Trying to find the right bike to buy. HELP!?
First off, its not a question of what i am going to buy it is a question of what i should buy based on the type of rider i am. Last year I bought a schwinn bike from walmart and got into it pretty hard and road that road bike so i got every penny out of it. It was $200. That was then, this is now, and i know a little more about what good bikes are worth and how in depth somebody can get on what they want. They are basically cars. That is how importatnt they are to me. SO, i have been looking at a trek at my local dealership, haha, and it rounds at about 700-100 as to what i might get. Now, knowing my price range and my history should i be ready for that big of a jump. I would love to ride when i go to college and try to place in some local races, if there are any. I ride everyday after school and own and bought a trainer for this past winter. I keep 17.5 miles per hour as my average speed over 1200 miles that i road last summer for 3 months. AM I READY FOR THAT KIND OF INVESTMENT!?
Wow, very well put question. Like others have said, no question, you are ready for the best bike you can get. Your price range gives you just enough to put you into a good entry level "real" road bike. At that price I'd say you're looking at the 1.2 Trek. It's a good bike and they're are plenty more in that price range what are as good. You will be very happy when you ride your new bike compared to the Wal Mart bike.
Your investment not only will serve you as transportation, but will be a tool for a healthy life style. You very well may develop a life long love for cycling like many people here have. Investing in something that has so many advantages is wise and will give your years of pleasure. You can't beat that!