Yeah, absolutely get out and ride some. Although it's hard to tell from a short ride what they'll be like on a long ride. Also, most bike shops require you to wear a helmet if you test ride so you may want to just get one ahead of time if you're sure you want to do this, you'll need it anyway.

Good to know. This all gives me a good start on things. Thanks again guys!

My buddy owns a place and that's what my wife did, ride a different model every day until she found one she liked.

It's dark gray with blue graphics, it's a sharp bike.

I got a trek farley 5 for myself. Dark gray with orange and blue graphics.

The town that I live in (santa rosa) and the county where I am at is world famous for biking...

the Tour de California has been here a lot...

and also theres an event called the grand fondo that is really cool....

If youre into biking you should come for a visit for sure...

https://www.levisgranfondo.com/

http://www.sonomacounty.com/articles...ils-santa-rosa

There are some awesome trails around Truman lake that my buddy helped build. They attract quite a few races and stuff like that.

Was looking at a Farley but just couldn't justify the price. I'm going to try like hell to get down your way late this summer.

I can't even say what I paid. But I got a good deal. We've been friends for years and he's wanted me to start riding.

He showed up one day before work and dropped it off said ride it, we will talk about what you like, don't like, and change things.

I got a different seat. My ass has gotten fatter I guess.

I also picked up a thule 9035 rack and that marlin 5.

I never looked the retail prices up before just now but I really got a good deal.

I utilize a set of roller blades like a real man.

I think if I even tried that I'd tear both my groins!

The would be awesome! Maybe someday when I have gotten ridden of some of my junk in my trunk

I spend all of my biking time on a road bike, but I had good luck last year just building one my own. I had a good Specialized road bike frame, and simply speced it out from there and built it up from parts. It's pretty easy to figure out where the top of the value curve is and buy a group of components that match up and give what you need at the right price.

How's she like it?

Is yours one of those with the wider tires? Orange and blue graphics???
You better paint that summbitch!!

I found a trek 820 very lightly used on CL. If I go that route at the right price I could do a component upgrade down the line

Check out Swope park. Got some really nice trails there, for all skill levels.