zewol said:
Probably Buying from a LBS won't be a bad decision money-wise considering the worn pieces and stuff from a used bike. Plus, you'll probably have a 1 or 2 years warranty on the adjustments of your bike so you save up money that way. And most of all, you can find a bike that will be your size without too much modifications if you can find a shop that you trust.
ps: going on a road bike if you won't do anything else is a great idea. I don't know if you intend to do some training that way but a hybrid will be **** for performance.
Good luck
This is what I did. I know I will get criticism for my decision, but I am happy with my reasoning.
I road several bikes. The original Cypress DX ($359), A Specialized road bike ($900), and a Cannondale something for even more $$.... Each bike was configured for my size before I road.
I ended up buying the Cypress DX for the following reasons:
1. I know if I started getting into this and become hooked, I will ultimately be upgrading to a much more high-end bike no matter which bike I bought. That is how I am. I take extremely good care of everything I have and will spend the extra money for the better.
2. I get to gain valuable experience and knowledge on a cheaper bike so I am better educated for what I really want.
3. This is a nice bike to putt around the neighborhood and to take with me on family outings.
So ultimately, I bought this bike knowing it is an interim bike I am going to learn on. If it gets the initial 1-2 month use then ends up on the wall in the garage to collect dust (which I sure hope it doesn't), I am out very little money and still have a bike for vacations. If I fall in love with riding, this time next year, I will have a better understanding of what I want and better feeling of dropping a couple thousand on something I know I will use.
Thanks to all and I will keep in touch...