Advice on starting out

RPMazzi said:

Id like to get a good starter bike.
At my LBS Ive looked at a Trek 2000(?) for $1000. Looking online (ebay) I saw the Windsor Fens that appears to have the same components for almost half the price ($600 w/ shipping). I wanted something a little better than sora or tiagra level shifters, these have STI shifters, 105 rear der and 4400 front. (am I using the right abreviations? 🙂
is this a good selection? Ive never owned a road bike before so I dont want to splurge on a ultegra or dura ace just yet.

The fit and whether you think the bike looks slick are more important points than the components. If you love the bike, you'll ride it more. If it's full DuraAce, but you hate the mix of British Racing Green and hot pink and those fat/skinny tubes, then you'll ride it less. I think this is a serious point, however flippant it may seem.

The look to me is fine... I hope! but it shouldnt be too big a deal for me. I'd just sandpaper the paint off 🙂
As for the fit,I know that a 60 cm is the correct frame size, everything else I could just buy replacement parts for if they are way off.
Im a pretty tall guy, 6'3", but most of the height is in my legs.

There is a lot more to fit than just the seat tube length. I would recommend that you use a good LBS for this first purchase so that the fit is spot on. They will be able to set up the fit correctly and will make any component adjustments that are needed so that it performs flawlessly. Some LBS's even offer a maintenance plan to keep your bike in tip-top shape which is invaluable to most new riders.

If you buy your bike online, some assenbly will be required when it arrives. Shipping costs for an assembled blke would break Donald Trump! Once you get it assembled, you will need to have someone help you acheive the right fit. If they are a pro at this, you'll be OK, but if they don't know exactly what they are doing........:eek: ! You will need to take your bike to the LBS for any component adjustments(and some LBS's don't really like to work on bikes unless they sold it). If you did buy a bike from your LBS, you will have forged a relationship with them that will prove valuable if repairs are needed or if you have any questions about riding at all.

Once you have become more technically savvy about the sport and can take care of yourself, then order what ever you want on-line! Your LBS is going to be a little more expensive but you will get what you pay for. Just for the record, I am not affiliated with any bike shops and do the majority of my equipment shopping on line, but I have 35 years of experience under my belt. I have seen a lot of noobs that dropped out due to a fit issue that could have been fixed had they had someone to show them how.