Conference noted::bicycle

    
    
    It sounds like one of hybrid bikes should suit you. There are 
    many brands available. Your best bet would be to try a few 
    different models and see what feels right to you. I could not 
    tell from you node where you're located to name a few shops. 
    For a hybrid expect to pay in the range of $250 - $400. 
    Some Trek, Giant, Schwinn(sp)  are some brands to look at. 
    Also if you find last years models you will see a good drop in 
    price aswell. 
    
    Good luck 
    
    Shaw

    The latest "Consumer Reports" has a write-up on helments and Hybrids.
    
    Haven't had the time to read it yet.  The general information they have
    is usually pretty good regarding the selection criteria.  They
    generally only perform their test/reports on a few models. 
    Nonetheless, this may be useful reading...
    
    Frank Ferreira

    	I saw the new CR. It rated the Via Carisma pretty high. I
    	have a friend that bought one a couple of months ago. He
    	really likes it. Likes the GripShift, too. Works pretty
    	well and doesn't have that many moving parts.
    
    	Scott

    
    I would take a notebook along and jot down a few attributes of each
    bike before and after test riding each. This will make it easier to
    assimilate any specifics later on. Write down the name and the price
    for instance , color and any outstanding attributes. After riding it
    try and give the bike a rating off the top of your head. Try the bikes 
    several times if necessary.
    
    Before riding ...
    Test the weight differences between models by lifting the bike a few
    inches off of the ground... the lighter the better. Compare weights 
    to prices and vice versa. After lifting a few you'll note some
    differences and it's also a good workout ! 
    
    Sitting on the bike check the posture, is it comfortable? How is your
    reach to the handlebars and pedals , cramped or stretched a tad too
    much or relatively ok? Note these items after first verifying that the 
    bikes are the same frame size as well... 
    
    If you don't know what a good bike feels like then now is the time to 
    try it. Find a higher end bike to test, after trying the medium range 
    and the low end bicycles. At least you'll have a better idea of the
    differences in price and what it buys you.
    
    The Road Test....
    After first getting a feel for the bike try to lightly turn the bike
    in one direction and then the other. Compare how each bike handles
    for different frames will give you different responses.
    Turn a bit quicker and also note the response. Did the bike track well
    or was it twitchy at all ? Apply the brakes by squeezing them lightly
    incrementally after getting up a little bit of speed and again check the 
    response. Was it smooth or did you feel as though you were going to be
    thrown over the handlebars because the brakes grabbed too soon ?
    
    Go over a few light bumps to evaluate how comfortable the bike is.
    Different seats/grips and or posture will reveal some differences.
    Make sure the tires are inflated to about the same pressures of course.
    
    Take your notes and brochures home and after reviewing them, think over 
    the bikes that made an impression on you. 
    I would look at Bianchi,Giant,Trek and Schwinn for hybrids. I really
    don't think there are any BAD bicycles as long as you stay away from
    the real cheapies out there found at department stores and such. Some
    of those bikes are so heavy that they ought to come with motor mounts ! 
    
    Have fun !
    
    /todd
                     

     Best advice - Go to a reputable shop...
    
     Chip

    I just went through the process of buying a new bike, and I think the
    advice in the last two replies is great, and right on.
    
    HOWEVER, even if you go to a reputable place, don't assume that they
    know everything or that they're going to take the time to fit you
    unless you can show them you really know something about bikes and what
    feels good to you.  Do some reading about biking before you go, and if
    possible, bring someone along who has some experience.
    
    As a short woman, I had ALOT of trouble finding a bike to fit me
    properly, and I would have left a very reputable store with the
    absolutely wrong bike if I hadn't been persistent, and if my friend,
    who had established herself as a very experienced biker hadn't been
    there to help me.  
    
    It's a long story, but the upshot of it was that I needed a small
    frame, and rather than help me with the right bike, they tried to tell
    me that I'd like the bike once I learned to "ride correctly." I knew that
    if I wasn't comfortable on the bike I'd never be able to ride
    correctly.  I originally went in for a hybrid, but since all the ones
    they had were 16" frames or larger (and I'm 5'2"), it came down to the
    fact that none of the hybrids were right for me.  I ended up with a
    very nice mt bike with a less aggressive tread (since I will be doing
    mostly road riding), and smaller frame that allows me to sit in the
    correct right riding position. I think that ultimately, my mistake was
    that I only went to two stores because I really had a fever to buy a
    bike. Had I been in less of a hurry, I would have gone to at least 3 or
    4 stores, and had more experience in what felt right.  Hindsight is
    20/20!
    
    So, my advice is, trust your intuition...if the bike doesn't feel like
    it fits, don't let them talk you in to it.  Good luck!
    
    Andrea-the-new-rider  

    Be sure to kick the tires.  That really impresses the guys at the bike
    shops.
    
    
    				-d

    Kicking the tires are at car dealers. Squeeze the seat cushion is what does
    it at a bike shop.

    Dave

    and use a guitar pick on the spokes...
    
    ed

    A friend is looking for a road bike with the following characteristics:
    
         Price:         $400-600.
         Rider height:  6' 4"
         Triple chainrings
    
    He has a hybrid bike and is looking for something more optimized for
    long rides.
    
    In shopping in the 495 area and as far north as Nashua, NH, he has found 
    no bikes matching these criteria.  It looks like the manufacturers are
    pushing nothing but the hybrid style lately.
    
    Performance sells for $600 a road bike that meets these specs.  Any
    comments on their bikes?
    
    Any other ideas appreciated.
    Erik

My small survey agrees that the bike he wants is not available around
here for less than $600.  
I also checked the specs for the $599 Performance road bike and it
looks ok.  Steel bike with Shimano RSX components, Mavic Rims and
includes Performance pedals.  I think thats about $100-$200 better
than one could do locally.
The one BIG caveat of course is that he cant try the bike out
for sizing before buying.  It seems that every brand is
a little different and you really have to try a few to feel the
difference.   I'm not sure what the local shops will do if he
needs repair work either.

-Larry

     He may want to check out the Want-Ad as well. There are plenty of
    bikes to choose from. Many of them are only a year or two old with
    low miles. LOTS of folks decide that biking isn't their thing after
    a season or two.
     I'm scouring them for a MTB at the moment because I can't afford the
    bike I want brand new.
    
    Bob

    most local shops will work on anything... i've had Gamache's install
    tons of stuff i've gotten from trashbar and puformance...
    
    Chip