Road Cycling - Don't Have A Bike Yet

Hello. I've just started looking for a bike and am going to join a local bike club. I found a store and was looking at the Trek 1500 WSD for my first bike which is about $1000.00. Should I consider spending more money and look at the 2100 or 2200 although I don't know how much more money we are talking about? I don't think it is likely that I would trade in a bike in a year from now. I just want to have a good experience. I will talk to other members of the bike club this week when I attend the meeting but thought I would get some feedback from the forum members.

Thanks in advance.

First you need to pick a few different brands to try out. See which ones feel better. Then take your best couple on longer rides. Without trying the 1500 vs the 2100/2200 you won't be able to answer the question.

As for spending extra $$. Spend what you can afford. The extra now may seem like a lot, but down the road it's usually money well spent.

triple post.
someone is on dialup

Hi,
it would help a lot if we knew a little more about you. What's you level of fitness? I get the impression you plan on riding on women's group rides; is that what you're thinking? If we had handle on where you're at, and where you want to go, we might get a better idea of what sort of bike would suit you. It sounds like you want either a high performance bike, or something a little more mellow, like a lite tourer.

I work out at the healthclub 5-6 days a week. I do spin, cardio kickboxing, strength training, and use the cardio equiptment. I'm in pretty good shape physically and am 45 years old.

I'm joining a bike group (men and women) and am not sure how far I'll go with it. I'm just starting out and have never seriously biked before. I may want to think about a triathlon next spring but this is up in the air. So I do think I want some kind of high performance bike.

I am 5'2" (or a little under) and am fairly petite. I am not naturally athletic but am working on it.

Someone replied Sounds like you're about to do something stupid... I'm in!" - what did you mean?

Any help will be appreciated.

Someone replied Sounds like you're about to do something stupid... I'm in!" - what did you mean?

Any help will be appreciated.

That's tourist's signature - it's at the end of each of his posts....

I work out at the healthclub 5-6 days a week. I do spin, cardio kickboxing, strength training, and use the cardio equiptment. I'm in pretty good shape physically and am 45 years old.

So I do think I want some kind of high performance bike.

Hi fitmiss--

I would like to recommend that you get the best bike that you can reasonably afford. If you are even semi serious about doing any kind of races etc (you mentioned tri's), you will kick yourself later for not getting the best possible and will then just want to upgrade leaving you having paid even more money than if you just spent a little more in the first place.
Personally I love the Trek bikes and was planning on purchasing the 2300 new in '04, however I wound up getting a 5200 instead. I love my 5200 and got a great deal on it, however for the retail $$, I think that the 2300 would be about a perfect bike for you (has pretty much full ultegra, and has carbon fork, rear and seat stay). If you can find an '04 2300 in your size, it will definately be a good deal as the '05's are coming out in oct/nov and you can probably get it for what a new 1000 series would be with out a sale.
Anyway that is my .02, good luck.

Ok,
the good news first. Every bike shop (well, almost) will carry some
high performace bikes. There's a million to chose from. The bad news is that finding a bike for a petite woman is a real challenge.
My wife is 5' 2" as well. It wasn't easy. There are posts in the archives of the Womens cycling forum of other petite women's experiences finding bikes. Make sure you look for lovemyswift.
The problem is that it is impossible to build proper geometry in such a small bike with 700c wheels. So you'll be looking for bikes with 650c wheels. You can also look at Terry bikes. Terry is a women's bike company. Don't let anyone rush you; this will likely take a while.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=566092#post566092

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=521027#post521027

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=99861#post99861

I been riding my 1500 (men's version) for about a year now, and I am very surprised how well the bike is held up, I now consider my self a serious rider (5-6 days a week) and the components(mainly shimano 105) and frame have been under a lot of stress.

So far, I had one major tune up, changed my saddle, steam and tires(stock tires give me lots of flats). Once a week, I also clean my chain.


I highly recommend 1500, don't forget that you gonna have to spend a lot of cash for clothing, clipless pedals and etc..

i'm 5'3/4" and i've been looking at treek 1500 wsd and 2100 wsd. 1500 wsd does not have adjustable reach shifters, so i'm going with 2100 wsd.

To all the good advice I would also add: Consider enrolling in a bicycle repair course at your local bike shop-- some shops will even offer a basic overview (how to change a flat, mild wheel truing, adjusting the bike's components, etc.) at no charge when you purchase a higher end model-- usually one night, for several hours after the shop closes, with other new cyclists. Having a good basic knowledge of common repairs will increase you confidence and enjoyment when you ride. :)

Dave