In article <FwgKh.3638$dd.258@newsread1.mlpsca01.us.to.verio.net>, I, Bob Weissman <rlw@rlw.best.vwh.net>, wrote: >I'm looking for a good local bike shop to help me get started... > >I'm in Sunnyvale, and prefer a shop within a short ride of there. Thanks for all the helpful replies. And now to the outcome, for those who may be interested. I went to Chain Reaction and Bicycle Outfitter, both in Los Altos. Both shops were great. Very helpful and patient. Steered me to some good bike choices in my price range. I wouldn't hesitate to go back to either shop with future needs. Between the two shops, I test-rode 7 road bikes in 2 days. I rode steel, aluminum, and carbon. Trek, LeMond, and Bianchi. The winner was carbon. At Bicycle Outfitter, Wisco skillfully and cheerfully sold me the most expensive bike in my price range, the Trek Pilot 5.0. Of all the bikes I rode, this is the only one which spoke to me. (What did it say, you ask? It said, "Let's go! Hold on!") - Bob

> The winner was carbon. At Bicycle Outfitter, Wisco skillfully and > cheerfully sold me the most expensive bike in my price range, the Trek > Pilot 5.0. Of all the bikes I rode, this is the only one which spoke to > me. (What did it say, you ask? It said, "Let's go! Hold on!") OK, let's speak truth here. The Pilot 5.0 was faster because it's RED! :>) Nice bike, you'll have lots of fun with it. --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles www.ChainReactionBicycles.com