nooodlesaurus

I currently ride a Trek 7.4(?) hybrid bike, with some other modifications (nice seat, springloaded seatpost, new rear derailleur, some other things)

I want a road bike. Not a lot of money to spend--would like something used I think. I'm female, and very long from hip to knee, with a 34" inseam, short torso, and long arms. I'm 5'8". Basically I'm a monkey. I'm looking for something that will allow me to log plenty of miles but I'm kind of afraid of crashing on the ice this time of year. I've been riding indoors as a result, but I feel like I'm bouncing all over the bike, I think because of the hip to knee length. I crank up the seatpost but it seems like the handlebars are too close to the seat or something.

So I have a few questions:

1. Should I get one of those specially designed "women's bikes" or will it be silly because of my height/proportions?
2. Any former or current (horseback) riders here? I feel like being on a road bike is kind of like being in two point position. It's actually more comfortable for me than the upright feel of the hybrid.
3. What kind of bike might I find that would allow me to ride comfortably without spending a fortune? What kind of bikes should I be looking at? I thought about modifying my current bike but it's so much money to get brifters and rework everything I might as well get a new bike. True?
4. Are studded tires worth it for winter? I'm in the upper Midwest. Also how should I dress? I get COLD.

I had a Schwinn Varsity I fished out of a Dumpster and fixed up but it was uncomfortable for me (standover height too tall) so I gave it to my brother who promptly made it a single speed. Should I look at riding another one because of cost, or is there some happy medium that will get me an aluminum frame bike for under $500?

2amtomorning
If you find yourself at the crossroads of insomnia and insanity, this is the place to channel those demons that keep you sleepless. Vivid pictures, poetry, ruminations, and confessions from the nether hours between dusk and dawn. Originally formed to celebrate the city at night, there's a strong urban theme.

green_future
Dedicated to promoting global sustainability, this community offers a forum for discussing current environmental news, research, and issues with tips on how to make positive, pro-active changes to reduce carbon impact. You'll also find information on how to get involved in eco-activism and learn about events near you (i.e., act local; think global). Offering a wealth of data on earth-friendly products and practices, you'll be inspired to don an organic bamboo cape and save the planet.

wtf_sexism
Self-described as "a little community with a lot of rage," you can soak up impassioned vibes and read blistering exposes detailing sexist attitudes in the news, pop culture, and science! A must-join community if you are, or love, a feminist. (NB: the topic of whether a "man" can be a feminist is outside the scope of this spotlight, but will probably wind up on the Writer's Block.)

Hi all! Ok, so I just wanted to get your help in finding decent bike computers for myself and my bike partner. I am looking for speed, distance, a backlight that stays on for 4-5 seconds or so, and a screen that is visible. I would love to have cadence as well, but I guess I could sacrifice it if it meant that I could actually read the screen. Yep, I have 20/20 vision, but these computers are so freggin tiny. Here are some opinions on popular models I have purchased and/or researched. Looking for a model that is easy to read and reliable. :( Help?

Cateye V3: Bought this a week ago. It was a pain to install, heart rate was improved and more reliable than previous double wireless model. Unfortunately, if the magnets move even slightly during your ride, the cadence/speed measurements will just stop reading and need to be readjusted (they have to be 4mm from the sensor). The deal-breakers: very hard to read, backlight stays on for about 2 seconds, buttons are difficult to press. I assume the V2 will have the same problems.

Planet Bike 9.0 Protege: Perfect screen, has all needed functions. No backlight? I am thinking about buying this and fixing a KNOG frog light next to it for constant light against the screen. Not sure if it would work though.

Blackburn Delphi or Neuro: Poor customer service, poor warranty service, $35 handling fee when fixing units, still receives interference?

Knog NERD 12 function: The speed scrolls actively and I have heard that it is very hard to read. Not sure how the warranty/service fairs. Anyone have this?

renaissance2010
Turning to photography as a creative outlet during a valiant fight with breast cancer at age 34, renaissance10 survived and set up a photo contest to help raise funds for the Lavender Trust, a nonprofit that provides information and support to younger women with breast cancer. In the first two years, the competition brought in over £65,000 (that's $107,260.73 U.S.!), with entries from 130 countries last year. Renaissance10 recently joined LiveJournal to meet other passionate photographers and find supportive friends.

curiouscupcakes
Holy buttercream frosting! If you have a sweet tooth for sugary goodness or a wandering eye for whimsical confection, this is pure ecstasy iced in deliciousness. Hailing the beloved cupcake as the artisinal canvas of choice, you'll enjoy recipes, photos, and bountiful tips to bake up a batch, whether your taste leans toward French classics or funky and flavorful.

mission101
With New Years in the offing, it's an ideal time to reflect on past accomplishments, make peace with disappointments, and refocus the lens on future goals. This community welcomes you to create a bucket list of 101 things you plan to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. Offering support, guidance, and inspiration, this is a great way to jumpstart those pesky resolutions.

Hi everyone,
I just joined this community not because I'm new to cycling, but because I am trying to get back into the swing of things. I am primarily a runner, but I recently stress fractured my femur and pelvis from over training. I have taken the last month and a half off of everything, some swimming and lifting here and there, but not as much as I am used to. So, I bought a new bike (dama bianchi, alucarbon w/ ultegra components) and am going to try for a century in June to jump start my training again. The problem is I am very afraid of overtraining on the bike as well. I am planning to start at about 25-30 miles and build from there again. This whole injury has been really devastating from an emotional perspective, but I have managed to keep up my diet and all things considered I have done a decent job, not major weight gain or anything. So I am excited to get back into cycling, and learn more. Any and all advice on training and injury recovery would be great.