Transitioning From Comfort Series To Road Bike

Radioguy

I have always loved biking, but only casually. Two years ago at 400 lbs I underwent Gastro Bypass Surgery, and this summer I pulled my old (cheapy) Comfort Series bike out and started riding again. Down 140 lbs and 20 inches, I have a lot more strength and the riding has allowed me to shed some more pounds, build strength and enjoy the sport of biking again.

I installed a Vetta RT55 computer July 7th and am this week rolling over 1000 miles since. Not bad for a lead sled bike from a hardware store. I did dump the wide comfort tires for Michelin's that were considerably thinner and several other improvements to this bike to add comforts (like a Fuji Seat) and a other creature features. I plan to keep this bike for tow paths and general abuse riding in the future.

Now I am looking to transition into a Road Bike. Money is an issue for me, so I am looking to get the most for the least ... at least for now. Obviously, the road bike design is the direction I want to go to, as I have been riding much longer distances. I would like to get a century ride under my belt next year, and eventually take on the RAIN (Ride Across Indiana - 160 miles). Thus far, I have accomplished a metric century 62 miler ... on this heavy Huffy, it was a major accomplishment for me.

I posted in another thread a bike I found on EBAY, and am curious about:
NEW ALUMINUM ROAD RACING BIKE SHIMANO STI 24-SPEED
2007 FULL WARRANTY, 24-SPEED, SAVE OVER 50%, LARGE SIZE Item number: 140158083556

It is a Mercier Galaxy. The price is about right, and it looks to feature many things I am looking for, but really do not want to regret horribly some stupid mistake that $50 might have made all the difference.

Can others tell me if the features on this bike are worthy? Are there other suggestions you could share? I could care less about brand name. I know that there are only a handful of actual bike manufacturers and the names change with the price and the bikes are often the exact same. I would rather have the lower price and the unknown brand. Thanks for any forthcoming input.

fujibike

Don't jump into this. If there's a local bike shop, visit. Sizing is important and you should figure out what size is good for you. The Mercier is a Bikesdirect.com brand. I've heard good and bad about the company. The 24 spd STI set up is a Shimano Sora shifter/derailleurs. Triple chainring on front, 8 spd cassette on the back. Nothing wrong with that. I've an older bike that has Sora equipment and it serves me well although it's pretty much a trainer bike now. I've bought things on ebay but not anything of high value. Jerseys, saddles, pedals and the like. Found my last bike in the local fishwrapper and got what I thought was a great deal. Was able to test ride it, knew the merchant who sold and serviced it. Good luck with your search and congrats on dropping the weight.