Another newb :)

[jaybee]

Thanks Nick and Velocivixen!

I started leaning toward those two bikes because I want a steel bike - the good advice I've gotten and read tells me that steel will be much more comfortable on long rides. Someone also suggested something in the Jamis Coda line if I don't feel comfortable with drop bars.

I do have good bike shops around here (DC metro area), so I'll start shopping around and test-riding in person - just hoping to have a teeny bit of knowledge under my belt so I'm not an easy target. Cynical I know

Thanks again for the welcome and advice. I'm really looking forward to being a part of this board.

[Owlie]

Welcome to TE!

Jamis and Surly make some nice bikes. (A steel Jamis is a strong contender for my next road bike, and I've been looking at a Coda as a possible commuter.) For what it's worth, I had never ridden a road bike before I bought my Giant. It is a little bit of an adjustment (the bikes can feel squirrelly at first), but you get used to it--just relax! And make sure you get a bike that fits you properly.

How tall are you and what's your inseam (crotch to floor, not your jeans)? If you have proportionally long legs, the standover height becomes less of an issue than the reach/top tube length. If that's the case, you either need a size smaller than the shop might otherwise measure you for, or a proper women-specific bike, depending on your specific proportions.

[jaybee]

Hi Owlie! Thanks for the welcome I'm 5'9 with a 33 1/2 inch inseam. I'm going to go try to get a fitting in the next few days and maybe go on some test rides - I feel less and less nervous about the differences in road bikes since I've been hearing from so many people that it's mostly just an issue of relaxing!

[roo4]

FWIW, I'm 5'9" with a 33 inch inseam and just got a 56 cm bike. A good bike store will measure you and put you on the right bike.

[jaybee]

Thanks Roo4 - I was thinking 56 or 58 would be a good fit. I'm going to go get a real fitting this week.