New to everything!!

[Kimred]

Hello,

First I think it's great that you are getting into cycling with BF and it can make you a very strong rider when there is some friendly competiveness going on. I know my DH pushes me all the time and he's made me a much stronger rider. It's just a great sport to share with a SO!

For the bikes, I am 5'6 1/2 longs legs and arms the women's bikes always make me fell crunched up. I felt like I was riding a little girls bike just did not work for me. But like the others said test,test,test it's so important. This time of year can be a great time to negotiate prices I know lots of local bike owners who give some good deals so don't be afraid to ask! Sounds like your BF will have your back on that end anyways.

P.S I have a Klein Q Carbon Team and Love it! It's a looker too!

Kim

[bcipam]

LBS I understood. REI?

The store out by Nick does offer classes and most likely I'll make the trek there during a week or weekend when I'm staying with him.
I don't like owning something that I can't take care of. Just like when I bought my first car, buying a first 'real' bike will include me learning how to do basic maintenance BEFORE i become involved in riding a lot. Otherwise it'd be inane to become an independent rider without that knowledge, right?

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc) - the name of a chain of sporting goods stores. They are big out here in CA.

I like your attitude about being educated. I know tons of woman who come out to ride and let their boyfriends do all the work, bike maintenance, tire changing etc. I think that's foolish. So if you and the BF gosh forbid, break up - where does that leave you? WIth a bike you can't ride if something goes wrong!

2 stories - there is a woman in my Club that makes a big deal about being a girl and not having to change her own tires. OK, that went well for awhile, then for most of the guys got old. Now if she gets a flat, most ride by. They feel taken advantage of. Helping out once in awhile is not a problem. Always is.

Another story, a friend just recently had an accident and had to shop for a new bike. She is upset at the prior LBS. I asked why? "Did you know he sold be a frame that was 5 years old (actually it was 3)?" she whined. "Duh, yes, how do you think he could sell it so cheap? You told him your price and he put a bike together for you, you didn't ask about components, materials nothing. " I responded obviously not sympathetically enough. I don't think she got taken but she could have done better had she known. Alittle education goes a long way.

Do a little research re bikes, materials, components. All of this information is available online. When you make the trip to the LBS, ask lots of questions, but pet peeve of mine, don't waste the salesman's time if you have no intention of buying from the shop. That's just rude. Also, it is nice to have a woman's perspective re riding and bikes. Men approached cycling in a totally different way. They want an "aggressive" bike. Don't let the BF talk you into a double when a triple is probably better for you, you don't need Dura Ace ('cause its lighter and sexier) when Ultegra or even 105's are better for you. Get teh pedal and shoes that you feel comfortable with.

I wish I had you income and time to shop. I would love to buy a new bike but thankfully the old ones does me good, at least for now!

[snpdragn]

I really can't stand the idea of leaning on him for that kind of support - the taking care of every little biking need kind of support. To be honest, one of the things we like most about each other is our complete and total independence from each other.
The biking is something that we have talked about wanting to share together... not me wanting to do his hobby or vica versa. If I didn't like the very little bit I've done, I wouldn't even consider it. Heck, I don't go climbing with him! lol, but we do ballroom dancing together as another hobby.

And not to get too serious, but I have some minor heart problems that limit my exercising choices. So while I want to be able to go fast, I don't need to race. And while I will be on the road riding, I'm not going to try to go a bazillion miles an hour.
So things like that have to be taken into context.

And, if that woman had even TRIED, the men would have given her another chance. ::sigh::

I've insulted Nick a little bit because I've made the effort to get in touch with the chick that leads his team... I just think the learning would be better without him... that the sharing should be what I do WITH him.
Plus, you can't ask a men about sports bras, periods, and the like. And those things are important. Women's bodies are important and what I need is important.... Plus, she works at the LBS he goes to.

I am definitely a negotiator. I can't imagine spending money for something that I don't need, which is why I need to find out what those needs are in the first place. That's the hard part. But I've learned so much even today that I think I'm going to be okay. (a bit overwhelmed, but okay)

I really appreciate all the great help!

[snpdragn]

Holy Moly, I finally made it over to look at the Klein bikes and they're gorgeous... don't know a thing about how well they do, but they're gorgeous. I want a bright yellow one.