Hob684

Hey ya'll... i'm a college student who has been riding "the" walmart "road" bike to and around campus for the past year.

I've recently begun riding on The Longleaf Trace and would like to get a Entry/beginner level bike, used pref.

I"ve been reading on teh forums and searching the internet on etiquette and all that stuff.

My main question is how do you "size" a bike? I dont' want to spend alot of money on a bike just to have it not fit and hate riding it.

I've been looking at the Trek 1000 or 1200. Price range is <$700, pref closer to $500.

Riding will be <200mi/week. maybe after awhile get into light competition and such.

jyossarian

Welcome Hob. There's a lot of good info in here so utilize the search function and don't be afraid to ask questions. As for sizing, check out what Sheldon Brown has to say about the subject. His site is great for reference material.

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html

bbattle

The Trek 1000 is a fine bike to start with but make sure it fits you. And by that, I mean you need to actually sit on it and have the bike shop guys adjust it to fit you. Bikes from other companies like Giant and Specialized, Felt, Fuji, Cannondale, Bianchi, etc. may fit you better so shop around and ask lots of questions.

When I got my first road bike last year I tried a number of Treks but they didn't seem to fit me; I was too far forward. So I tried an Orbea and it was good. I'd never heard of them but they are Huge in Europe(Spanish bike).

So keep an open mind when shopping for a bike and if you find something that you've never heard of before, come here and ask for an opinion. Sure to get several.

cuda2k

We all start out as noobs. Stick around here, you'll go from noob to knowledgable cyclist in no time.

Hob684

thanks for the help guys, i'll be headed to my LBS tomorrow for a correct sizing.. (well, actually both of them and see if they tell me any different..)

may have a new bike by C-mas!