Trek or Cannondale? My first bike.

[StephanieWog]

looking for some advice....and any thoughts you may have to share.

I will be purchasing my first bike soon. Currently, considering a Trek FX 7.5 or Cannondale Quick 4, yet open to suggestions.

Bike purpose:
1) Enjoy leisurely trips around town: to and from the gym, biking around with my nieces and fiancé.
2) Begin training soon for Sprint or Olympic triathlons this summer.
3) Some light trail riding, nothing too extreme.

Questions:
Do women's specific bikes really offer a benefit?
Does Trek or Cannondale, as a brand, stand out one more than the other?
Are there any recommended links/articles/sites that may be helpful to review first?

I truly know nothing about bikes just yet so I welcome your advice and thoughts! Thanks!

[tulip]

Hello, glad you are getting a bike.

Ride those two--and others--and see which one is most comfortable. Be sure to get the right size. Your bike shop can help you with that.

[ny biker]

Hello, glad you are getting a bike.

Ride those two--and others--and see which one is most comfortable. Be sure to get the right size. Your bike shop can help you with that.

That pretty much sums it up.

Whether or not you would benefit from a WSD bike depends on your measurements -- height, reach, shoulder width, hand size, inseam, etc. For me, a Trek WSD road bike is more comfortable than one of their standard road bikes, both for the frame size/geometry and the handlebar size. Other women find WSD bikes are not the best fit.

As for Trek vs Cannondale, they are both good brands, but they are not the only good brands.