new user

My only suggestion is that you go to your local bike shop and get fitted so that you know what size bike fits you best. Then you test ride bikes of various styles and material to find out which feels best. Try out different component groups so that you can decide which group you are most comfortable with, and then shop around for the bike that fills the bill. Don't accept a bike off of the floor if it doesn't have everything that you want, even if the salesman offers it to you at a discount. If you buy a bike that you don't like, the chances that you are going to enjoy riding it are slim, and it has a good chance of becoming a garage decoration.

Pics of what other people are riding are always fun to look at, but bikes are usually purchased to be ridden, not as a fashion statement.

Another way is to buy old bikes and see. My foray lasted about 20 bikes at about $20 each over a few years. Lots of wrenching involved and you have to like wrenchin more than ridin! I got to try everything from BMX to racers and vintage with all kinds of mixing and matching.

It satisfies my love of old things and tinkering. Now I have some great bikes for commuting and I am returning my stockpile of parts to whence they came. Project complete except for the riding.

Kdelong's way is much more direct and you'll be riding the best even if it's not apparent in the beginning. I may evolve to this method soon.:eek: