Another Newbie needs advice on a roadbike

[Lcasey11]

Shopping for a bike is worse than shopping for a car. I have never had a road bike but grew up on BMX and Mountain Bikes. I am older, wiser, hopefully smarter, and want to try my hands at a road bike. I am 5'6", and am looking at a Bianchi Vigorelli because I think it would be a fit for my slender (female) frame. I can't find much out there on this bike but it comes equiped with nice parts, rims etc... Any advice from the experts out there?

 

[hohobike]

First, decide how much you want to spend.
Second, shop around. Don't pay "sticker"
price, tell the salesperson, "that's too much".
Go to all the shops in your area. Don't purchase
on the first trip. Tell them you are still shopping
and looking for a better price. They will come
down on price. Also, ask them to include such
things as "free" water bottles etc....: It is not
much different than shopping for a car. Also,
look on the internet for "deals". Educate your-
self, know the going prices on certain models.

 

[Lcasey11]

Originally posted by hohobike
First, decide how much you want to spend.
Second, shop around. Don't pay "sticker"
price, tell the salesperson, "that's too much".
Go to all the shops in your area. Don't purchase
on the first trip. Tell them you are still shopping
and looking for a better price. They will come
down on price. Also, ask them to include such
things as "free" water bottles etc....: It is not
much different than shopping for a car. Also,
look on the internet for "deals". Educate your-
self, know the going prices on certain models.

Thanks for the advice - (which I took) I got a great deal on a Bianchi with all the trimmings etc... Didn't pay retail, got a lot of goodies for free and got free tune-ups for a year. I spent a lot of time researching and for the money I believe I got a great deal and bought the bike from bike shop with a reputation for knowing their bikes.