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Super newbie question...

Started by Grishyangel · · Last activity · 7 posts · 1,695 views

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01 / Original postSuper newbie question...Grishyangel · 29 Aug 2004 02 / This pagePosts 1–7Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #7Grishyangel · 3 Sep 2004

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Road Cycling
Published
29 August 2004
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3 September 2004
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Grishyangel
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  1. Original post
    Grishyangel
    Archived post
    #1

    😕

    Hi everyone,

    I am in the process of looking for a road bike and I need help.

    I am a long time runner and am trying to cross train with cycling. I have an old mtn bike that I have been using (on the road) to alternate days with running. I am looking to buy a road bike to replace the mtn bike. The primary purpose of the bike will be for exercise although I intend to use it for fun too. At this point, I am not interested in racing or competing, although I am leaving to door open for that possibility down the road.

    I have been looking on-line at the various bikes available and am considering the Motobecane Grand Record or the 2004 Mercier Elle WSD bike. I have found several on-line bike stores that sell bikes significantly less than the MSRP or bikes at our local bike stores. Does anyone have any feelings about purchasing a bike on-line vs in store? From a cycling newbie perspective, is it just a bad idea?

    Also, as to fit... I am female, 5'5 about 125... Is there a different bike that I should be considering? What is the most important thing to look at for fit?

    I really appreciate any input!

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  2. john benkert
    Archived post
    #2

    " The primary purpose of the bike will be for exercise although I intend to use it for fun too."

    What?, Wh..what are you saying, I thought EXERCISE was fun!!! :-) :-)

    John

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  3. trekie
    Archived post
    #3

    Hi, I'm also new to this. And I did the same thing you did, I looked online and saw a bunch of bikes I wanted. I ended up going down to a LBS and purchasing one from there. I think that was the best decision. They can fit you correctly for the bike. When I bought mine, they threw in a few things with the bike, nothing much, the water bottle and cage, but, hey, its something less that I have to pay for. My LBS also has a free 30-60 day tune up, so that's another plus. Lastly, maybe you can make some new new friends/ride buddies? Thinking back, i'm glad I went through the LBS. Maybe my next purchase will be an online one.

    Whatever you decide, enjoy your bike and enjoy the ride!

    Scott

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  4. Daremo
    Archived post
    #4

    For your first road bike, find a LBS that is known for its road bike knowledge (most shops do not do much road). It is very important for you to get a good fit.

    Even if you do not buy a bike from them, then you can still get properly fitted and gain knowledge on what to look for. Then you can go online and find a bike that suits your needs armed with that knowledge you gained.

    You can also get fitted correctly, go online and get pricing from other sources, and go back to your local shop and negotiate with them. They would rather have a customer that buys a bike from them at a discount price than one that buys one online and comes in for accessories.

    Take a look at Terry bikes as they are specifically designed for women. But also look into the different "compact" frame manufacturers (Giant being the best known). Women typically have strange proportions, so even at 5'-5" you may have longer legs or a longer torso, so fitting a bike can be a trying time.

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  5. Grishyangel
    Archived post
    #5

    Thank you so much for the replies! I did go to a bike shop here in town and as you both had said it was definately the right thing to do!!! I had no idea that the same size bike could be so different brand to brand.

    I tried Specialized (WSD), Giant and Trek. I really like the fit of the Specialized but it wasnt as smooth as the Trek. Giant's bike was smooth but something about the position of it hurt my hands and felt "off". They tried to make several different adjustments for me but I just didnt love it so I went back to Trek. They were able to change out the handelbars to something narrower and it fit great!

    So, that is what I decided to get. Its the 2004 Trek 1500. Its not WSD but they changes they made feel great. In fact, we just got back from a 25 mile ride... which kicked my butt as im not quite in shape for that. Hopefully the cycling will help the running and vice versa. Its a nice change even though the dogs arent too thrilled about it!

    Thanks again!
    GA

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  6. trekie
    Archived post
    #6

    Wow, that's the same bike I bought, 2004 Trek 1500. I'm happy with it. I even convinced my brother to buy one, he got the 2005.

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  7. Grishyangel
    Archived post
    #7
    trekie said:

    Wow, that's the same bike I bought, 2004 Trek 1500. I'm happy with it. I even convinced my brother to buy one, he got the 2005.


    My husband bought the 2005 Trek 1500 too. He just got it yesterday and loves it. We went out last night for a breeze to see if I could keep up with him and I could! Hooray! Before, with our old mtn bikes I couldnt even come close- when we were on the street! Its so nice to pedal and actually move forward. :p

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