Quote Originally Posted by Roadtrip View Post
I rode for about an hour today, just two weeks ago I needed DH and bike instructor to hold me up as I took my first timid trek across the tarmac.
Congratulations Shannon, that's awesome! It's good to know there are other beginners out there in similar situations- thanks for sharing your story

@Muirenn & Pedal Wench: I haven't measured my sit bones, and yes, it does sound a bit silly on my part to assume i'd have wider hip bones as a heavier person! But thinking about it, I also have proportionally wide hips, and i'm 5'8, so i'm guessing I might actually have wide sit bones. I haven't measured, but i'm actually going to a shop today so i'll see if they can measure me.

@Dannielle: That's very good to know! I was only looking at steel frames online, because of a post I read about plus size riders- it really widens the field if I could also ride aluminum!

@Laura: Wow, I had no idea about the braking issue. I just read that steel
supports more weight, so I assumed I needed them. Thank you for the clarification

@Trek420: I had no idea they were so versatile. I can't wait to go talk to someone at a (not so local) LBS I actually found 2 that are a couple hours away from me, and i'm going to check them out today. I'm sure I will have more questions for you wonderful folks after that- or maybe i'll have a LBS success story (fingers crossed)!

Thanks so much everyone- all your input has been very helpful, and I will take all that info with me to the bike shops today!