My name is Josh and I just got back into biking. I used to do some biking in my early college years.

I currently have a hybrid bike with a shock on the front, but I am looking to buy a road bike (I am eyeing the REI Novara Strada....<drool> If I could only find a 15%-20% off coupon or sale! haha)

I am slowly getting back into the game. So far I have been riding around Shelly Lake, Edwards Mill/Umstead, and Museum of Art trail. I am trying to get in good enough shape/condition to ride the MS 150 in Sept., but we shall see how well things go.

My next goal is to check out Slow Spokes and some other events.

Welcome Josh. I too am new around here. Check out the Cue Sheets. They offer a lot of ride options.

Welcome both of you! I would highly suggest trying to make it out to the Thursday night rides if you can swing the commute. Great place for those new, getting back into the saddle, or vets who want a fun / non hammer head group ride.

@ Josh - I would check out Performance Bike in Cary if you get the chance, they have some AMAZING deals right now, you might be able to snag a gem for a good price.

again, welcome!

+1 for Performance. The Cary shop is a good one, with capable mechanics. Buy a bike from a bike shop, not an outdoor equipment shop is my advice.

Hmm... Will have to check out Perfomance this weekend. Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I will indeed be getting myself out there, probably more so after this weekend.

Sweet! Look forward to seeing you on the road and getting some rides in!

After you find the right bike for you I would also suggest a good fit from a pro like Matt (Cary Cylce Surgeon) as that will pay huge dividends on all of your rides!

Ok I am done plugging shops and such! but can't help but pass on the deals and people I know and trust! Its like a good car mechanic...hard to find but priceless when you do!

See you on the road!

Ok, so I went to Performance in Cary on Thursday and they did have a bunch of deals. I did however have a little bit of a time finding someone to help me.

Question: So the Novara Strada has pretty much all Shimano 105 components, carbon fork, carbon seatstays, and the rest of the frame is alluminum. I was trying to do an apple to apple comparison and I ended not finding anything close to the Strada price point. The closest thing I could find was around $1400-$1600 while the Strada goes for $1149. Any thoughts? Is this a decent bike? The other bikes where a Trek, Fuji, and a some other Performance bike.

Trying to determine if 1 apple (bike) is better than the other can be simplified a little when you find out that all those apples(bikes) where made in the same general area of the world (somewhere in Asia). Much of the price difference can be explained by "overhead" and some brands are more proud of their products and will charge more because of who they are. To do a true comparison - there needs to a complete list of frame material , components , tires , etc. A list like what you will find on a new car. There is no shame in getting a bike from Asia - most bikes in the world are from Asia. Get the bike that works better(shift,brake,saddle fit,better wheels etc.) and that fits you the best. Brake the purchace down to 1. Cost -keep it in the price range you can afford. 2. Fit -make sure the frame fits you. 3. Performance -make sure that the bike run like a Swiss watch. You can even consider how eye appealing the bike is. I will definitely buy the sexy bike over the other if both are in the same price range. Performance can sell their products cheaper than many other bike shop - just make sure it fits you and works properly.

Update: Bought a 2008 Schwinn Peloton from Performance. Good guys and I got it at a good price.

Yeah, Performance can be hit and miss that way. There are a couple of really good guys that know the products and have some passion around the bikes, and there are some that could really care less whether they were working in Performance or TJ Maxx.

But you can find some smoking deals, and once you get to know the folks there you know who to talk to.