Introductions - Hello

Hey y'all. I forgot to introduce myself the other day when I finally registered. I'm JC, I'm from Texas, and it's Hotter than Hell down here right now. In about 4 months, it will still be a hundred degrees every day, and then all of a sudden the next day it will be 30 degrees - you know, we don't have a "fall" season. Okay, I'm exaggerating a little.

I'm really liking this forum - seems like a great place to get advice and feedback. Also seems like a lot of bikers don't like cars and the people driving them. Hey, when I'm riding - regardless of how many people are in my group or riders, I get the hell out of the way so that big 5,000 lbs. hunk of metal can get by! I know, I'm going to hit a nerve out there. Sorry!

Happy trails!

Welcome to the Forums. Lot's of Texans on here, esp. in the Dallas area. Where in Texas are you? What do you ride? etc., etc., etc,

Welcome

I'm in D/FW area - just North of there. I'm right in the middle of that Dallas, FW, Denton triangle. I have been riding for "pleasure" on a mountain bike for years... now looking for a road bike. Having a tough time deciding on how much to spend and where to buy. I want to start riding on a frequent and regular basis.

First decide on a budget, then start hitting the shops and riding as many bikes as you can. Check the Texas regional forum. There are more than a few threads in there about best bike shops in DFW.

For sheer volume of bikes, you can't beat Richardson Bike Mart. In Lewisville there is BlueBonnet Cycles on I-35N service road by the Ford dealership at Valley Ridge.

PM me if you have questions.

Thanks. I went to Bluebonnet on the way home. That had some good stuffin there. Met "Ben", nice and knowledgale guy. He seems to like Bianchi.... and had some Fuji and Redline. Seems like every shop has it's preferences. Mad duck likes Cannondale, Bicycles Inc. in Hurst likes Trek and Specialized. Everybodys got an opinion.

Howdy and welcome to the forums- Garland guy here.

Everyone does have an opinion, but in a similar price point you are basically gonna get the same bike from any of the big manufacturers. However, each brand will have a different feel and fit. A 56 cm Trek will not ride like a 56cm Specialized or Bianchi. That is why I say grab your helmet and shoes and start hitting shops. Ride the bikes in your price range for as long as the shop will let you. Soon you will find the bike that fits, or feels the best to you. Best of Luck.

However, each brand will have a different feel and fit. A 56 cm Trek will not ride like a 56cm Specialized or Bianchi.

So true! When I first looked at a new bike for myself several years ago, I rode all the tiny bikes I could find. I would up getting the 44cm Dolce Elite because it fit so much better than the equivalent Trek WSD bike. Fit is everything!

Welcome to BF, and feel free to PM me with any questions :) !

East Hill
Forum Moderator

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I bought a 61cm Specialized Tricross yesterday. I think the perfect choice for my style of riding, and feels real good. I rried out a Trek and a Cannondale also. Has 700x32c's on it, but I think I can keep up with the rode guys. I'm about to find out. Some of the pavement around here is so bad I surprised those 23's aren't popping left and right. I'll be at the HHH on 8/23.

Congrats on the new bike. The TriCross is a veyr nice bike. Where did you end up buying it?

Bicycles Inc. in Hurst... or Bedford. Never can tell exactly where I am over there. Last night I rode around here in West Flower Mound a little on the new bike... this morning wife and I went over to Grapevine and rode around a little, then I was able to shake her when we got home and I rode around a little more by myself. Hot out there... my computer readng 111 on the pavement. I wonder how accurate it is?

Where do you buy your accessories - I mean, is there a good place or is everyone about the same unless someone is having a big sale? I hate buying stuff on-line but will if it saves me enough danero. My helmet blew out of the back of my pick-up truck on the way home from WRL about 2 weeks ago, so I need another one pronto.

As I am a few miles from the Richardson location of Richardson Bike Mart, they get most of my business. I kow some of the guys there and have shopped with them since they opened. The place is huge and is fun just to wander around in. Great selection and decent prices on most stuff.

I also have been a long time customer of Plano Cycling and Fitness.

Make a few purchases at Bluebonnet in Lewisville and Performance Bike in Plano.