I went and talked to a bike shop a few days ago and it seems that the Trek bikes are a safe bet and good quality.

I'm very new to the sport but excited and eager to start. I plan to join a club and ride maybe once or twice during the week by myself and likely doing a group ride for beginners on the weekend. No commuting, purely something to enjoy and (hopefully) get my weight down.

The sales person told me that the 1000 was a good bike. How much better is the 1200? Or even the 1500? The 1200 is still well within my budget. Does it offer enough features that are worth the extra expense? With the 1000 or 1200, will I "outgrow" both quickly and wish that I had spent even a little more to get the 1500 or is that too much for a beginner?

Also, any opinions on the "C" (Comfort) models? Specifically, the 1200C is what I'm kinda eying right now.

Thanks.

I think that the shifters on the 1200 are significanly better than the 1000.

Ride both the 1200 and the 1200C and see which is more comfortable for you. I think that either one would work well for what you intend to use them for.

You did not mention your current age or fitness level so it's pretty hard to comment on if you should go the road comfort route.

In very general terms I think if you are 30 years older Plus and your current fitness level is just so so you should go with the "C" Model. If you sports fitness is pretty good or if you are rather young you may want to consider the standard model even if after your first ride the "C" model feels better.

That said either bike would be fine. If you reached a level where the "C" model was slowing you down you would be wanting to upgrade the bike by then anyway.

Get a bike, keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure, oil the chain and ride. Group rides are a great motivator.

Good Luck and Good Choice of a brand.

Thanks everyone.

Yep, I'm 32 years old and am in above average anaerobic shape (tone) but pretty poor aerobic shape and still about 25 lbs more than I want to weigh.

I'm starting to thing that the 1200C would be best for me.

Thanks.