Quote Originally Posted by Catriona View Post
I think an FX would be fine for a mile of gravel... I'd be worried that if you get the 7200, you're going to want to upgrade it quickly. it doesn't look like a bike that I'd want to ride extended distances on road on. If it's possible, maybe look for a used bike on your local craigslist, it'll make your $500 limit buy more.


As for wrist pain - there's a number of threads about this - get the weight off your wrist, make sure you're not bending your wrist back, ergon grips may help, padded gloves may help, building up your core muscles helps. Handlebars end up being personal preference - but some people on here have switched their trek fx bars to soma sparrow bars or to trekking bars to get more positions. Move your hands about when you ride, don't keep them in one position.

The one saddle that I have that I can ride without short comfortably is the specialized ariel mountain bike saddle (not the sl version), it's pretty cush. It comes in different widths, so if you measure yoru seatbones it may work for you - but saddles are pretty individual - people like different things.

Otherwise I wear bike shorts and I just put real shorts or pants on over them.
Thanks for all the great information, Catriona.

I'm really glad I put the bike on layaway instead of using my credit card - it's giving me lots of time to think things over. I've been calling around looking for used bikes and one bike shop said somebody had a note up selling a Lamond Reno for $600.00. I imagine by the time I come up with the cash it will be gone - but maybe I can find something similar for $500.

Maybe "l'll put a "wanted" ad on Craigslist.

I don't know anything about bikes - but I've seen those handlbars that curve down and have rods sticking up, so you can ride more upright with your hands on the top of the curve or crouched down with your hands on the bottom of the curve, or put your hands around the rods. I'd like to find something like that.

Of course - if I get a fast bike and bike shorts, I'll probably end up going fast enough that I'll need a helmet . . . . good bike + good shorts + helmet = big bucks, even if I do find a good used bike! Plus - I feel like I'll look silly on a road bike with my butt up in the air. Not that it matters - I'm in much better shape than the average woman my age - but the only people I see riding bikes like that are skin and bones. Wouldn't do wonders for my body image!