Initiating a newbie into the club!

[WindingRoad]

So a friend of mine is in the process of purchasing her first road bike ever. She has historically ridden basically whatever was on hand, which was old beaters and various mens bikes. Keep in mind she is all of 5'1 on a good day and even on a 48 cm road bike we had to order in a 44. Lordy, I can only imagine how much fun she is going to have when this new bike comes in next week! She is super excited; she was ready to take the 48 cm out the door though she could barely clear the top bar because she said it fit better than any other bike she has ever ridden. It was so much fun going with her and watching her jump on and zip across the parking lot and see her face when she came back. She had the "OMG this is soooo awesome" look on her face when she rolled back to the shop I think we can all relate to that! I asked her if she minded the color of it and she was absolutely thrilled it was pink and white because she said she wanted a girls bike since she had never had one that was just for her. So I guess there is credence to our debate over 'girly' colors after all. She already wants to go for a ride as soon as she gets her bike.

I thought you all might enjoy a story like this.

[hebe]

awwww! I'm so happy for her!

[zoom-zoom]

She needs to join us here at TE and tell us all about her awesome new ride!

[Velocivixen]

That is a wonderful story, and I think it's so nice that you are sharing your expertise with her. Being a newby myself I know she will likely have more questions and she's lucky to have someone to help her out. I would enjoy hearing about her first ride once the bike arrives. Will you be on that ride with her?
I'm still in the "honeymoon" stage with my bike, so I understand the smile of which you described.

[WindingRoad]

She ordered a 2010 Fuji Finest 1.0. She has to keep the cost down we are both in grad school. It was a pretty good deal, it has 105 on the back and tiagra on the front and shifters. It has an aluminum frame and a carbon fork. For $750 it's not bad AND I found a coupon for 10% off too

I hope to be there on her first ride. Since its early in the season there are some social, around the neighborhood style rides I think she would probably enjoy. They emphasize on group riding skills and bike handling skills. To be honest she looked pretty in control even on a bike that was too big for her. I think she will catch on in no time.

[Karma007]

Yay!!!!

[badgercat]

She needs to join us here at TE and tell us all about her awesome new ride!

My thoughts exactly.

[Bike Writer]

Yes the story is enjoyed and how lucky for her to have a bike mentor!