One more welcome from another plus-sized, relatively slow cyclist. You're making a great investment in yourself when you buy a bike and get out there. You're going to love it.

I bought my road bike used on Craigslist last October. I got a really good deal -- an '07 Specialized Ruby Comp that listed for something like $2400 new, for $1200. It came with $120 Speedplay X/2 pedals and a bag full of tools that had a $20 bill in it along with the extra tube and multitool. It weighs 17 pounds. I rode it in my first triathlon in October. It was awesome.

My mountain bike I got from an LBS about 10 years ago. It's a steel-frame bike and weighs 37 pounds when it's loaded with the tool kit and a water bottle. My longest ride on that one was 50 miles on my 45th birthday (last September).
It's lasted for all these years and is pretty good shape.

I've enjoyed cycling so much my mom bought her first bike since she was a kid last summer, also at her local bike shop. She got an older model that the shop owner still had in stock. She got it for about $350, a Jamis Earth Cruiser. She bought some gear and a helmet, too, and ended up spending about $450.

There are good deals to be had. That said, it's worth visiting lots of shops for more than just the good deals. As an older, overweight woman, I can tell you that I've received a variety of receptions at different shops. In some I'm completely ignored, in others, I'm treated with respect and my questions are answered and my needs are considered. Expect a variety of receptions, and don't get discouraged if the sales people don't acknowledge you because maybe you don't look like the typical athlete who shops there. Just move on to the next shop. (Although I did give an earful to one of the shop guys who had ignored me and then dropped about $200 worth of shorts, socks, and jerseys that he could have sold me if only he'd said, "Hello, ma'am, can I help you find anything?"

Good luck finding the perfect fit, in your new bike and your new bike shop.

Roxy in San Diego