evaeli7

Hello-
I am fairly new to road biking and am looking for a road bike to get good with. I am a bit familiar with the lingo, but does anyone know of a good website that explains the basic terminology of road bikes so that I can learn a bit more? Also, I need to find a bike that I can grow into, I am a woman and would rather have a bike that is designed for females. Any suggestions? What are some specific things that I should look out for when purchasing a new bike? Would anyone recommend a used bike over a new one, or vice-versa?
Thanks.

lotek 

I can't help with the womens specific bike question, but I'd suggest you
ask in the womens forum (send PM to Koffee Brown for access, women only!),
As for the terminology here are 2 links
Harris Cyclery main navigation hub, includes Sheldon Browns articles:

Harris cyclery navigation hub

and second Sheldon Brown's glossary of bike terms.
If there is something about a bike that Sheldon doesn't know,
its not important!

Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Glossary

hope this helps,
Marty

Ostuni

the manufacturer web sites have good resources, especially trek and shimano...

i like the books by rob van der plas that can be had at your local library.....

go to a bike shop when they are not real busy and see if you can connect with someone who is knowledgable, articulate, etc....

and this forum! did you see the thread about the <$700 bikes?

good luck!

skinnyone

Lot of it depends on what you wanna do..There are several Women Specific Design (WSD) bikes out there, trek and specialized come to my mind. Custom, if you can shell some money, frames will do the job too...
Check common bike websites... Sheldon Browns website has a bunch of stuff and park tool's website has a lot of info too..
Luck with your search...

Ostuni

p.s. this is a big forum with many thousands of posts. use the 'search the forums' link at the top of any page and try keyword searching. you'll probaby find many informative posts for your specific needs and interests..

AEsco48

most women specific bikes just have different WNS saddles and a different pain schemes...

alison_in_oh

It's my understanding that WSD (women specific design) is most important for shorter women. The main difference is a slightly different frame geometry that accommodates the way our torso-to-leg proportion is different from a man's. But at my frame size (52 cm) and height (5'5") it's looking like a standard frame geometry is OK for me. Other WSD perks are the saddle, sometimes they will have special levers or smaller bars to accommodate smaller fingers, etc. One thing that kind of irks me is that they usually come with a triple chainring even if the men's version does not; but on the other hand this can help you to get up challenging hills.

If you buy a new bike from a knowledgeable dealer, you'll be sure to get a good fit and you'll have a warranty, etc. It's a little more of a challenge to get a good used bike and be sure of fit and that you aren't getting a lemon, but if you have a knowledgeable friend they might help you to get a sweet deal.