Getting a road bike...

[BC2COCyclist]

I'm new here...

I've been riding (aside from when I was a teen) for almost 3 years, I think. I have a steel Kuwahara "Savage" MTB that is 21 years old and that I got for free but got it fixed up and hybrid-ized. It's currently my favourite to ride as it has road tires and it goes like stink despite being steel and approximately 400 lbs. lol

My other two bikes are a 2.5 year old Asama hybrid that cost around $300 new, it is also made out of steel...it's ok I guess but I have really outgrown in it terms of the riding I try to do here in Colorado (I'm from Vancouver, BC.)

Bike three is a nearly 40 year old Peugeot Record du Monde (not a high-end one) it's being worked on so not rideable currently. It weighs even more than the 21 year old bicycle lol.

Anyway, long story short, in December (in order to take advantage of Winter deals!) my husband and I are buying me my first "real" road bike. The budget is approximately $2000.00. My DH rides a Specialized Tarmac (also he has a Salsa fixie and a newish MTB.) which he loves....I'm planning on getting either a Spec. Ruby Apex or Roubaix Elite with SRAM and a double (DH has convinced me to forgo a triple.) All Carbon Fibre, too. I'm trying to get the best bang for our buck. I want to start riding centuries and in group rides with out road cyclists and such. My current bicycles are not up to the task at all.

I'm 5'8.5" with a fairly long torso (I know this as when I was 42 weeks pregnant, I was nowhere near huge, you know?) I have what I consider normal length legs and arms, though my limbs are way shorter than my DH, but he has a shorter torso.

I really am unsure whether or not I need a WSD but I suppose I will find that out when I go to the LBS in December, eh!

From poking around this message board, it would seem not everyone is a fan of Specialized bikes?

[RubyTuesday]

I have a similar body type as you. I am 5'7" and have a very long torso. I am shorter legged and have shorter arms. Almost everyone I talked to told me that I needed a Men's bike for my body type. I tried a Felt, Orbea, Trek and Specialized Ruby. Hands down, for me, the Ruby was the clear winner. The bike just felt right and was a good fit.

Try all of them. Go to your LBS and if they don't have a good selection to try extend your search. Try them all.

I guess I am the odd Specialized fan.

[BC2COCyclist]

Thanks . The Specialized bikes make me drool the most for some reason. My DH's bike is sexy as all get out.

[kermit]

I am a huge specialized fan. I am 5'8" and ride a 54 roubaix with a shorter stem. Super happy with the bike it's a great brand, fit is the key!!

[roo4]

Good luck with the bicycle shopping! I think the best thing to do would be to ride both wsd and non wsd bikes and see what works best for you. I drooled over the Ruby online, but couldn't find one to actually ride. I bought a 3.1 Trek Madone wsd which I love, so everything worked out fine. Enjoy!

[Kathi]

I know a wonderful bike fitter at Sports Garage in Boulder. He sells Specialized. May be worth your time to check him out. My niece-in-law was eyeing Specialized but after a bike fit she found out Orbea fit her better. My nephew ended up on the Specialized.

[BC2COCyclist]

Thanks, guys! DH was planning on taking me to Wheatridge...thoughts? I'll talk to him about the shop in Boulder...

[Kathi]

Thanks, guys! DH was planning on taking me to Wheatridge...thoughts? I'll talk to him about the shop in Boulder...

PM sent.

[BC2COCyclist]

Replied. apologies if it's muddled - I just woke up and the baby woke me up several times in the night. I haven't had my tea yet. *yawn*