LeMond eTape Women's Road Bike Review

LeMond eTape Women's Road Bike — 

I purchased a Lemond eTape Women's Road Bike 1.5 years ago from Johnny Sprockets cycling shop in Chicago. Since then my drive to stay active has skyrocketed from -50% to at least +80%. I loved exercising during my college years... primarily running. Not sure what happened after graduation but all motivation to run or weight train vanished somehow. I hate gyms. Aerobics, pilates and yoga classes have never really done it for me either. So I obviously needed some form of exercise that I actually enjoyed. Here's where road biking saved the day.

I contemplated back and forth about hybrids vs. mountain bikes. With no mountains to bike in Chicago, I quickly determined neither of these bicycles were great options. Honestly, I was a pretty intimidated by a road bike. In my mind, the stereotypical road biker was a tall, extra lean, muscular, Lance Armstrong-like individual. So basically... the opposite of me. Road bikes appeared awkward and uncomfortable for the most part. Avid road bikers adjust their seat above handle bar level which simply looks like a miserable position. I decided to bite the bullet and just try a road bike before I judged one any further. I was pleasantly suprised by the erogonomic feel once I climbed on the Lemond eTape. The seat and handle bars were moderately adjusted to fit my height and leg length for the peddles. The seat is specially made for females. It's wider and softer than seats made for men. I feel fine on my bike, even somewhat comfortable! Most importantly I feel like an energized little kid again. The gear changing was slightly complicated at first but I picked it up rather quickly. After about a week of daily bike rides I began feeling very safe and natural on the Lemond. So if any of you feel you're not athletic, coordinated or skinny enough to handle a road... please reconsider and test one out yourself.

I payed around $700 for my Lemond eTape bike. Worth every penny! The bike is sleek, smooth and very quick! The bike path running along Chicago's lake shore is the ideal place to ride for me. I'm not comfortable biking on the busy streets yet but maybe one day. I won't be entering any races but I will be a biker for life. Now, if we can only get more than 6 months of comfortable, outdoor biking weather here.