I want to buy a new bike

[kfergos]

Why go "women's specific" when you can go "ACG specific"??

Go custom. Go Seven. An Alaris would be perfect for the kind of riding you seem to do.

+1 on the custom bike suggestion. Your price range definitely makes it worth considering buying a custom-made bike. No compromises -- just your dream bike, in the flesh.

Full disclosure: I admit I'm a little prejudiced... I just bought a custom Seven Alaris. She's wonderful. (Omit long rave about fabulous bike) All told, it cost about $4,600, which sounds doable for you. It's well worth every penny!

[Aggie_Ama]

This thread sent me to look at Luna and you can get an Eclipse for under $4,000. Spent a bit of time drooling and fantasizing about a trip to Sante Fe to pick up a Luna. **sigh** I have a wonderful off the rack bike.

[ACG]

Ladies, thanks for the advice. I like my bike, she fits me well. However, she was what I could afford at the time. Or I should say it was what my ex would spend, actually it was the last thing he bought me before... I know I could put nicer componets and better wheels on the current bike. But I thought why not the new bike. She is a little beat up now, scratched, etc. I wash her often and sometimes read stories to her too. She gets to sleep in the in the living room. I plan to put her on my trainer so that I can still use her when the weather or work prevents me from riding.

It is also sort of physchological. After a divorce some women get botox, new breasts or a young boyfriend, now that the dust has settled I want a new bike!

[Aggie_Ama]

It is also sort of physchological. After a divorce some women get botox, new breasts or a young boyfriend, now that the dust has settled I want a new bike!

On of the best reasons I have heard! I would suggest you go as big as you can then Seven, Luna, Lynskey. Think sexy bikes.

[crazycanuck]

I want a new bike too..I would like to have two road bikes just because.

Why can't i have two roadie bikes is my question to my dear. You guys out there seem to have more than two bikes, why can't i?

Perhaps i'm just jealous of the nicer bikes..My OCR1 is just fine but i'm jealous..

[Jiffer]

ACG .... you go, girlfriend! Get the bike of your dreams ... as soon as you figure out what that is. I say do your research and try different bikes.

Dh recently gave me a lesson about aluminum verses carbon. What's different about them, why some people like one and some people like the other or a combination of the two. Educate yourself on all this if you haven't already. I have a Cannondale CAAD9. It's not WS. Since I'm 5'9", that wasn't really an issue. It's an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seat posts. My dh and the LBS guy came up with it, based largely on the great deal the LBS guy could get on the frame itself, and then they put all dh's Dura Ace components on it (cause dh got a newer bike). If I bought that bike with everything on it brand new, without the super sweet deal we got, it would have been in your price range.

I love my bike and have absolutely no complaints, but I really don't have anything to compare her to since she is my first. If I were looking into a new bike, I'd research, research, research and try as many as I could.

I guess you've got a good start from all the bike names you've already gotten from this thread.

Hey, where are you in California? We buy from Don's Bikes in Rialto. A little bit of a drive, but so worth it. They have always given us really great deals and are good with helping dh research bikes and figure out what is the best bike for him, or a friend or whatever. Scott is the owner and will give you great advice.

If you decide to go there, let me know and I'll tell them to take care of you, not that they wouldn't anyhow, but they give extra deals to our friends because we have spent so much money there and sent them a lot of business.

[Grits]

I want a new bike too..I would like to have two road bikes just because.

Why can't i have two roadie bikes is my question to my dear. You guys out there seem to have more than two bikes, why can't i?

Perhaps i'm just jealous of the nicer bikes..My OCR1 is just fine but i'm jealous..

Crazycanuck, I am jealous too!

[TBird]

Being new to road biking, I can't offer one ounce of helpful advice for which bike to consider. But I just want to add to the chorus of "you go girl!"

I have never once second-guessed money I've spent on sports toys. When you look at the health problems in our country--both physical and emotional--nice bikes, skis, kayaks, whatever, are positive, healthy splurges indeed. You will feel such a sense of independence and joy on that new bike! Happy shopping!