Hello from North Dallas
 

hi y'all...

My name is Ricardo and apart from riding a lot in my teens (for fun, not organized at all) I am an über-newbie...

I would like to get back into cycling and thus I am here looking for advice and hints...

Welcome.

What kind of biking do you have in mind?

I.e.,
Recreational
Road
Racing
Mtn Bike
Touring
BMX
"Comfort"
commuting?

Goals - if any - miles, fitness, fun, etc.

Let us know a bit more and we can direct you better.

I'm looking at a road bike... Have been searching the forum and reading through "starter bike" posts... sub $350... maybe used (or most likely for the price range)...

I have read about a couple of bikes already: Trek 1000, Giant OCR3 and Fuji League (any more?)

My two primary goals are first fun (I used to love to cycle) and second fitness (have put on a few lbs and want to get healthy again)... after that, I don't know much and any help would be greatly appreciated...

thanks,

As practically everyone will tell you, a road bike, in particular, needs to fit you. This refers not only to "standover" height, but more particularly to the way the bike fits the proportions of your body, especially your trunk/leg ratio.

Post your questions in the Road Bike Forum, and you will get lots of helpful responses.

Thanks DnvrFox, will do...

Welcome blueorder, all I can say is get into some of the forums, read the posts and ask questions, when you decide on what you are looking for new or used you will be able to go from there. As Dnvrfox said size is very important, you will find sites that help you in some posts, and then if you are buying new your LBS can help you there...
Just keep coming back and reading, asking and learning, not to mention its fun here and most of the guys here know what they are talking about.
Again welcome and good luck :)

I forgot to tell you, you will get many veiws and opinions, so dont let that scare you or confuse you, you will know what it is you like and want, dont let someone pressure you into something that they like, after all its going to be your bike not theirs.
again welcome and have fun, good luck :)