So new it's scary.

[classic33]

Canoeing?

Ask @hopless500 Can lead to undignified exits being made.

 

[hopless500]

Ask @hopless500 Can lead to undignified exits being made.

No undignified exits here! All perfectly planned, and (almost) perfectly executed

 

[Tolkienapostle]

Was actually just looking at a felt f85, any insights? Have a shop here that only sells felt and bianchi.

 

[Saluki]

Not looking at the Bianchi range at all?

 

[Tolkienapostle]

Not looking at the Bianchi range at all?

I'd like to stay as economical as without risking purchasing junk. That being said if I see something I fall in love with I usually find a way to get it. I have a few guns i can sell if I find the right bike

 

[jazzkat]

Hmmm......... Bianchi

 

[vickster]

Sell all the guns!!

 

[Saluki]

Sell all the guns!!

and buy a Bianchi

I have seriously considered ebaying my husband to buy a Bianchi but the ebay fees are so high nowadays and as for the shipping

 

[vickster]

and buy a Bianchi

I have seriously considered ebaying my husband to buy a Bianchi but the ebay fees are so high nowadays and as for the shipping

Collection only? Although then they may refuse to pay up

 

[Saluki]

Collection only? Although then they may refuse to pay up

That why I wanted to post him.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Any insight on bike brands or models that would be good for a beginner but can grow with me? Willing to invest but not spend a ton.

As a beginner looking for a bike to grow with, I would look at the Specialized SL4 Tarmac and Roubaix.
The reason for this is as follows.

1. With dedictated stores (concept stores) you have staff trained in supporting you and your purchased products with additional services such as BG Fit to ensure you have the correct size bike and seat measurement (arseometer) to make sure you have a good fitting seat.
2. Specialized bikes have a lifetime frame warranty and they are reknown for supporting this without issue.
3. The SL4 has a different carbon layup depending on the size of frame, as a 8 stone cyclist riding a 52 frame requires a different degree of stiffness to a 15 stone cyclist on a 58 frame.. Many other brands use the same carbon layup on all frame sizes
4. You will be hard pushed to find anyone with a SL4 who has a bad word to say about it
5. Racing improves the breed and both the Tarmac and Roubaix have been exceptionally successful in grand tours and classics
6. Its a damn cool bike

 

[vickster]

Do we think the OP has $2k to spend? Not everyone has city bonuses to spend on their first bike I suppose it depends how big his arsenal is. Most people recommend a Triban or something used for a beginner, you a high end carbon racing bike! I am not sure, the OP, a self-confessed newbie will understand much of your post either

I have never seen a concept store in the US, there are Trek stores, most US bike shops are independents or little single city chains from what I have seen

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Do we think the OP has $2k to spend?

Fair point but unless the OP let's us know his investment fund value, we can only speculate. (the OP did use the term invest, it could be a matured hedge fund)
I'm great at spending my money, outstanding at spending other peoples

Whatever the budget, no black are bikes allowed thats is just so 2012

 

[Tolkienapostle]

Great posts guys! Budget is tight, putting all my funds into building my practice and I'm Not sure I'm willing to let go of any guns yet though most sounds be more than enough to pay for Pretty much anything.

Been around some bike shops. Sat on and ridden a specialized, trek, felt, and giant. Partial to the felt right now. All are 2013 models and are 40% off. Most shops are offering free lifetime tuneups and free retul fittings as necessary.

 

[Tolkienapostle]

The felt is white and red and dang sexy.