Originally Posted by
mcours2006
How much experience do you have with bikes, both fixing and riding them? If you know the size you need and you know how to put together parts of a bike then you're probably okay to buy online. Otherwise I'd suggest that you go to your LBS for a proper fitting. You can rely on them for future service and support.
As far as the Contend is concerned, it looks like a very good entry level endurance bike. Disc brakes are nice.
I just recently started riding. Right now I have a cheap mountain bike. About 100 miles over the past two weeks. I've really been enjoying riding it though. I know I don't know enough about fixing to do that on my own, but hope to learn!