Time For A Real Road Bike......

[Biciclista]

Txred
you have half the battle won. You rode a really popular bike brand in an average size and it fit you like a glove. As others pointed out, there are lots of possibilities out there; the two less expensive models, last year's models, used. Looking is fun, but buying the wrong thing because you're impatient is worse because they are a lot easier to buy than they are to sell.
Good luck!

[Triskeliongirl]

Ring up bikeworld in san antonio. They are a trek dealer, and often do end of the year closeouts (i.e. maybe you can still pick up a deeply discounted 2008). Just tell them what you are looking for, and see if they'll make it worthwhile for you to make the drive.

[txred9876]

Ring up bikeworld in san antonio. They are a trek dealer, and often do end of the year closeouts (i.e. maybe you can still pick up a deeply discounted 2008). Just tell them what you are looking for, and see if they'll make it worthwhile for you to make the drive.

I will do that and since I am on the south side of Austin (15-18 miles to san marcos) it won't be much of a drive.

Tina

[TxDoc]

Hi,
you can always save $$$ by buying a used bike. Bicycles lose value pretty quickly, and you have the advantage of knowing what model and what size you need - so really you could scan ebay and craigslist often until you find what you are looking for. That could save you a lot, and sometimes buying used you get better components because a lot of people swap the stock components for much better ones after buying a bike
Good luck!

[Grits]

I bought a new 2008 Trek 2.1 WSD last summer at a fourth of July sale for just over $1,000. I don't know how much prices have gone up since then or what your budget is, but maybe there will be a sale coming up.

[txred9876]

I bought a new 2008 Trek 2.1 WSD last summer at a fourth of July sale for just over $1,000. I don't know how much prices have gone up since then or what your budget is, but maybe there will be a sale coming up.

They are running around 1400. and my budget is CHEAP! I need to save some more for the bike fund.

Tina

[Aggie_Ama]

Ring up bikeworld in san antonio. They are a trek dealer, and often do end of the year closeouts (i.e. maybe you can still pick up a deeply discounted 2008). Just tell them what you are looking for, and see if they'll make it worthwhile for you to make the drive.

And they are fabulously helpful! I found my blue Sidis that were a previous year model and had them shipped (quickly), making me a happy camper.

There are also some bike Trek dealers in Houston and if you have a fuel efficient car then road trip for a deal might be alright. BSS is the biggest Trek dealer in our area so likely a good starting point but don't discount the littler shops because when I am in one I often find they have a couple of old stock. You might get lucky.

Would the lower model work so you can have a good bike that fits? I know better components are nicer but I rode 4,000 miles on Sora when I started and was very happy because my bike fit and was fun!

[txred9876]

And they are fabulously helpful! I found my blue Sidis that were a previous year model and had them shipped (quickly), making me a happy camper.

There are also some bike Trek dealers in Houston and if you have a fuel efficient car then road trip for a deal might be alright. BSS is the biggest Trek dealer in our area so likely a good starting point but don't discount the littler shops because when I am in one I often find they have a couple of old stock. You might get lucky.

Would the lower model work so you can have a good bike that fits? I know better components are nicer but I rode 4,000 miles on Sora when I started and was very happy because my bike fit and was fun!

if the frame is basically the same shape and it fits good I really do not care about all the components that much because its easier for me to get a bike I can ride now and upgrade a few hundred here and there on better components. Being comfortable is my main goal! I didn't realise how uncomfortable my current one is until I road one that fit! I have been in to have it fitted, I have messed with the seat height and such myself before last weekend. I am wondering if the width of the handle bars might not be part of my issue. with the road bike handle bars my hands were closer in plus in a different possition.

I am still so new its hard to determine all the what if's ect.... I did have a long talk with a guy at a different LBS last night after visiting BSS to see the treks. The trek's are all basically the same price... around 900 for the 1.2 and 1400 for the 2.1.

The other shop had some 08 fuji bikes but none in my size. I got on a wsd 54cm fuji and it was to big.

Another option is to rent a bike from BSS (or several) to try and figure out which one I want to buy so I buy the correct one. Its only 22.00 for 4 hours.

Tina

[Aggie_Ama]

My husband did the rental thing with his mountain bike and was very happy going that route. It really gives you a feel for the bike and I think if you buy a bike they give you 1/2 your rental back. You may also want to check out the Felts as well, a lot of bang for the buck. Jack and Adam's carry them.