Originally Posted by
raqball
I've noticed this as well but the topic is best left alone.. I will say that the Hybrid / Flat bar group and the Mountain Bike crowd are far more pleasurable to be around..
Oh add in a large majority of the 50+ group to the laid back crowd as well..
But I digress.. Until the OP comes back and is a wee bit more specific on a few things I think bike recommendations are going to run wild..
It's been said many times but the best option for the OP is to ride a flat bar and ride a drop bar then decide. Even this is difficult unless the LBS will allow her to go on an extended test ride. She may think the flat bar is fine then on her 1st long distance ride discover it's not for her. OR she may think the drop bar is fine for her then on the 1st long distance ride find out a drop bar is not for her..
My LBS is pretty good about test rides. If your legs can stand it, you can spend all day test riding bikes.
The rental suggestion is a good one, and I have no doubt should you rent from them, my LBS would give you credit towards purchase of a new bike. And even if OP decides not to purchase, better to spend $20 or $30 to avoid an $800 or $1,000 mistake.