New to biking

[Aussiemum]

Well actually haven't ridden for a real purpose for a long long time. I am 5'8" and 180 lbs and am thinking of riding to work (2.5 miles each way). Not far, but it is getting me out of the car and getting me fit. So the Trek bike store near me has recommended a women's design fx 7.2 (17") for $494. I test rode it and it seemed fine. Just hesitating because $494 is a lot of money and want to make sure I am making right choice. Any comments?

[tealtreak]

my 2 cents is any exercise is better than none! I can't attest to the quality of your purchase (or not) I ride a 30 yr old road bike (40 miles 2x a week at 17 mph thank you) and and cheap mt bike (pace unknown- but come home wasted) I think folks get too hung up on brand/make ect..... it is the engine and get your butt off the couch (: (please excuse the %%^%$3 but I just got eye rolled at the local trails by Mr. duel suspension rich dude)

[goldfinch]

Well actually haven't ridden for a real purpose for a long long time. I am 5'8" and 180 lbs and am thinking of riding to work (2.5 miles each way). Not far, but it is getting me out of the car and getting me fit. So the Trek bike store near me has recommended a women's design fx 7.2 (17") for $494. I test rode it and it seemed fine. Just hesitating because $494 is a lot of money and want to make sure I am making right choice. Any comments?

Several companies make similar bikes with a similar price point. The Trek is a perfectly fine choice and you are getting it lower than list price, which I believe is $550. The Specialized Vita base model lists at $500 and my LBS has it for $450. That also is a nice bike. The cannondale quick 5 is listed at $550, maybe available for about $500. Giant has the Escape, base model at $470 and one up from there at $530. The base Trek FX is the 7.1 with a list price of $450. I think that it is worth going up to the 7.2.

All decent and somewhat similar bikes. Try riding a few and see what you like the best.

[malkin]

If you are paying new-bike-price be sure that you will be buying the services of a bike shop to adjust the fit for you. They should be helpful and nice; they should explain stuff and even teach you stuff.

[colorisnt]

Will they throw in a pro fit for you? That's worth it's weight in gold. I've had a trek and a giant. I liked the giant okay for short rides, but I much preferred my Trek to it. Just sold the giant, actually, and bought it used to begin with.

Do you have a used bike store? If you don't need anything super fancy, it can't hurt to look. I am very short - 5 feet - and I don't get many chances to buy used roadies or any bike that small (48 cm), so I can't use them much. If you are a more "average" size, you can get away with it. 5'8'' would be fine, I'd think.

Either way, the ladies have already recommended some comparable bikes. I can't do it with anything but roadies, but it's up to you. Try some out and see what works And warning: cycling is addictive.

[MGM]

It's a decent bike to start off on. The other models mentioned are similar in quality, and you really should try a few out to see which one you're more comfortable on. The geometries of the frames vary a bit, and one or two aspects can be off and you will never get truly comfortable. I personally like the Cannondale Quick series.

It's not about spending a lot, it's about getting the bike that suits you best within the price point. A good shop that takes the time to FIT you (not the quick sizing you get when you first try a bike) IS worth it's weight in gold!

[Megustalaplaya]

The DH has the mens '10 Trek FX 7.1 that he put 12,000 miles on. He recently decided to buy another rather than start replacing worn out parts and bought the '12 Trek FX 7.3. If the bike fits you well I really don't think you can go wrong with the FX bikes.

[Antaresia]

Will they throw in a pro fit for you? That's worth it's weight in gold.

or worth it's weight in grief if they're bad fitters. Read reviews online before you commit.

Signed,
the bitter voice of experience.

[Bike Writer]

Trek is a good name in bikes and as others have suggested some comparable models it's worth the time to try them out as subtle differences make the difference between a bike that you love and will want to ride again and again and one that is ok feeling.

The bike shop and their after the sale helpfulness or lack of it will play a big role. If the shop is willing to talk to you on a level that you are comfortable with and not trying to dazzle you with bike lingo and their expertise you will have found a good shop. If they are truly interested in you and your experience on the bike you'll know by how they treat you and the questions they ask. If all they are interested in is unloading stock, you'll know that too by whether they are really listening to you or not.

People who are somewhat new to biking should be talked to differently and serviced differently than people who have been biking for years and a good shop will recognize that and adjust accordingly.

Welcome to the wonderful world of bicycles and congratulations to you for wanting to improve your health and fitness!

[goldfinch]

Will they throw in a pro fit for you? That's worth it's weight in gold.

My impression is that this isn't done for budget bikes. Tough for the LBS to make money selling a bike for $500 if they throw in a complete fit too. With luck, they will at least size a person correctly and help them get the seat and handlebars roughly where they should be. My sister just bought a $400 Bianchi and they did nothing but help her with seat height, and throw in a bottle cage, bottle, and kick stand. But they will do a 30 day and one year tuneup for free. Can't expect much more than that at that price point.