Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
Perhaps stay away from the biggest names, and look at bikes from Jamis, Kona, Surly, Scott, Fuji, to name a few. You'll get more bike for the money..
Not necessarily..... the big guys have greater access and greater buying power with the component manufacturers, so you can get *more* bang for your buck with them. Case in point Jamis Ventura Race (their top alu women's road bike) is MSRP $1350 and is largely Tiagra equipped. The Specialized Dolce Comp is MSRP $1500 and comes mostly 105 equipped. The cranksets are both FSA, but the Dolce's is a higher grade. You get a considerable upgrade for your $150.

Shop, compare, look for the bargains and most of all get a bike that fits you and you feel comfortable on. Which ever bike you decide on, don't pay MSRP....