OK...here it goes...

[Steph_in_TX]

I lOVE San Angelo! I'm an ASU alum. I wasn't riding then, but I can imagine it would be a great place to ride. I've just gotten a '11 Bianchi Infinito and so far, it's awesome. I'm 5'5" and ride a 50 in this frame. It was a warrantly replacement (my previous frame cracked) so I can tell you they were a great company to work with on the warranty. Don't think they aren't good frames though, it's possible the crack was caused by putting the front derailleur on too tightly and they could have easily said they wouldn't replace it.

Happy shopping!

[bonnypriest]

Hey, my husband has an aunt and uncle who live in San Angelo. Totally off topic.

Given your background, you want something that is going to rock. Bike sizing is truly an individual thing. I'm just under 5'5' and have 3 road bikes - a 51, a 53 and a 54. When I bought the 54 in 2003 I thought it was perfect and I rode several centuries and 3 double centuries on it. Now I've decided it's too big and I'm getting ready to sell it. My riding style has changed over the years. Yours will too probably.

Small world Veronica! I wonder if I know them. And yes...I definitely want something that ROCKS! What do you ride now?

Veronica

I lOVE San Angelo! I'm an ASU alum. I wasn't riding then, but I can imagine it would be a great place to ride. I've just gotten a '11 Bianchi Infinito and so far, it's awesome. I'm 5'5" and ride a 50 in this frame. It was a warrantly replacement (my previous frame cracked) so I can tell you they were a great company to work with on the warranty. Don't think they aren't good frames though, it's possible the crack was caused by putting the front derailleur on too tightly and they could have easily said they wouldn't replace it.

Happy shopping!

Again...small world! That's one of the bikes on my favorites' list. Lucky girl! I'm definitely going to have to test ride one. Thanks for the info!

[Dogmama]

I agree - buy quality. If you're competitive, you'll be wasting your money on something that will "just do for now." Resale on bikes is very low & how many "go to the store beaters" does a person need?

I ride a custom, so I cannot comment on current bikes EXCEPT that a friend rides a Cannondale Synapse and loves it. It seems very quick & responsive.

This is a perfect time of the year to be bike shopping. With the 2011's coming out, you should get a smoking deal on a 2010.

As for losing weight/muscle - I lift regularly & find it very hard to add muscle. After riding XX number of miles, it's difficult to find the energy to push those heavy weights. Once you start riding, you may find the same is true for you.

[bonnypriest]

I agree - buy quality. If you're competitive, you'll be wasting your money on something that will "just do for now." Resale on bikes is very low & how many "go to the store beaters" does a person need?

I ride a custom, so I cannot comment on current bikes EXCEPT that a friend rides a Cannondale Synapse and loves it. It seems very quick & responsive.

This is a perfect time of the year to be bike shopping. With the 2011's coming out, you should get a smoking deal on a 2010.

As for losing weight/muscle - I lift regularly & find it very hard to add muscle. After riding XX number of miles, it's difficult to find the energy to push those heavy weights. Once you start riding, you may find the same is true for you.

Thanks for the advice. That's exactly how I feel. Get a good bike now & it'll last me for years to come. There's another vote for the Synapse. I just love the look of it for sure.

I hope you're right about the losing muscle. I really need to take off quite a bit, but I have notice that the weights are getting harder & harder to push. Definitely not the same energy or strength anymore. I'm ok with that though.