irija

After a couple of years of hesitation, I'm finally diving in 100% sponsored from my 2008 tax return. I was born and raised in San Diego, more specifically in North County, and have always seen quite a few riders around w/ one being my Dad. More so, the local bike shops as a kid was always a field trip full of excitement. The bike shops are still exciting to hang out at, but now it's my own money that I have to worry about spending.

I started out riding my dad's 197# something Schwinn which is not only heavy but the components would shift when they wanted to, etc, but I made use of what I could. About two months ago, a friend of mine bought a used Cannondale bike from a colleague and we went riding. I expired a little too early where as he just kept on going w/ energy to spare, so that's when I made the decision to get myself a brand new toy. With that, I'm still deciding on how much I should really spend on a bike. I originally budgeted a little high (Madone 5.2 / Specialized Tarmac Expert SL) but have decided that it just might be a little too much. Just today, I ended up riding a LaMond Buenos Aires 2007 57" and liked it a lot, but since I'm unfamiliar with how a bike should fit, there were a couple of instances where I wasn't feeling it. So now, I'm not sure what to do. btw, the LBA is going for $1100 so it seems like a steal, but I'm still hesitant as I want my first to be my bike. I'm sure you understand.

I bought quite a bit of equipment last night, some of which I might return, but you can see the getup in the attachments. I've been riding for quite a few years, but I still like to consider myself a newbie as I just rode and didn't know technicals at all. I am easy going guy, like sunset walks on the beach...j/k but I'm always up for a good ride with a great bunch of people. I'm in and out of town quite a bit being based in Atlanta as a commercial pilot, but I'll ride anywhere. I'm excited to take part in the forum and read up on what to get, what to do, and meet a few of ya around the area. I'm a little anxious and want to pull the trigger tonight on a bike, but I might just wait it out a bit in order to feel "IT" first before I do so. HELP!

USAZorro

Hello irija,

I'm happy that you've discovered cycling, and BikeForums. Welcome.

One thing that folks learn quickly, is that the introductions forum is simply that - a place where people say hello, and where many never return - having rapidly moved on to the much more heavily trafficked forums. I suggest that you will get far better response to your poll if you put it in the Southern California regional forum. You might also consider checking into the Road Forum, but there, you'll run the risk of getting more feedback than you may have bargained for.

Again, welcome. I encourage you to explore the various Forums that may interest you. I'll go out on a limb and guess that you work for Delta?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, or any of the other moderators (look for the blue/purple stars. Take care,

"Z"

btw - I chose $2,000. You can get a nice bicycle, without really having to compromise (full carbon fiber with a top of the line group of components is definitely overkill for the kind of riding you'll be doing for the next couple years). Campagnolo Veloce, or Shimano Tiagra or 105, are really good components that won't break the bank.