Quote Originally Posted by shellyj
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.