Road Bike Dilemma

[lph]

Definitely test-ride - and close your eyes! I know what you mean about the visual, but you can change the colour of the bike afterwards, you can't change the frame. The most gorgeous bike in the world will just feel frustrating and "fake" once you get used to the looks, if it doesn't really fit you well and ride well.

And let your husband give you good tips, then smile, and make of it what you will . His perfect bike is not your perfect bike. My dh and I both love our bikes, but they are very different bikes with different attributes.

FWIW, I like steel.

[Catrin]

Test ride, test ride, then test ride again. A bike must fit you or you won't ride it - and believe us, it isn't fun to ride a bike that doesn't fit.

Steel vs aluminum is a personal choice. Steel bikes these days are much lighter than they once were. For me, I strongly prefer steel and won't buy bike that isn't (outside of my mountain bike that has a full suspension).

[NbyNW]

Also, if this is your first road bike, maybe it doesn't have to be THE perfect bike that lasts you the rest of your days. I mean, there's always custom . . . and how would you know what you want in a custom bike if you don't have a previous ride to compare it to?