allcentury

well i've been lurking on this forum for about a week now and have read some invaluable information from some of the seasoned guys on this site, so first... thank you!

I have also tried to do my best independent research on bicycles, equipment, and getting rid of a nagging girlfriend. All point to more riding!

So a neighbor went on vacation for a few months asked me to watch his stuff, one being a new custom Leader bike ( https://www.leaderbikestore.com/default.cfm ). After further tinkering, i've managed to do some insane amount of riding all over San Diego and i love it. I think about it all the time and get excited to ride in new areas.

However my dear old neighbor is reclaiming the bike (even though i offered to buy it off him) next week when he gets back so i'm back to square one again with the 3000 bicycle recomendations all over the internet.

i'm 24yrs old, 6'1, 160lbs ( bodybuilder status -- i know) but in very good shape. this will be my first bike purchase and i'd say my price range is from $500-$1100. From taking on other hobbies in the past my biggest fear is buying something and in 6 mos outgrowing (not physically but skill-wise) my bike and having to buy another to suit me. I also understand 'different strokes for different folks' but need to understand when i'm test-riding other bikes what i should be looking out for most.

I apologize for the newbie thread, i've read countless others but still felt a bit uncertain.

patentcad

At 6'1" 160 lbs, there is a chance you are not too fat for this sport. That means you'll probably be a good climber. And you're probably faster than me.

Listen, cycling may not be for you, give it up before you hurt somebody.

cyclingvirtual

First thing I suppose is to understand what you want from a bike.
Like do you intend to race, if so what type of races, mass start or time trials.
Or just commuting/fun riding.

Try and ride some bike/test rides before you buy.

waterrockets 

In that price range, you can buy a used 105-equipped road bike. You won't outgrow that ride until you're good enough that someone else is buying you bikes.

allcentury

well i've found some other hobbyists/cycling groups in san diego (ranging from moderate to high skill levels) that ride about 2-3 times a week. I'd like to start joining them atleast twice a week until i feel comfortable on my own.

so this would be strictly for recreation but friendly competition as well (because these groups seems to like to push each other which is AWESOME).

@ patentcad -- i hate to inform you but i was that lil kid (so many years ago)that was on his huffy passing you with my baseball card in the spokes spewing rocks in your face. i haven't changed a bit.