help for a total newb

[Zen]

Ride lots of different bikes.

LOTS.

You say you intend to ride for fitness. This means you don't need the latest-greatest-this-and-that.

Ride flat bar bikes.
Ride drop bar bikes.
Ride steel,aluminum, and carbon bikes.

Don't buy based on a name.

When you find the bike for you, you'll know.

[Catrin]

Ride lots of different bikes.

LOTS.

You say you intend to ride for fitness. This means you don't need the latest-greatest-this-and-that.

Ride flat bar bikes.
Ride drop bar bikes.
Ride steel,aluminum, and carbon bikes.

Don't buy based on a name.

When you find the bike for you, you'll know.

What she said!

I just started riding in December and have purchased two bikes since then. The first one came from a store that was really more interested in the sale than how well it fit me. My second bike got a lot more attention fit-wise, and it feels so much better that I don't want to ride my first bike. Pity, it is a nice bike but it does not quite fit me and I will have to eventually decide whether to spend another fitting fee for a re-fit or just sell it.

That it fits you is most important, so take your time and visit more than one store. You have a nice budget for a first bike

Welcome to TE!