Bike shopping

[MichelleOH]

So far, I have been sized on a men's 20" Trek 7.3FX, but it's a touch too large, so I'm waiting for them to get a WSD 19" to try for size. I have not ridden or been sized on any road bikes yet. Will be riding bike paths 99.9% of the time (a few roads to get to the path).

I really am not concerned about the birding aspect of biking...as I think I would rather ride for fitness than bird, for the most part. I might toss my book and binoculars in a bag, but knowing how I was years ago, I won't be happy with bigger tires and slower riding.

And, indysteel, yes -- I agree about bike shops. I can buy the bike anywhere and have it serviced at my favorite LBS. I just really like the guy that helped me and *wanted* to buy from them. Of course, since they only carry Trek it really limits me and I do want to ride several brands before deciding.

[clbikerchick]

I am new to road cycling and didn't have a lot to choose from in my area, but I recently bought a Trek Lexa SL and I am loving it. I got a 2011 on sale for $799(reg $1100 I believe), right now seems to be when bike shops have their bikes on sale to make room for the 2012 bikes. I also test rode a Cannondale for around the same price but liked the Trek better for me.

[Velocivixen]

@MichelleOH, if you lived in my area I'd let you try my Trek 7.3 FX 19" WSD for a ride. I'm selling it!

[MichelleOH]

Thanks.

[Owlie]

I love the SW Ohio trail network. I usually ride on the Little Miami trail, but I'm moving up to Dayton this week and will have to check out the Creekside trail and whatnot up there. Which shops are you looking at? I need a bike shop. (You can PM me, if you like.)

Buy what meets your goals and fits you best within your budget. Jamis makes nice bikes (I've been looking at the Quest Femme as my next bike), as does Surly. I've never ridden steel, but people tell me it's nice. (If I had my way, I'd have a carbon (or really spiffy aluminum) go-fast bike and then a steel one just because.)
I would also add that you might consider buying a little more bike than you think you need right now. I have an entry-level Giant, and while I do like it and have a soft spot for it, I didn't think I'd get as into it as I have and want to buy a new one. That's not going to happen for a while.

Test-ride some of everything. Hybrids, flat-bar road bikes, drop-bar road bikes...something of everything.

[MichelleOH]

Hi, Owlie, and thanks for the advice. I replied to your Dayton thread earlier this afternoon. U.D.? Depending on where you live now you could take Creekside to the Little Miami Trail and ride home.

[Owlie]

Hi, Owlie, and thanks for the advice. I replied to your Dayton thread earlier this afternoon. U.D.? Depending on where you live now you could take Creekside to the Little Miami Trail and ride home.

I actually just saw your response in the other thread. Whoops! Not UD, WSU, so I'm further out of town. And that would be quite a ride 17.4 from the access point nearest me, and then 50 to the trail access point near my house, then 3 (all uphill!) back home--I don't think my legs are there yet! (Though it would be a pretty epic ride...)