pick a bike?
 

Hi,

newbie and i know nothing about roadbikes....

I like trek just because of the downward(toward the handles)slope of the top tube...
is that a bad reason to choose trek?

thanks
mutsu

Treks are fine machines.
But I don't know much about the usefulness of the slope of the top tube.
I think a lot of bikes have that feature outside of Trek.
You should rather be looking at the frame material, lightness, ease of use, components, wheels, and fit.

Wow...

you set yourself up for a lot of hits in this forum... i did not know that Trek's slope forward, as far as I know the classic geometry is pretty much perpendicular to the horizon, while compacts actually slope backwards, providing for a much shorte seat tube... check out some websites like http://www.bikewebsite.com/index.htm or Sheldon's brown web site.

Also, just the look of the bike is a bad reason for buying it, unless you are going to like looking at it on the wall. Granted aesthetics are a must, but the most important thing as you will probably see around this forum is the comfort. Get on a bunch of bikes and test ride them. Most stores allow that... They also have lots of good advise. Yes, get out there, read up on it, and good luck... Treks are good bikes, but not for the reason you brought up.

Start by reading the "$700 road bike thread" at the top of this forum. Not much quality difference between the major brands in the lower price ranges. Focus on getting a good fit.

Its gotta fit to ride it correct.

^^^ very good point ^^^

I have a feeling that even when a new rider gets a top of the line bike there wont be much of a performance difference from the entry level bike.