Place for an introduction?

[jleigh]

I hope I'm posting in the right place I can't seem to find the area I was looking for to make an introduction!

I don't think you can get any 'newer' than me. I picked up a mountain bike very recently after being inspired by hundreds of riders at events such as MS150 and Bike Around the Bay while driving SAG with my husband. Everyone was so nice and seemed to be having such a good time. Being around so many wonderful people... I decided I had to get involved!

So what I'd love is some advice, websites with information, especially regarding sharing the road with cars, and anything else a newbie should know.

I'm still looking and researching bicycles. I went to a local shop and was given an estimated size (44cm - I'm 5'1 1/2" with longer legs and arms), but no fitting just yet. I am still learning so much.

Anyway, I hope I get to know you all very well! I am excited to begin something new if my life!

[Velocivixen]

Hi and welcome! A couple of helpful sites would be:

http://sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/

I've learned here that there are two different things: 1. Bike Size (the general appropriate size that you need) and 2. Bike "Fitting" (saddle height & fore/aft, stem length, etc).
Have fun and feel free to ask about specific bikes or whatever on here.
I've read that you should try to anticipate what type of riding you imagine (realistically) you'll be doing in a year and buy for that. I bought a bike which, at the time, was fabulous (and still is), however I quickly wanted more in the way of my handlebars and components.

[Sky King]

Welcome! Sounds like you have already discovered the best thing about riding a bike - having fun. Doesn't matter how fast, how far, how much of an "expert" just go have fun. Good luck with the bike research. I agree w/ velocivixen, have somewhat of a sense of what type of riding you want to do before spending a chunk of money on a bike!

[Trek420]

Hi, and welcome,

If you're looking for a place to introduce yourself here check out:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2001

If you're looking for introductory information on cycling you've come to the right spot. TE is the best place in cyberspace

[Giantgirl]

Hi All,
I am also new here, and to road biking! I truly love my experience thus far.
I too hope I am posting in the right place.
A few months ago I had never ridden a road bike. Today I am shopping for a better bike. I purchased a used Giant Avail 3 that had hardly even been broken in. Great deal, but after riding 4 plus times a week, between 15 and 30 miles, I am wondering if I need something with better components. I have found another great deal on a Trek 2100 Wsd. 2007 with less than 400 miles on it. Much better components, and Carbon Fiber. My Avail does have a carbon fiber fork.
Question. Will I really be able to tell that much difference?
I have found a passion in riding at 52! I plan on growing with the sport, and
the knowledge of my new baby. Thanks for any advice.

[Owlie]

Welcome to TE, both of you!

Personally, I'd be a bit wary of buying a used carbon frame without knowing the history. (Has it ever been crashed?). However: Make sure it fits, first off. It can look like a great deal, but it's a terrible one if it hurts to ride! I have an Avail 3 (she's my baby), and I'm seriously considering upgrading the components so I can keep her as my backup bike. You can tell the difference between Sora and 105--the shifting is smoother, the derailleurs don't need to be tweaked nearly as often. The carbon might smooth out the ride a bit if your roads are rough/chipsealed.
If you're happy with the fit/frame, there's always the possibility of upgrading your components, but I think by that point you may as well buy a new bike!

[Giantgirl]

Thanks Owlie,
I did state one wrong fact. The Trek 2100 is not a carbon frame. Just a carbon seat post and fork. Although better components than my Avail 3. I am trying to shift frequently, and have noticed some rough shift changes and clicking when shifting the small cassette. Trying to practice shifting, but I live in the low country of SC, where there are no hills! A dip every now and then, but pretty flat.
Do you still have all the original components on your Avail?
If you buy another bike, what would you look for?
I am satisfied with my Avail, but know nothing different. I am test riding the Trek tomorrow. Any suggestions on what to look for, or beware of on a used bike?
Thanks again

[Owlie]

