Getting started.

GucciPucci said:

First off, I'd like to say "Hi" to everyone. Now, off to everything else.

I read the thread on what bike to buy, etc. I still have some other basic questions. If there's a thread on this already, please direct me to it. As I said, I'm new. 😄

Bike.
What's a good bike to get? I'm looking to spend from 0-$600ish on a nice X Country/Road Bike that'll need little work done to it.(Basically, the Tour got me stoked and I'd like to get ready for the Navy by adding to my running and swimming.)

Gear.
I'd like to get a jersey, spandex, shoes and a helmet. Get all the complicated stuff out of the way. What's some decent cheap(er) stuff?

Is there anything else you recommend me getting? I just printed off the "Getting started" thread and I plan on reading it tomorrow at work. From there I'll find out measurements, etc. and what I should be looking for in a bike. If you wouldn't mind helping with measurements, I can give you an idea of my physical structure.

Weight: 190lbs.
Height: 5'11''
Build: Semi- Athletic.

Thanks for everything, and like I said... any help is appreciated!

$600 gets you a basic bike from any number of names: Felt, Jamis, Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc. All are similarly equipped, just a matter of what you find comfortable when you get fitted, as well as what just looks good to you. My choice was a Giant OCR3. The geometries of various makers' bikes can vary a little, so while I found the Giant best, you may find a Trek 1000 fits you better. The best way to shop is to go see the bikes at your local shop.

I will add that my shop had a 30 day return policy, so I was much more comfortable buying a bike that I had really done no more than ride around the parking lot. Definitely give consideration to any shop with a similar policy.

I did break down and buy a decent pair of shorts at the shop, from Louis Garneau for about $45. Otherwise Walmart has been my outfitter of choice, though I do plan to shop for a better helmet next time I am at the LBS.

Thanks a lot! The help is much appreciated, and once I find a bike shop around here to buy a bike... I'll go down and check them out/get fitted/etc.

What's your bike made of? (If you read this again.) I read that most are made of aluminum, which is a pretty light/solid material, but yeah, I was just wondering.

As far as other stuff goes. Do you have a biking jerseys? Or tend to wear a simple shirt? Do you have shoes that fit peddles or just regular peddles?

I apologize for the questions. But yeah, I'm new to this, remember? 🙁