I think I will allow myself to get a new bike at 5,000 miles.

[LL_Super_D]

I like your thinking Geonz! That must mean I don't have as much to go as I think

[Starfish]

Aggie Ama & KSH...could you describe a little more what you mean about outgrowing your gears? Like, you don't need the triple anymore, or need crisper shifting, or? Just curious!

The Trek 1000 got a great review this year in Bicycling Mag.

[Selkie]

A girl can never have too many bikes. At minimum, you need one each for: (1) bad weather (rain--aka the "beater" bike); (2) good weather/long rides (steel frame is best ); (3) off-road and/or unpaved trails (cyclocross); (4) one for your trainer. If you have only one bike, what happens when it's in the hospital?

[Faust]

I also bought an entry level road bike with the goal of an upgrade as my skill improves. I think it's a fine idea but...just remember it's not about the bike. It's about the head and the heart. I say this to remind myself that if something happens that prohibits me getting a new bike my goal of riding is not diminished.

[short cut sally]

KSH, I too am in the same boat you are..I got my bike last spring, a lower end fuji. Wasn't sure how much riding I would do, and would I really like riding. My bike fit was okay, LBS said I could go with either a small or med. frame, went with a small one but wished I went with the med.. I see this year Fuji came out with a yellow bike (my fav. color) and am thinking about ordering that but put all wsd stuff on it..BUT like you, I want to get my $$$ worth and mileage on this bike..really there is nothing wrong with it other than like you said, you've outgrown it. I actually contemplated trading her in last year, and the bike shop said, most people do start out on low end and get something better when they get serious. My DH tells me to "do whatever" but I still think about the cost of this new bike and man, that's a lot of money. Good luck in your decision, and hope you enjoy your new bike as much as your old one..( I'm thinking you'll be getting a new one before your 5000 mile goal)..shelly

[Kathi]

KSH, I too am in the same boat you are..I got my bike last spring, a lower end fuji. Wasn't sure how much riding I would do, and would I really like riding. My bike fit was okay, LBS said I could go with either a small or med. frame, went with a small one but wished I went with the med.. I see this year Fuji came out with a yellow bike (my fav. color) and am thinking about ordering that but put all wsd stuff on it..BUT like you, I want to get my $$$ worth and mileage on this bike..really there is nothing wrong with it other than like you said, you've outgrown it. I actually contemplated trading her in last year, and the bike shop said, most people do start out on low end and get something better when they get serious. My DH tells me to "do whatever" but I still think about the cost of this new bike and man, that's a lot of money. Good luck in your decision, and hope you enjoy your new bike as much as your old one..( I'm thinking you'll be getting a new one before your 5000 mile goal)..shelly

I have a friend who bought a low end Fuji last year. It's very heavy and has low end components. Her goal was to use it to lose weight.

She tried riding with the beginner group of the local cycle club. The other riders were on road bikes, hers is not, and she kept getting dropped on hills and the ride leader has to wait for her.

Now she's frustrated because she wants to get her money's worth out of the bike but the bike is holding her back.

When we were in Boulder a few weeks ago the LBS had a Serotta Fierte in a 46p. She demoed to get a feel of a well fitting road bike. At first she was a little scared of it and nervous. But she began to relax and ride faster and faster. You could tell she was really getting comfortable with that bike. She realized that if a road bike fits well its not uncomfortable.

So her goal now is to ride the old bike, lose weight and reward herself with a nice road bike.

The LBS also explained what she needs to look for in fit. Her comment was, "when I bought my bike the shops didn't explain to me how a bike should fit".

When we got back to the house she immediately took her bike out for a ride. No comments about what she was thinking but I bet by the end of the season she'll be on a road bike.

[KSH]

I.just remember it's not about the bike. It's about the head and the heart. I say this to remind myself that if something happens that prohibits me getting a new bike my goal of riding is not diminished.

I absolutely agree!

It is about the head and heart of the rider. The bike does not make the rider. There have been plenty of people on bikes less expensive... new...etc... than my little Trek 1000, who kicked my butt.

In the end, all I really care about is the fact that my gears are finiky and it can be a challenge at times to go up and down rings. I typically take my bike into the shop once a month to have the gears tweeked.

[KSH]

KSH, I too am in the same boat you are..I got my bike last spring, a lower end fuji. Wasn't sure how much riding I would do, and would I really like riding. My bike fit was okay, LBS said I could go with either a small or med. frame, went with a small one but wished I went with the med.. I see this year Fuji came out with a yellow bike (my fav. color) and am thinking about ordering that but put all wsd stuff on it..BUT like you, I want to get my $$$ worth and mileage on this bike..really there is nothing wrong with it other than like you said, you've outgrown it. I actually contemplated trading her in last year, and the bike shop said, most people do start out on low end and get something better when they get serious. My DH tells me to "do whatever" but I still think about the cost of this new bike and man, that's a lot of money. Good luck in your decision, and hope you enjoy your new bike as much as your old one..( I'm thinking you'll be getting a new one before your 5000 mile goal)..shelly

Put some miles on your old bike... then get a new one! Sounds perfect!

Yea, I figured out that I might be about to get a new bike in about a year. So... I am *wishing* pretty far ahead.

I should pay off all my credit card debt first though... we will see what wins out in the end though.