Hi, i currently only ride around 20 kilometers a week but want to get serious with cycling.. i have a few questions about a training program. What should i incorporate and seeming i am still at school it can't be too intense or full on all the time. Also, would it be worth to purchase a beginner road bike straight off the mark (I have the average bike people my age have- mountain bike (a good one though, giant 2006))

Any tips on length or time i should spend on the bike?

I also would appreciate any links to informative sites that can help me with these kind of things (mostly training programs)

I bought my first "skinny tires" bike 7 months ago - it was a Trek 7.5FX Hybrid (2007) and I loved it, but I realised it wasn't giving me the speed I wanted after a couple months. I originally wanted it for fitness and comfort, but I actually just wanted to go fast =)

So about 2 months ago I purchased a carbon fiber Fuji Team Pro (2008) and didn't look back. I've already put more miles on the Fuji than my Trek.

I wouldn't call the Hybrid a "mistake", but if you are serious I'd buy a road bike that you can grow with. What is your budget? Speed on tarmac, Road Bike > Hybrid > Mountain Bike.

When I started out, I just got out and road for the fun of it, and tried to get stronger. When I was tired, I'd go home and rest, and ride the next day and push myself a little further =)

My price range is probably maximum of 600 american. i don't know how far i should ride at first seeming i will have to get up at some insane hour of the morning just to get a decent ride. (school starts at 8:30 and goes till 3:30) I also have homework :( i wondering...should i get really fit first on a fitness stationary bike first before i move on to riding a lot on the road...also i don't know is it would be that safe to ride by myself at my age (16) at 6 (most likely earlier) in the morning!!

Maybe some more experienced cyclists can pitch in, but my sister is a beginner cyclist and I was able to get her a 2007 Scattante R-560 (Performance Bike In-House brand) on clearance with all 105 for around $750~.

Here's the 2008 one (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=5819&estore_ID=1778) ($900). Me personally, I rather spend more money and grow into a reasonably priced bike, then to focus on saving money and outgrow my bike too fast, but if you are really on a tight budget, they have a R-330 which is a bit under $600.

I think the best thing you can do it to go to the local bike shop and try out a couple bikes and see what you like the most. Don't forget to buy a helmet =) And if it's dark, use some high quality LED blinkers and obnoxiously bright clothing.

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