42 and new to cycling

[thekarens]

That is an issue. I've tried other bikes that are the same size (48) but not that specific bike. I'm limited to buying online (due to the fact that I have an account I can charge it to with no interest for a year) or I can wait until Feb when I'll have cash and get something else.

[Catrin]

That is an issue. I've tried other bikes that are the same size (48) but not that specific bike. I'm limited to buying online (due to the fact that I have an account I can charge it to with no interest for a year) or I can wait until Feb when I'll have cash and get something else.

Welcome to TE and to your continued personal journey! Good for you for taking this on - I waited until I was 50 myself. It is an exciting and rewarding adventure to find both fitness and new activities that both engage and connect us.

Sadly, there isn't consistent sizing across bike companies, so a "size 48" in one brand can be rather different than a size 48 in another. Bike fit is very important, if it doesn't fit properly, then it will hurt and you won't ride/like it.

Do you know what your inseam is? For bike fit, that is the measurement from your crotch to the ground. What other bikes did you try in a 48? How did they feel? We could help you compare the geometry of the bikes you tried that were a size 48 with the geometry of the Diamondback to see if they are similar.

[thekarens]

My inseam is 29. I'll go back to the shop so I can write down the specific name of the bikes I tried.

And thanks for the welcome and help! If nothing else I can read and learn from this website and then next year when I have the cash I can get a bike at the lbs.

[thekarens]

The two shops I went to carry Cannondale, Trek and Specialized. I'll have to ask about layaway. That would be a good option. I know it's not about being pretty, but that bike you linked to is very pretty

I just looked up dealers for Jamis bikes and there's another lbs not too far from where I live so I think I'm going to check them out. Thanks for the suggestion!

[DonnaS]

You might ask the different LBSs what they have for financing. My Specialized dealer was offering a 6 month no interest plan last year.

[Catrin]

You might ask the different LBSs what they have for financing. My Specialized dealer was offering a 6 month no interest plan last year.

This, many LBS do offer this although they may not strongly advertise it. Many also allow for layaway as well - that is how I got my custom bike in early 2011. Layaway is nice

[thekarens]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! I'm going to look into all of them

Houston has a boatload of LBS. If I can I'd rather use one close to my side of town, but if the right deal comes along I can and will travel.

[Hi Ho Silver]

I noticed that you are in Houston. When I lived there, the premier bike shop was Dan Boone Cycles down in the city. They might actually have some nice used bikes for sale there. If so, it would be worth considering them - they could help fit you and, hopefully, tune up whatever bike you choose.