Road Bike Dilemma

[pll]

You need to try the bikes -- the geometry of one or both might not be comfortable for you. Try to ride them for more than 20 minutes. If the bike does not fit you, you won't ride it.

[Rebekah H]

Excellent point. I wish there was a way that I could test ride them, but no one around here stocks Bianchi. Maybe a trip to Houston is in order?

[colorisnt]

I second PLL's suggestion.

My commuter is not women-specific. I got a Trek 1.2 first and was using an old steel as my commuter. So, I didn't know any different when I bought it. It's fine for 1-10 miles or even up to 20, but the drops do not fit my hands well. I would never use it as my sole bike.

Ride as many as you can. Bikes have COMPLETELY different feels. My Giant is a different ride COMPLETELY from my Trek. I much prefer the feel of the Trek. If there is a big store in the area, go there. Even if you have to drive a bit. I was lucky to have the Trek Store and about 5 other shops that carried everything from Trek to Bianchi to Specialized to Felt, etc. I am glad I tried as many as I did (and put up with bike store BS) because now I knew what I wanted and where I did and did not want to buy a bike!

[suzbyrd]

My first hubby was like yours...drove me nuts. Anyway, I like the Trek bikes above all else and they all ride and feel differently. I agree with the suggestion to ride different models. Good Luck!

[Velocivixen]

I took the Gran Fondo Vigorelli for a ride and it's a lovely bike. Steel with 105 components. Very light. I, like you, prefer simpler graphics and am visual. I think the Via Nirone is ugly, like so many other road bikes out there. I do think you should test ride, but only the ones you like the looks of. Sure, you could fall in love with the ride of any bike, but if it's visually unattractive you won't love it.

[smittykitty]

I totally wanted the Vig. Loved the look. Love Bianchi. Thought steel would be the answer too. Then I rode it. Nothing Not sure if it was the wrong size or what, but the love affair sadly was over.

You really gotta ride em! You'll know when its right.

PS maybe a shopping trip without the big guy is in order. We can really over think things sometimes.

Good luck and have fun.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Test and buy without him. Just stick to agreed budget and do it. It's your bike, not his.

Just make sure you don't complain about anything to do with the bike later in front of him or it will be "I told you so".