Northern California - Hello there!

I just moved from hilly Pennsylvania to San Mateo for a job, giving up my car in the process. I'm loving pretty much everything about the area so far, especially the fact that almost two miles of my daily commute is along the bay:

http://media.tumblr.com/4QXTgb4VXd7wr5ybmp6jRfjN_500.jpg

So...where are good mechanics, decent shops, etc? I'm looking to buy decent road bike sometime this Fall, because there's no way I'm tackling the mountains on my FG commuter.

How far do you want to travel to a shop? Talbot's Cyclery is in San Mateo, as is CyclePath. Summit is further north in Burlingame. Next closest is California Sports and Cyclery on El Camino in Belmont/San Mateo.
Any bike brand you prefer?

Welcome! :)

Funny, I live right by you, in Foster City (in fact right along the same biking/running path), and this week I've been in hilly Pennsylvania for work, riding around on my folding bike.

I like CyclePath in San Mateo, they are on El Camino by 12th.
http://cyclepath.com/

Welcome to bike riding heaven! Join us sometime on the Bike Forums rides. Two coming up this weekend, as a matter of fact.

Another great bike store is Chain Reaction in Redwood City.

Welcome to the Yay Area!

It's good you come from a place with hills! I started cycling when I lived in [much flatter] Texas and the hills around the Bay Area, even though I was born and raised here, were a shock when I moved back and road my bike for the first several times!

Keep an eye on this board because these crazy folks have some sort of ride almost every week that you can join.

Again, welcome!
Gary

No need to put away that SS commuter either.. there are some fixie fans here as well

! Thanks for the warm welcome! There's no way I'm putting away the commuter, it's pretty much perfect for errands and my commute (minus a pending BB/drive train upgrade). I stopped by Cyclepath yesterday for some commuting supplies, but I'll be sure to check out the other places mentioned, and hook up with the rides!

I'm not sold on any particular brand, as it'll be my first 'real' road bike, but before I left, I was torn between a Jamis and a [heavily marked-down] Pinarello. Mercifully, I held off or I wouldn't have the money after the move for the furniture I'm typing this from. eek

Oooo. Pinarello:love: