Road Cycling - Overwhelmed almost-newbie

No bike yet-- that's the issue. Hybrid or road? Still deciding and I know you guys can help. I'm a petite 5'2", 110lbs, and will use the bike for commuting under 5 miles rt, plus errands and longer rides on weekends and early mornings, all paved or hardpack, varying slopes. Eventually, I'd just like to leave my truck parked for as long as possible and rely on the bike + train for most transportation. Horrible roads around here, so I want the 1.5" slicks, I think. I've got a low budget-- would like to spend $600 or less all told. I'll be testing some bikes tonight at the LBS-- a Kona Smoke, and a Giant of some kind if they have a small enough frame built. Wednesday (at another shop not so local) I'll test out a Cannondale R400 which is on supersale, and a Specialized Sirrus. I've also tested the Novarra Corsa and X-4, which were okay. I really want to get a bike that 1) I LOVE, and 2) don't wind up outgrowing in skill and riding style in a year or less. Any other suggestions? All replies are appreciated.

-Coffee (yes, that is really my name.) :)

check out the forza (http://fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,102,94,95,96,103,97,104,106,99,98,100,105,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=25&yr=2004) series from fuji, specifically, the sagres, or the silhouette. the only issue i can see with them is that they don't have the 1.5" slicks, but i believe they have enough clearance for 700c tires up to 38mm, which is pretty darn large and will soften the bumps and such.

there are a bunch of other manufacturers making these "hardcore" hybrids, i believe jamis, cannondale, and specialized has the sirrus.

I would look at cyclocross bikes. You get the more agressive position of the drop handlebars with the cantilever brakes and wider tires of a hybrid.

I would say a sloping top tube (compact frame) would be well suited to you. My only experience is with Giant, and they are excellent value for money and have a good warranty also. In my small group of riders there are 5 Giants, they are very popular in Australia.

CHEERS.

Mark

Where in LA are you? I can suggest some LBSs for you to visit.

For this type of short ride, you not need road bike. Just buy a hybrid with good tires.

By the way, what kind of name is Coffee? Did your mother work as waitress, maybe?

With that kind of distance about any kind of bike with semi-slick tires will work fine.

Heck I use a mountain bike with slicks for a 14mi each way commute...and I look like a 24 year old eric cartman :p

It is highly likely that as you bike you will want to bike more and more and more, and the miles will add up as will the skill level and the bike needed to meet that skill level!

Sad, but this seems to happen a lot. Biking is a rather addicting activity for lots of folks.

So, you might want to consider buying a bike that would be appropriate if you happen to become an addict. This would likely be more of a "road style" bike, as mentioned previously, perhaps a cyclocross, or the other more "aggressive" bikes mentioned previously.

Good luck and have fun.

I'd look at the Specialized Sirrus or maybe a Cyclocross bike. If you think you might get more into road biking, it might be worth it to check out the Specialized Allez and put some heavier tires on it.

Hi,
my wife is 5' 2" and rides a Bianchi Strada. It's a little over your budget, I think it's worth it. Try it and see what you think. Bianchi sweats the details on this one. The cranks, for example, on your size frame are a little shorter than standard.

Thanks for all the replies, gang! So far I've eliminated the Kona, and added a Felt SR91 to the mix, which has to be built for me to test it at the LBS. The Sirrus I'll try tomorrow, along with the Allez and a Giant or two. I'll give the Strada a run as well, but I'm not sure the chequebook can take it.

Fixer, I'm downtown-adj LA (we've no designation per se), and I've been to Velo (they have the Felt) & Pasadena Cyclery, and will hit one of the Helen's (not SM) and a Supergo tomorrow. Any other LBS suggestions are hugely appreciated-- I want to find a great shop where have the true gurus who're honestly interested in getting me on the right bike for ME and can fix anything.

Take a look at some touring bikes. They make the ideal commuter.

An example would be the Trek 520.

50cm steel Jamis Ventura w/ triple on ebay (only two hours left and it's at $400):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7298&item=3680970040&rd=1

hmm.. maybe 50cm is too big for you in a bike.

but it's the perfect size for a RUBBER CHICKEN!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=60824&item=4172509647&rd=1