Another beginner with a bunch of questions

[tatormc]

Tell them your budget up front. I know you'll be able to find something. If you're just looking for a commuter they are not that expensive. Of course you can get expensive ones but entry level is cheaper.

(My husband owns a bike shop so I've learned a few things about bikes in the last 3 years)

[spazzdog]

while you're looking at bike shops, get a handle on what size frame you should be looking at.

also, check out craigslist for used bikes.

spazz

[Cataboo]

Odinne,

The first thing I'd say is... measure your inseam again. 26" inseam really?

'cause I'm 5'1 with short legs and my legs are 2-3 inches longer than yours.

If you really do have that short of legs... I don't know if you want a road or a hybrid or a mountain bike - but you can look at the 24" bikes instead of 26" bikes. You can also look at 650c wheel bikes instead of 700c bikes... Smaller wheels'll get you a lower top tube to straddle. With 650 wheels you're starting to talk about rarer bikes that you may not find for $300 or less... 24" bikes you'll find at any of the box stores.

I know there's a nice bike path along the beaches in Santa Monica, etc. .. maybe you can go practice on that.

[Kris]

I believe you. There isn't a bike I want that fits me at the lbs's either. I'm 5'4" with 28" inseams. I've been riding a women's hybrid, and I guess that's what I'll keep riding. I also don't want to order something I haven't ridden (which is what I did with the hybrid). LBS's aren't always what we would wish.

[Odinne]

Yes Catriona, I honestly have very short legs. When I get in the bus I'm lucky to reach to floor while sitting, they're that short. Thank you Kris, I know it's hard to believe, there will always be a little minority with short/longer/more/less any physical characteristic than most, making it hard to find somethign that fits you.

Ok so I went to Martin Bicycles and I found one that looks quite nice... for $400, and I still need the smallest one (the guy said 13 something something). It's a long way from my budget, maybe I could save some more, I'll ask my cousin to give me all her bottles and plastic.