Introductions - Soon to be a new rider from CT

Just wanted to say hello. This is my first time here and I would like to ask a question.

I will hit the big "40" next week and decided it's time to finally start exercising to lose some extra #'s. I have a few friends at work who speak highly of bike riding, so I decided to try it out. I borrowed a bike and took a few short rides and I got hooked.

I stopped by the local bike shop and test rode a few Giant and Marin bikes and the Marin Coast Trail (2002 model) felt the best. I will pick up the bike on Saturday, but am having some second thoughts. Knowing practically zero about biking and fitness, is this a good choice for a "beginner"? The majority of my rides will be on paved roads/trails. Thanks in advance for the input.

You've picked the right place for advice. Welcome to the forums.

I can't really help you with your choice but there are plenty of people here who can.

I'll be hitting the big"40" in a couple of months so it's good to know I have company.

ANY BIKE IS A GREAT BIKE FOR A BEGINNER:beer:

Lo-impact, hi-cardio, hi-weightloss...

Get to go fast past the boring places (let me see you do that running)

Get to speak and here a reply when you pass an interesting person.

Lo-cost compared to golf, bassfishing, bowling or women chasing.

etc., etc.

And once again I get to say WELCOME TO THE ADDICTION!!!!:D

Somebody else from CT:cool: The only thing that matters is that you are comfortable on the bike and can afford it. Although it's pretty funny to watch a 30 or 40something executive carry a $3500 fs rig over every small log or rock:D I advise you ride with better riders. They have a tendency to push you and you can learn from their mistakes rather than your own;) Good luck and have fun!

Just how many of us are from CT? hmmmm... The Coast Trail, should work fine for what your looking for. If it fits you and your comfortable on the bike.

Originally posted by Bigdog
The Marin Coast Trail (2002 model) felt the best.

That alone speaks much about this bike. Fit is the first piece of the puzzle!

Hello fellow Connecticutian (say that 5 times fast all you non-Connecticutians :p). Anyways, as they said, fit is the most important peice of the puzzle. As far as I'm concerned, it's better to get a good bike for your first than "work your way up" because then by the time all is said and done, you've spent more money upgrading levels of bikes than you would have in the first place. If you're comfortable on it and it does what you want it to, then it's the bike for you!