Buying my first road bike

[happyscientist]

I agree with what the others are saying. Take test rides, find an LBS you can work with.

When it comes to women specific bikes, they are based on the assumption that we have shorter torsos and smaller hands than men. If a men's bike is more comfortable, get the men's. I bought a WSB, but the handlebars were too narrow for my broad shoulders, so I had the shop replace them.

As far as budget, keep in mind that you may be able to save a few hundred dollars by getting a new bike that is 1-2 years old and has been sitting on the shop floor. The changes from year-to-year are so small that new riders aren't going to see any difference. You will also need that money for accessories such as helmet, shoes, and shorts.

[lgibster]

I agree that finding a great LBS and test riding a ton of bikes is the best way to go. I recently bought my first true road bike (I rode a Specialized Vita Elite hybrid for two years) a Specialized Rube Elite Apex Compact and I love it. My advice is to find a bike shop that will let you test ride a ton of bikes and not just go by your height when choosing a frame size (mine needed to be a size larger frame than what my height showed). Most importantly the bike needs to fit you and be comfortable so you will want to ride it. The Apex shifters fit my smaller hand a lot better so I went with those. Make sure the LBS will work with you to "fit" the bike to you. Also look for the older models at the LBS that are still new, but just last years models, usually they will give bigger discounts on those this time of year. I went with the carbon frame and I do not regret it, but the most expensive is not always what is best for you, so test ride, test ride, test ride. Good Luck.

[emily_in_nc]

It's harder since the OP is 5'0". The chances of her finding a "ton of bikes" to test ride are much smaller than for someone of average height. Sometimes one or two test rides are the best you can do. But definitely work with a shop where the workers are helpful and knowledgeable, concerned with fit, and aren't just trying to sell you something on the floor. Sometimes they will have to order a bike for you to get one that fits, and they should be willing to do so. Also, be prepared that the first bike you buy is not going to be your long-term bike. Most of us learn so much about cycling in our first year or two that we want completely different things in our next bike. So don't go crazy and spend too much.

I remember doing a club ride once and riding with a young gal (also very petite) who was riding an entry-level aluminum road bike with Sora components. She was a new rider averaging around 13-14 mph and was already in love with cycling. I had to go a little slower than my usual pace so that she could keep up with me. A year later I ran into her again while my husband were out doing our own ride. She was on a full carbon bike, riding with her now-teammate, and FLEW by me. Seems she'd gotten into racing and gotten much stronger and faster, and with it came a new bike. You just never know where your first bike will take you, so don't overspend, but get something you love that fits so you'll get out there and ride. That's the most important thing. Then, when you decide to upgrade, you can either keep the "starter bike" or save it for a bad weather/trainer/bike's in the shop bike!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[thekarens]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I also want to "plus 1" for finding a great LBS. I was already leaning towards a steel bike, but the LBS sold it for me. The fact that I had been visiting that shop for a few months and always got good advise with zero pressure helped immensely and it's paid off with the bike I chose in the end. I LOVE my bike and love the shop manager, wrenches and fitter. I get superb service and they have thrown in a lot of little extras. I also went with last years model to get the biggest discount.