I am a beginning cyclist -- I've done 3 sprint triathlons (w/ roughly 15 mile rides), and am starting to take on longer distances and want to purchase a good pair of women's cycling shoes. Would this be a good all-around cycling shoe? Could you recommend a good one under $200? Or a good brand? Thank you!

Sidi is one of the best. However, this is a mountain bike shoe. Doing triathalons, you will want a Women's specific tri shoe. They usually have fewer straps (2 instead of 3) to make the transitions quicker. Do you have cleats on your shoes now? If you do, you will want to make sure the shoe you buy is compatible with what you are using. If you don't clip into your pedals now, you will need to buy pedals as well. The cleats come with the pedals but need to be compatible with the shoe. The Shimano SPD-SL and Look pedals are a couple of the more popular ones found on this website. Most of the road or triathlon shoes will be compatible with those pedals. It should say in the description though. Shimano is also a good shoe. You should check with some of the people you are doing the triathlons with and see what they are using. When you actually want to order something, you can click on "TALK TO GEAR EXPERTS" at the bottom of this page and they will help you get the right stuff. Remember, backcountry has a lifetime satisfaction guarantee on everything they sell. If you don't like it, send it back and get your money back! Welcome to cycling and have fun out there!!