Hi everyone! I'm a newbie who is trying to buy my first bike (as an adult). It all started innocently enough when I thought "I wouldn't mind riding a bike like I did as a kid and hit up some local trails". So I went on Amazon to see what was available and that was the beginning of the end
. Somehow I've jumped in the deep end and have become completely obsessed with my imaginary bike.
I have been researching bikes for weeks now and while I am more knowledgeable (I know what a crankset is!) I am still undecided on my commitment level and the bike itself. My choices are:
A 2013 Fuji Sportif 1.7 (price $434)
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...ck-to-top-link
A 2013 Trek 1.1c (price $520)
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes..._1_h2_compact/
OR a used Giant Escape 3 hybrid (price $225)
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...3/11500/55833/
All of these choices are based on price. I don't want to pay $600+ on something that's going to collect dust in my shed. I know some people would say buy an old used road bike on craigslist but I took a look at one and didn't like the tension shifters (not to mention the price on a bike that is older than me!).
I've really been leaning towards a road bike because after reading some of these threads, a lot of people seem to buy a hybrid and then a road bike a year or two later (why not skip the middleman?). But I was considering the hybrid because it will get me in the saddle cheaply and I probably wouldn't lose too much money if I had to resell (because I don't like riding or I want an upgrade). But I could have buyer's remorse if I buy the hybrid and and realize I really DID want the road bike!
So I guess my questions are:
1. Should I just buy the hybrid and get riding or pay more and hope for the best (the best being I take to riding)?
2. I was hoping to eventually be strong enough for group rides/charity rides, would a hybrid work for that?
3. Also the 2014 Trek 1.1 has a carbon fork, so am I screwing myself by buying the 2013 model or does it really matter for a newbie?
Sorry I'm all over the place but I overanalyze. Thanks for any advice you give, and I would love to hear any anecdotes on how you started riding and what you rode to get you to love it
.