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08-04-04, 08:36 PM
Well newbie here. If I am repeating a previous thread I apologize.
Here’s my history:
Had a few road bikes in the 90s. Ended with a Cannondale R600 that I sold in 2001 after not really riding for a year or two. My wife said that I should buy a bike so that we could ride together. I bought an inexpensive mountain bike so that I had something to match hers. After about 6 weeks with it I am really enjoying the ride, going about 100 miles a week on paved trails, two 25 mile rides and a 50 on the weekend. Wife only goes along on one out of every three rides because I go “too fast” (not even close to fast enough). Now it’s time to buy a road bike and get serious so that next year I can go on some centuries and group rides.
Here’s the question:
I’ve done my Internet research, looked at local bike shops, and narrowed down the selection. I really don’t need help with the bike choice, but I’m unsure about the test rides. How much can I really hope to learn from these rides being an inexperienced newbie? I haven’t ridden enough to really know what’s right or wrong. Should I just partner with the shop that I feel most comfortable with and take their advice, or is it up to me to know what I really want. Now I hope that this bike lasts me for a few years, so I don’t want to be stuck with something that I don’t end up liking in the long run. Plus at 6’ and 210lbs I don’t want a bike that can’t handle my weight. Or makes me uncomfortable.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Here’s my history:
Had a few road bikes in the 90s. Ended with a Cannondale R600 that I sold in 2001 after not really riding for a year or two. My wife said that I should buy a bike so that we could ride together. I bought an inexpensive mountain bike so that I had something to match hers. After about 6 weeks with it I am really enjoying the ride, going about 100 miles a week on paved trails, two 25 mile rides and a 50 on the weekend. Wife only goes along on one out of every three rides because I go “too fast” (not even close to fast enough). Now it’s time to buy a road bike and get serious so that next year I can go on some centuries and group rides.
Here’s the question:
I’ve done my Internet research, looked at local bike shops, and narrowed down the selection. I really don’t need help with the bike choice, but I’m unsure about the test rides. How much can I really hope to learn from these rides being an inexperienced newbie? I haven’t ridden enough to really know what’s right or wrong. Should I just partner with the shop that I feel most comfortable with and take their advice, or is it up to me to know what I really want. Now I hope that this bike lasts me for a few years, so I don’t want to be stuck with something that I don’t end up liking in the long run. Plus at 6’ and 210lbs I don’t want a bike that can’t handle my weight. Or makes me uncomfortable.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.