Bike shopping

[Espresso]

Thanks for the responses!

I'm planning on getting some Ergon grips that will hopefully give me enough hand position options.

I tried out all the bikes today and none of the women's bikes really fit me right. For both the Coda and the Absolute it was very noticeable that the men's version fit better.

I think I'm going to go with either the Jamis Coda (men's) or the Raleigh Cadent FT1 (men's). The second was not on my original list, but was another I tried today and liked.

The fit of both is very comfortable, so I think it comes down to a decision between steel and aluminum. I carried both up and down some stairs, and that aspect's not going to be a problem. I also rode both on a bumpy road and the difference is very noticeable, but I have no experience of how this will translate over a long period of time on a less bumpy road. I also don't know exactly how much a heavier bike will slow me down. So for me, it's a tough decision to make at this point.

[moderncyclista]

I second the person who said go with "drop bars" for longer distances.

Trust me. You'll need em'. Good lord, you'll need em'. If you're just riding around town, you might not care but - longer distances, "Whoa, lordy!"

For that same reason, I'd go with Steel over Aluminum anyday. Road buzz over long distances will kill your fricking hands with Aluminum. Steel is like butter. Trust me on this one. It's worth it if you're going to be riding for any distance to go steel, in my opinion.

[Espresso]

A friend of mine talked me out of a road bike by saying it won't be comfortable or practical to ride around town here in Atlanta. That said, I should have thought to try one today and I definitely will give one a shot before I make a purchase.

I do think he's right to be concerned about the posture and the wheels for riding in town here, but I also know that wrists are not meant to be in the position of a flat bar for nearly that long.

[Crankin]

And that is why I have 2 bikes. A light carbon road bike for long rides and my Jamis for around town errands. I do love the feel of steel, but I would not want to ride my Coda with the flat bars for very long rides on a regular basis, although I have done a few 25+mile rides on it.
Perhaps you can find a steel road bike, and put thicker tires on it for city riding?

[Velocivixen]

"I'm planning on getting some Ergon grips that will hopefully give me enough hand position options."

My Trek hybrid came with those types of bar end grips like the Ergon's. They are "cushier", but still your hands (which translate to neck angle, shoulder angle, hip angle-they're all connected) really have nowhere to go. I've never been to Atlanta or know anything about the riding conditions. I just hope that you don't get something and quickly outgrow it as your comfort & confidence on a bike grows.
If the flat bar works for you that's awesome. If, like me, you end up wanting more you can always buy another bike.

Keep looking until you find the right one. You mentioned one was obviously better on the bumpy street. Which one was that? Steel?

[Espresso]

Yeah, the steel was much nicer on the bumpy road. Not surprising, but nice to confirm.

[HillSlugger]

I love my Jamis Coda