Hi! just returned from deflating bike search, shop today in freezing weather...no selection, guy looking at me like I am really weird to be buying a bike in winter?! PLease- have searched everywhere, everything, internet till I'm blue!
Have heard mixed things about steel v. aluminum so no idea which one to go with?! I want a MTB, or a hybrid, rather than touring, as I'm hard on bikes, shoes, outdoorsy girl, and want to go off-road sometimes, not to mention through potholes, cobbled streets, tree roots above ground, and off curbs and on again!! Was looking at a Cannondale Silk Trail (hybrid) for $799.+tax (i have a budget of up tp $1,100. but would like to keep it in the 850-950. range if possible- I know I can get a GOOD bike for this!) but then heard people slagging off the annondale brand AND hybrids!!
SO now what? ANyone, anyone please put a smile on my face- can you recommend a good bike brand? what about steel? what if I have it on an airplane ever? would steel be best then? Guys in shops don't seem to know anything - I get the same speeches over and again- tho one shop was helpful so far, just don't know who to trust or what to buy.
Crying in midwest US/whistling in the dark!
Advice totally welcome!
Vanya