Average Gal's First Time At Bat

[Cataboo]

Thanks! Appreciate the heads up on keeping my bum safe. Good thought!

The thing I'm concerned about is going to a bike shop and being "oversold" for what I need or not knowing the importance to some terms. Should I be wary of this?

Well... it sounds like you do need a women's specific design given your leg length.

Now you should tell us your price range, and we'll tell you what you should expect to get in that price range component wise. And one of us will suggest that you look on craigslist at used bikes once you get an idea of what fits you so you can maximize what you can afford...

And you should tell us what you want to do - commute, tour, race, or just ride.

If I were getting a road bike - I'd want at least an aluminum frame with a carbon fiber fork and seat stays... Aluminum is harsh on bumps, the carbon fiber fork & seatstays'll help with that. I'd want at least shimano 105 level components, but people do use tiagra & sora without any issues...