I am new to all sport/cycling life!

[Cataboo]

Hi Marta,

There's a bunch of us here in the DC area and we do sometimes get together and ride... those that live close to each other more than the rest. So I'm sure you'll find someone to ride with on here.

If you're just starting out, you might be most comfortable with a flat bar road bike to get more used to things... The trek fx series is a good start. The DC craigslist has a ton of bikes on it - used. Used can usually be a great deal because lots of people buy bikes with the best of intentions and then never actually use them. Or the bike doesn't end up fitting, etc.

However, if you start of with a trek fx, it may be that later on you'll want to upgrade to something more aggressive...

I'd recommend that you go and test ride a lot of bikes... REI's a good start, but they don't always have the most knowledgable people ot help you. Revolution cycles or maybe Proteus if you're in Maryland might help.

Biking shoes, clothes, jerseys - Certain parts of your body are going to determine what type of bike shorts you want to wear. It just keeps you more comfortable in the saddle for a long time. Back pockets on jerseys gives you easy access to your stuff and its more aerodynamic... plus if you're leaning over on your bike... something in a front pocket may fall out. Bike shoes - if you're planning on clipping in, I'd start off with a set of mountain bike shoes & clips... just because they're easy to walk in.

[Zen]

I have a bike to sell that fits that description.
Cheap,too.
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...225449816.htmlI would sell it to you for less than that

You don't absolutely have to use cycling shoes but if you do want them I have some of those to sell too
I think they're a 41 or 42.

[Cataboo]

Which bike are you selling? Probably in a week or two, I'll have a 49 cm road bike to sell. Upgrading one of the bfs bikes and while he could ride the 49 cm in a very aero position, just not very comfy for him.

[Zen]

Hey! Stop that!
I just ETA craigslist posting

[Cataboo]

Hey! Stop that!
I just ETA craigslist posting

We don't even know how tall Marta is!

If my niece was like 5 inches taller, I'd get her your bike... I thought she was 9, but apparently shes 7. But shes like 4'8?

[martaw]

Catriona - thank you so much for all the info! well appreciated! What's 49cm? I'm 5'5 tall

Zen - I see the bike I have no idea about bikes, how old is it? what make? I'm 5'5 short hehe.

Do you buy your gear on line or stores? I can't wait to start riding!!!!!

[Cataboo]

Martaw, Zen & I are both about 5'1 (least I am and she's not much taller).

What's your inseam measurement? This is where fit starts coming into play - women's specific design (WSD) bicycles are made for women who have relatively long legs in proportion to their body, and short torsos. So if you have a long inseam, then you might want a WSD.

What part of the greater DC area are you in?

I mostly get my bike stuff online... I've gotten reasonably handy about doing most repairs or installations myself, and what I can't manage, my bf can... I've currently got 4 bikes - 2 road, 1 flat bar/road/commuting/rough road bike, and 1 mountain bike. 2 were craigslist purchases, 1 was an ebay purchase, and 1 was a frame someone was selling on here that I built up... So I definitely believe in buying used... However, if it's in your price range, most people recommend going to get a good bike shop and having a professional fit done & having them set you up on a bike for you.

I'd just say that while you're still getting used to cycling again, buying a bike somewhat like Zen's is a good idea - it'll be something not too intimidating and comfortable to learn on, get your cycling skills back, and will let you explore cycling to figure out what you really want in a bike... and then go get that. And then you'd still have the first bike to use as a commuter or towpath or trail bike as well.

I wouldn't recommend you buy a bike online, you really need to test ride now.

So sites to look at for buying stuff online:
teamestrogen.com
reioutlet.com
backcountryoutlet.com
performancebike.com
nashbar.com
sierratradingpost.com
bonktown.com
chainlove.com
realcyclist.com

If you're interested in a bike or other cycling related items - you can always post on here to see if someone's tried it or what people think.

[TxDoc]

Hi Marta welcome to TE!

Probably in a week or two, I'll have a 49 cm road bike to sell.

Catriona, what kind of road bike 49cm are you selling?

[aicabsolut]

I'm in DC. I recommend going to a bike shop (not REI, but a bike only shop) in the area (there are tons!) and asking all the basic questions. They can help steer you in the right direction towards a bike type that fits your needs. You can test ride different bikes. You can just go in for information-gathering about bikes and equipment and to learn your general bike size. Then you can figure out where you're going to buy the bike and if it'll be new or used. Because you are so new to getting back into riding bikes, you should probably go with new with the help of a shop. It will typically include some free maintenance if not some basics like cheap deals on water bottle cages etc. They can also be responsible for getting you fitted properly. Those services will add up in price if you go to a private buyer, plus you may have a harder time picking a bike that's the right size and right type for your comfort and the kind of riding you want to do. If you move away, you could probably sell it or just ship it back with you!

[HillSlugger]

Proteus Bikes in College Park is the best shop I know of for a beginner to find a bike because the owner, Jill, really wants to get each person on the bike that's best for them. She actually listens!

[tulip]

Proteus Bikes in College Park is the best shop I know of for a beginner to find a bike because the owner, Jill, really wants to get each person on the bike that's best for them. She actually listens!

I was going to recommend Proteus, too. I think it's the best shop around, particularly for beginners. Jill will match you to an appropriate bike that fits you, your riding style, and your budget.