I've visited most of the bike shops here in Rochester,NY and no one seems to be giving bikes away right now.

But I'm really impressed with the Specialized Elite Lo-entry model. Thinking about one for the wife and I.

Since I haven't biked in 30 years, I was jolted by how unsure I felt on test drives, # of gears,etc., and cost. Granted, the bikes weren't set up for my size, and the tires didn't have much air, but this will be a learning experience again. And I think I will get a "girl's bike" model, i.e., with the low cross bar. The salesman assured me now they're called "unisex" models, not "girls".

we'll be doing a lot of riding on the canal path.

What do you think about the Specialized brand of bike and this model in particular?

thanks in advance.

I don't know the model, but Specialized - along with a number of other name brand companies - has a solid reputation. Buy what turns YOU on and make sure it fits you well. Many of the folks on this forum (including me) started with a less expensive bicycle, and in a year or so upgraded to a more advanced model. It is called the N+1 syndrome.

I'm sure others will offer their thoughts. The best thing is to have a bike that you love and is comfortable - nothing gets you riding more than that.

Good luck.

Specialized makes great bikes. I got one last week for my 66th birthday/Christmas.
I've never met a person who didn't like their Specialized, whether it was road bike, mtn bike, or hybrid.

Last year, the Crossroads was the Globe Carmel, and we put a lot of happy customers on them. The advantages are

• well made and easy to maintain
• light for its class
• very comfortable and easy to ride

Disadvantages are

• doesn't like to be ridden fast
• every couple of years, Specialized changes the model names

Sounds like just the ticket for your intended use. Enjoy them.

When I returned to cycling some years ago, I bought a bike rather like the one you're considering. (It was a Giant, but that's not really relevant; Specialized have an excellent reputation.) The bike gave me several years of happy riding and I had time to decide what sort of bike I wanted to upgrade to.

This bike looks like a good model for someone in your position. If you feel the dealer is honest and stands by the product, I'd buy it - many people including me say that you should be shopping for a good dealer, not just a good bike. I'd consider one with a higher crossbar for frame rigidity - but it'll be your bike and don't be swayed by my capriciousness.

As DnvrFox says:

It doesn't matter what bike you get to start with providing it fits and you get reasonable service from the shop.

It takes a while to find one but this is where the LBS (Local bike shop) comes in. And this is where many of us say find the shop- then buy the bike.

Enjoy the bike and start saving. All the first bike is for- is to tell you what the 2nd. bike is going to be.

That's what I think too. Shop for a bike shop first. Frankly, I have some doubts about yours. Sending a potential customer out for a test ride on a bike with soft tires and that hasn't been properly set up doesn't sound like "A" grade service to me. Still, I wasn't there. If the people that you delt with gave you a positive feeling and asked the right questions they might be OK.

At a price point the offerings of the various bike manufacturers are quite similar and can be expected to provide very similar performance and quality. If the worst happens, however, and you encounter a warranty issue wouldn't you rather deal with somebody with whom you already have a rappoire?

It was my idea to ride around the store on a showroom model.We were in the midst of "lake effect" , and I wouldn't have wanted to take their new bike out in several inches of snow and salt.

That wouldn't have been a good test,either. But he offered to let me,anyway.

So there you are. I'm glad that I wrote "I wasn't there" in my original post.

I agree ... shop for a bike shop first. Frankly, I would guess that 90% of the bicycles sold in the USA are made (to any particular brand's design/specification) in one of two or three very large factories a long way from here and the badges stuck on them as they go out the door. So the quality of almost any type of bike at any particular price point will be very similar. And that means, providing you buy from a bike shop, they're all going to be pretty good at what they're supposed to do.

So patronise the shop you feel most comfortable and confident with, then seek their advice. You will end up with a quality bike that suits you best and have the benefit of the experience and backup to make cycling a truly exhilarating experience.

It sounds like you are looking at a bike that suits your current desires. Once you get a chance to try it set up right for you, if you like it, buy it and ride the wheels off of it. Then you'll have a better idea what your next bike will be like.

I'm loving my new Specialized road bike and my Specialized mountain bike.

The bike you buy now will help you determine the bike you want later. Which might turn out to be the bike you buy now.

^^^^ What He Says ^^^^

I have a Giant Tran Sport LX for commuting and a Specialized Myka for off-road. My husband rides a Specialized Hardrock for everything. I only rode about 3000 miles this year (lost my mojo for a bit and when I got it back I came down with mono) my husband more than 5000. We enjoy our bikes, my husband is pleased with the quality of his bike, and he is pretty rough on his. As has been said, the 2 most important things are finding a good local bike shop, and getting a bike that fits. Riding the Erie Canal towpath is one of my Bucket List rides. Find a good shop, find a bike that fits and ride!!!

I've always heard and felt that the "boys style" bike with the high crossbar is more rigid. On the other hand, what difference does that make except in an accident?

Thanks.

The "step-through" frame tends to be heavier and more prone to racking or twisting. Pootling around the neighbourhood won't really test a frame, so a lack of stiffness won't become an issue. However, zipping down a hill at 30mph on a flexible frame could be very scary ...

Look at this Raleigh bike. It's unisex, with low step over, comes with lights, fenders and kick stand. The internal hub gearing might suit you too. Lots of options out there.
https://www.rei.com/product/809007

All bikes are subject to twisting forces when they're being pedalled or when they encounter irregularities in the road. All decent ones cope with that twisting force pretty well. ThatBritBloke mentions the prospect of some flexing at high speeds (eg, on downhills). I'd suggest that a 'step-thru' frame is a little more subject to flexing when being pedalled than one with a higher crossbar - so some of your effort on the pedals is wasted in frame flex. In both cases, this effect will be quite minor and you are probably not going to be riding at speeds that will even make this very noticeable. All bikes are a compromise. Buy the bike that you think suits you best. ENJOY!

Thanks.didn't know that.

Thanks for the info.I've never experienced this flexing that you're talking about. Now I'll know to look for it.

Still think the step-thru model will serve me well over the years.