Thanks Owlie,
I did state one wrong fact. The Trek 2100 is not a carbon frame. Just a carbon seat post and fork. Although better components than my Avail 3. I am trying to shift frequently, and have noticed some rough shift changes and clicking when shifting the small cassette. Trying to practice shifting, but I live in the low country of SC, where there are no hills! A dip every now and then, but pretty flat.
Do you still have all the original components on your Avail?
If you buy another bike, what would you look for?
I am satisfied with my Avail, but know nothing different. I am test riding the Trek tomorrow. Any suggestions on what to look for, or beware of on a used bike?
Thanks again

8-speed cassettes tend to have rougher shifting because the differences between each cog (number of teeth) is larger than a 9- or 10-speed cassette, so the chain has a bigger jump to make. It's going to make noise regardless (even the boyfriend's Ultegra makes noise when shifting), but the grindy-crunch noise is really noticeable on low-end shifters and cassettes.

I've never bought a used bike, but: make sure it fits first! Ask how it was stored. (Inside? Outside?) Make sure the frame is sound--no cracks or anything (if you can get an LBS to look over it, so much the better.) Try to look for anything that might be damaged or need replacing. (Tires, bar tape, chain, esp if it was stored outside). Does it come with clipless pedals? (Either get shoes if you don't have them, or a pair of platforms if you're not there yet!) Personally, I wouldn't buy a whole new bike just for the components, especially if you've got a good fit with your Giant. Keep riding, pinpoint exactly what bugs you, then either upgrade piecemeal, or buy a new set once they go on sale in anticipation of the next year's stuff.

All the components on my baby are original, save the pedals and saddle (ouch!). Over the summer, I did the same distances you're doing (and a bit longer, up to 44 miles), and I didn't have a huge problem with the components (except the front derailleur, but it's a problem child). I did miss the ability to shift from the drops, though. One day, I'd like to switch everything to 105 (since that's the highest thing the aluminum Avail comes with), once stuff starts to wear out. Out of curiosity, what year is your Avail? If you don't know, just tell me what color it is. I can figure it out from there.

A new bike...don't get me started. Lighter (just so that I can lift it fully loaded, since I can only barely do that with my current bike), Ultegra or 105 components, nicer wheels. I'm looking at carbon, aluminum, and steel. The biggest thing for me, though, is the fit, since I found that Giant's "women's" geometry really doesn't work for me. It's still too long.

[Giantgirl]

My Avail is a 2009. It was like brand new. The girl I bought it from thought she would like road biking but hated it, She was an avid runner, and had lost 100 lbs! My bike is a small WSD frame. I am 5"3, and it fits me nicely. I kept thinking the top tube was too long, but as I have ridden, I realize it was more my inexperience and stiff arms than wrong sizing. I did have the seat post adjusted.
I decided to wait on the purchase of another used bike. This one is really good for now. Funny you mentioned steel frame. My husband is an avid reader, and likes to know something about everything, (a man thing) but is really into reading about steel frames. We are going to Colorado Springs in a few weeks. He found a guy on the web that makes steel frame bikes, custom fit. Low and behold, he is in Colorado Springs. We may be checking out steel frames soon.
So much to learn, but would rather just enjoy the ride!!

[Sky King]

My Avail is a 2009. It was like brand new. The girl I bought it from thought she would like road biking but hated it, She was an avid runner, and had lost 100 lbs! My bike is a small WSD frame. I am 5"3, and it fits me nicely. I kept thinking the top tube was too long, but as I have ridden, I realize it was more my inexperience and stiff arms than wrong sizing. I did have the seat post adjusted.
I decided to wait on the purchase of another used bike. This one is really good for now. Funny you mentioned steel frame. My husband is an avid reader, and likes to know something about everything, (a man thing) but is really into reading about steel frames. We are going to Colorado Springs in a few weeks. He found a guy on the web that makes steel frame bikes, custom fit. Low and behold, he is in Colorado Springs. We may be checking out steel frames soon.
So much to learn, but would rather just enjoy the ride!!

Is the frame builder YipSan by chance? They are in Colorado Springs and super great people!