Like everyone else here I've been riding 20" bikes for more than 20 years, but I'd like to get something a little more suited for traveling more than a few miles. I'm not looking to do any centuries or anything, just something to get started on to see if I like road riding. I don't want to dress in a neon super hero outfit or anything either... : ) So what would you suggest for starters? I was thinking about a track bike, but honestly they are so cliched where I live now its ridiculous....also ATL has a lot of hills so I'm thinking I might want to take advantage of multiple gears....I'd also not like to spend more than what my car is worth either.....Thoughts?

I bought a Specialized Allez back in 2004. It's been a great bike for me.

I got a cannondale caad 9 from Atlanta Cycling Vinnings, free lifetime adjustments, bike rides great has an American made frame if that matters, and the 105 group, with ultegra rear D. Couldnt be happier with it, they do a very complete fit as well, swapping stems and pedals seat etc to get you in your correct riding position.

Cool, all Georgia roadies so far!!!

Good call mxer, I bought my Cannondale CAAD6 at Atlanta Cycling in Vinings back in 2002, the service is the best that I have found in Atlanta.

D, any decent shop will let you take the bikes that you are considering out for a test ride. And like mxer said, have them fit the bike for you.

Being a Cannondale junkie, that is what I would suggest to you, I have 2, and I love them like they were family . Of course, any of the big names out there (Trek, Specialized, Giant) have models to cover nearly every price point, so you could probably spend an entire weekend just test riding the different brands. Just make sure that you choose wisely, when I first got into road bikes, back in 2001, I was so excited to get started, I bought a Schwinn Fastback on a whim (mainly because I was able to get an employee discount). It was a nice bike, but after a few rides, I decided that I just couldn't get used to the compact design (ended up ebaying it and bought my Cannondale).

Good luck, let us know what you end up going with.

Check out Bikesdirect.com. I would recommend a Motobecane Record or something w/Shimano 105 components as a good starter bike. If you can spend a little more check out the Motobecane Imortal Pro w/a full carbon fiber frame and Shimano Ultegra components for $1395! A Cannondale or Trek spec`d the same would be twice as much.

Bikesdirect is a good site, but you will still have to take the bike to the LBS to have it dialed

Good call on the Motobecane 1azbikeman,

Motobecane doesn't get nearly as much respect in the road community as they should! I have ridden one that my friend owns, and I very impressed. And nobody can come close to their prices.

I'd like to try out one of their mountainbikes sometime.

I have a friend who rides a "high end" motobecane mtb with good parts group, and he has had very good results with it. There is a lot of specualtion over the quality of the frames, you will find alot of motobecane frames on the auction site, but some people will buy a complete and use the bike as a donor kit for another frame they own. The prices are very attractive. My search was limited to USA made frames, which at my price point I wasnt going to have many complete bike options, still, Im very satisfied with the ride, and shop support....

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm looking very closely at the bikes on bikesdirect, or maybe pick up a Specialized on ebay or something.

mxer746, are you in Vinings? I live intown off of Briarcliff, I'm not sure if we've ever met though.
Do you ride much these days on the 20"? There is a flatland jam in ATL scheduled for November, should be pretty cool.

Admittedly, I don't have a lot of experience, but check these. I like them a lot.

http://fujibikes.com/LifeStyle/RoadPathHyb...Absolute20.aspx

http://fujibikes.com/Road/Sport/Newest20.aspx

It's just what I know.

Howdy
I live in a really hilly area and it is common to climb at 100' per mile. The roads around here are bumpy and the pavement quality isn't very good. I highly recommend the Specialized Roubaix. It is designed to be comfortable to ride, for long distances, over crappy roads. The frame geometry is a bit lax and it isn't a razor sharp decender. Compared to my Tarmac, when riding my Roubaix I had to set up for the corners earlier. For over an over all ride though the Roubaix is definitely one of the best bikes built. I have a lot of friends that have purchased this bike in varying models and all have been very happy with it. I have also dealt with Specialized's warranty dept. on a few occasions and have been more than satisfied with them.