Entry Level Road Bike

[The Don]

Good Morning B&B,

I'm interested in getting a road bike, and wondered if anyone has recommendations for an entry-level rider. The goal is to use the bike as a way to give my joints a bit of a rest. I know that prices vary widely, so I'm really not sure about a budget yet. If I have to save up a while to get something of decent quality, so be it. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Don

 

[Jake the Mess]

Have you checked http://www.canyon.com/_en/ or http://www.rosebikes.com/ yet? These are two web-based sellers from Germany, both getting great reviews for bikes they are offering.

 

[Commander Quan]

I've been looking into this recently as well. From what I can gather your best bet is to use the knowledge of the staff at a local bike shop to help you get one that fits your needs and budget.

 

[jim9112]

For sure find a good shop with a lot of options and employees that have the knowledge to fit a bike to you. You may have to do a little research or visit a few places to find the right shop. Second i would figure out what you can afford first before trying bikes. Test ride everything within your price range. If you can afford it the $800.00 to $1,200.00 range is a fantastic place to be in for a first road bike.

If you think you are going to spend a lot of time on your new bike this price range will get you something that you wont want to upgrade right away if you really get into it. As far as brand goes, there are a ton of great bikes out there from all kinds of brands. They all fit and feel a little different but I wouldn't focus on what brand you get as much a what feels good to you when you ride it.

My last bit of advise is factor in a couple hundred dollars for accesories when you buy your bike. Most places will give you a break on this kinda stuff if you buy it at the same time. Im talking a good helmet, good shorts, repair items (frame pump, tubes, etc..)

All of this is a big investment up front but once you own it all the yearly upkeep is very minimal.

 

[The Don]

Thanks for the thoughts, guys. I did some homework and found out my SIL's sister is a LBS owner in my town. I ditched work yesterday and tested several rigs. I was torn between a Specialized Allez and Giant TCR. In the end, I opted for the TCR with a Shimano 105 groupset and Look Keo pedals. She did a quick & dirty fit, a very neutral setup, so I could take the bike home yesterday. I'll go back on Tuesday for a more detailed fitting.

 

[jim9112]

Sounds awesome. I'm glad you were able to find something. That should be a great setup for you.

 

[KW Driver]

I run a Trek 2.1 with 105s. I'm not a racer or anything special by any means, and I don't see a need to ever upgrade from the 105s. I ride for about the same reasons. I need the cardio machine, and I can't run on my ankles anymore.

 

[RichieRich3902]

I was you last season, I ended up buying a Raleigh Revenio 2.0, it has the Sora components throughout. It is a good entry level bike, not too heavy and the gear seems solid to me. If I had more money at the time I would have bought more bike, better gear sets. Right now I'm upgrading my levers to Tiagra ST-4400 so I can have better lever shifting. My father bought his first bile earlier this spring and ended up with a Giant Defy 5 and I love that bike, it has a solid 105 gear set. If I had more money at the time I would have bough that bike for sure.

 

[jim9112]

I agree that 105 is a solid group. The average rider has no need to upgrade if they don't want to. I'm running SRAM Rival on my Pinarrello but my last setup was a cannondale with a 105 ultegra mix. I was very happy with how it performed.

 

[RichieRich3902]

Jim makes a great point the gear set on my bike is solid enough, but I ride a few hundred miles a month on average and am looking for a few small changes.

Another problem I've witnessed is new guys getting caught up in the weight race. They will spend some serious cash for light weight components to shave a half pound to two pounds off their bike when they themselves are still overweight and rarely ride. It's difficult and they seem to think gadgets will make the ride easier. The only think that will make it easier is riding farther more often.

 

[Wingnut]

Jim makes a great point the gear set on my bike is solid enough, but I ride a few hundred miles a month on average and am looking for a few small changes.

Another problem I've witnessed is new guys getting caught up in the weight race. They will spend some serious cash for light weight components to shave a half pound to two pounds off their bike when they themselves are still overweight and rarely ride. It's difficult and they seem to think gadgets will make the ride easier. The only think that will make it easier is riding farther more often.

Not unlike the new guys complaining about their razors, brushes, soaps, etc. over in the newbie forum, huh?! Some things never change...

 

[jim9112]

Another problem I've witnessed is new guys getting caught up in the weight race. They will spend some serious cash for light weight components to shave a half pound to two pounds off their bike when they themselves are still overweight and rarely ride. It's difficult and they seem to think gadgets will make the ride easier. The only think that will make it easier is riding farther more often.

Agree with this 1000000%. Unfortunately most of the expensive gadgets won't wont save you a pound or two your looking at just a few grams here and there. When you race and maybe even make a living riding your bike you spare no expense to get every advantage. But us mere mortals aren't going to see huge gains by shelling out the cash for dura ace.

The biggest places you can get an advantage (besides the frame weight) is wheels. A nice fairly light set of wheels will make a difference as its rolling weight. Other than that a good bike fitting is the best "performance enhancing" expense you can make (besides a coach lol). An efficient comfortable position and a seat that's a good match for your bum will equal more enjoyment and increase the amount of time you will want to spend on your bike. Oh yeah and don't be afraid to splurge on good shorts.

 

[shavefreak]

Giant bikes seem to be a great value new but I think for a bit more you could find a nice used bike with better wheels heavily discounted. My bike was $1500.00 and was a $5000.00 bike 5 years earlier.

 

[The Don]

Giant bikes seem to be a great value new but I think for a bit more you could find a nice used bike with better wheels heavily discounted. My bike was $1500.00 and was a $5000.00 bike 5 years earlier.

I'm sure you're right, but I purchased from my sister-in-law's sister. We aren't related, but we do have a nephew in common, and she was really helpful in helping me zero in on a good purchase from me. She spent the time while I asked all my noob questions, so I was happy to give her my business. Plus any time I can support small business, I'm glad to do so. Amazon may have better prices on some of the shaving stuff we buy, but I'd much rather give the business to one of our vendors.

 

[Wingnut]

I'm sure you're right, but I purchased from my sister-in-law's sister. We aren't related, but we do have a nephew in common, and she was really helpful in helping me zero in on a good purchase from me. She spent the time while I asked all my noob questions, so I was happy to give her my business. Plus any time I can support small business, I'm glad to do so. Amazon may have better prices on some of the shaving stuff we buy, but I'd much rather give the business to one of our vendors.

As a former bike shop manager, I heartily thank you for that!

 

[Jake the Mess]

Can we see some pictures of your new bike?

 

[The Don]

Sure!!

 

[Seraphim]

Nice rig!


The last bike I purchased was a fixed gear from Bikes Direct

No complaints from me. Great bike, great price. But I did have to do the assembly myself (not that difficult).

 

[jim9112]

Nice ride

 

[The Don]

Thanks, guys, I'm liking it a lot. Custom fitting tomorrow.