Help needed! - Picking a bike and general advice

[Bethany1]

WOW. Just checked out the Jamis site. Way cool bikes. Don't know how they ride, but I love the orange hard tail I found...Trail X2. Didn't look at specs, just looks like a beauty from page.

As a newbie over the summer I realized a couple of things.

Just because it's "in style" doesn't mean it's for you.

You really have to pick a bike for the road conditions you live in. A racing style of bike doesn't belong on a beat-up highways as I found out. Best purchase was my Surly Fargo 29er. It has drop bars with a mountain bike frame. Comfortable and goes over anything.

Most LBS have used bikes. Take a look at them. I've seen some really nice bikes of all prices in that section. There is nothing wrong with a used or an inexpensive bike or even an older bike.

Craigslist has lots of bikes. I just put up a bike for sale and was amazed what was out there. Haven't had any offers so maybe it's a sign I should keep it.

LBS guys are "different". I can't explain it but don't let it bother you when you go in. Leave if they truly make you feel like an idiot, ignore you or keep pushing you toward bikes you can't afford. Once I got to know mine a little better, I've had a better relationship.

The bike has to fit you right. If it's too small, you will be cramped. If it's too big, you'll be stretched out. I'm tall at 5'10 and a 56 cm or a 17.5 to 18 inch bike fits me best.

There isn't a best bike brand of bike out there. Every manufacturer makes some great bikes. Some of the bikes I've liked are from the smaller companies like Surly, Salsa and the Electra company. Electra company makes some nice affordable bikes of different ranges.

The more expensive the bike, the better the parts are. I didn't think there was a difference between chains, shifters, and other parts of a bike until I rode a few of them. Then I went to Wally World and you could see a huge difference in quality.

You'll know when you find the bike that's for you. You can always upgrade parts later when you are more experienced.

[Owlie]

Try everything that fits in your budget, because there isn't a "best" brand. What works for me probably won't work for you. Check Craigslist once you have a better idea of what fits you.

[crows]

Thankyou ladies, advice taken! I will be sure to enjoy looking for my new bike.