c the sales guy is excited and then having buyer's remorse later.

[LoriO]

My two cents are that when I first started riding I wanted the same thing - a bike I loved and one that was versatile. I did what the other girls suggested about rsearching/riding bike. I also saw consumer reports' report on bikes. I bought a Giant FCR - women specific. I loved it - I actually still have it and use it for riding in the winter.

It's very versatile- good on the road and can be used on trails - it's a hybrid - leaning toward road. It's only 22 lbs (light for hybrid)- anf has great gears for the price. It's $500 brand new. L

Ditto this.

I just bought a Giant FCR and love it! I didn't know what I wanted to buy so I went to about 4 different bike shops and tried everythign that was available in my price range and had the features I wanted.

As I rode I kept eliminating the ones that I didn't like and finally decided on the Giant.

Don't be afraid to go back and try a bike 2-3 times even to decide!

[elk]

look at the Trek hybrids...if they fit you they can be great..my DH has a 7000 and loves it....under 400.00

[Jammin]

I was in your shoes seven years ago. I wanted to get into it, but was clueless about where to start. I ended up going to several bike shops to get the right size, but I knew I didn't want to spend the bucks for a new bike. Once I tried riding in the parking lots, figuring out the right frame size, I could zero in on used bikes. I think I paid around $400 for a full suspension mountain bike, which I've had for seven years now. It is a men's bike but they really didn't have women's designs back then. Eventually, I wanted more of a commuter bike so I ended up buying a used road bike (Specialized Allez) which is a women's specific design.

Now that I have had time to evaluate the two bikes, I am ready for my third. I love my road bike for certain rides, but it does not serve me well on my commute to work since I have a portion I need to ride on a dirt trail. The technology on my mountain bike is dated, and I am ready for a new one.

My point is that you will get your first bike to get you into the groove, and over the years (or months for some riders) you will learn and discover what it is you really want. Good luck!

[uforgot]

I second the hybrids. The Trek fx series is good. That was what got me into it. I don't recommend front suspension for what you want. It just adds weight and absorbs energy and for roads and light trails it isn't necessary. The fx bikes are perfect for what you describe. I had the 7.2fx and it will last you a couple of years until you absolutely know what you want, and they hold their value so if you ever want to resell it, you won't have a problem