Newb Status? Now what?

[Bike Writer]

MRL 788, welcome to Team Estrogen! I can't add to the great advice already given but just wanted to welcome you and make an observation.

Congratulations on recognizing that bike was not right for you and having the gumption to return it. The lure of just getting out and riding is strong, but shopping for a bike can be a lot of fun too if you approach it that way and not let confusion frustrate you. At first you will be confused because sales people will give you confliciting information and high pressure. Stay away from those kind of people and shops. When you find a shop that will be helpful to you in the future you can recognize that quality by the type of questions they will be asking you and how much they are trying to understand you and your riding desires. That distinguishes a shop that is trying to get you to fit into what they are trying to sell you.

Someone mentioned trying various shops because they can only sell certain brands. That is really key to this. All the major brands carry the kind of bike you want, but not all will be suitable for you and trying them out is the only way to find out. It takes time, but keep it fun and the time will fly!

[Sky King]

If you can, go see Chuck and Gretchen at Pacific Coast Cycles, they aren't going to try to sell you something you don't need or want. 2003 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054

[Bethany1]

My son has an Allez. Wonderful bike. As a newbie myself, it's overwhelming looking at bikes, especially getting the size/fit right. I just figured you bought a bike you liked and off you went. Now it's hybrids, mountain bikes, street bikes, racing bikes, comfort bikes, cruisers...arghhh. LOL.

I don't know alot about the other brands, but Trek and Specialized give tons of options for sizes and bikes. I liked the Surly bikes as well but I think they are out of your price range.

I have a Specialized Sirrus that is great for going around town. I put teal/blue tires on it and half the boys in the neighborhood fight over riding it as it's the "Tron" bike. Go figure.

Go to different stores by yourself or if you feel comfortable with your boyfriend (they do tend to get in the way though) and check out different bikes. WSD bikes are sized more for women depending on your needs. Try one of those as well to compare.

Don't buy too big of a bike or too small of a bike because you want instant gratification. LBS can order you a bike and it will there in a couple of days.

Good luck!

[Geonz]

IMO I would hesitate on making a big investment on a first bike. Everybody's different, and the only way to find out what's important to you is to get out and ride, and figure out what you really want to improve and go from there.

I started wtih an entry level hybrid (a Giant Nutra) which I chose after riding about 20 different bikes at 4 different shops, based on What Felt Best. (In fact, it has a Bianchi stem because I'd really liked the Bianchi but it cost the most so I rode others to make *sure* I liked it better... then went back because it did but that bike had sold... and I asked why I'd like it better and they moved a Bianchi stem onto the Giant. On an entry level bike, even )

I wanted something lighter and faster with bigger gears, after a few thousand miles... but I realized I didn't need a road bike. I got a 7500FX with skinny tyres instead. It's light and fast... but my back does *not* like to be bent over, and most other folks don't mind, and I'm not really into going fast fast fast.