Road Cycling - MTB'r looking for my 1st Road Bike...(help)

Hey there,

I'm absolutely infattuated with the thought of owning one of these machines. I'm planning on putting some real miles on the bike, and definately looking to build up to a century or two, and possibly race someday...

That said, I am not rich! Realistically, I have a budget of $1500, give or take a couple hondo'. And, I'll probably need a layaway plan, which rules out buying used or mail-order.

I've ridden the Giant 03' TCR 2, and liked it, but really have nothing to compare it to... I'm also looking at the Specialized Allez Elite. What about Trek? Are there any, slightly more "unique" bikes in this price range (I know, I know). I am hoping to get something a little tricked out, or customized. Don't want to just get the same bike everyone else goes down and buys with no experience or research... (unless that is unavoidable)

I'm also trying to learn how to do everything to my own bikes, so am even thinking of buying each piece individually through mail-order, and building it up on my own (would definately be trick-but I'm worried about FIT!!!!) I know that fit is the most important factor, especially on my first bike, since I don't really know what it's supposed to feel like.

I know this is not an easy question to answer, but you guys are the ones to ask... I thank you in advance for any thought or response you generate in regards to this thread. Please, give me brutal honesty, and ANY suggestions and ideas that you have for me...

Thanks again,

Mike

Fit is the absolutely most important, which is hard to do when building a bike with nothing to reference to. And geometry changes from manufcature to manufacture.. But the joy of buildijng your own bike is great, but is definately not less expensive then buying a bike that is pre-built. So go to every LBS and test ride.

Good advice from Kev. Test ride! Even if you don't plan to buy. Go back later and buy some components as a thank you :)

I just bought a used Trek off the internet, but I test rode the same bike at my LBS.

Being new to this sport I know what you are going through. I was in the same spot 6 months ago with a 1500.00 budget to get the bike an all accessories. Everyone will tell you fit is so important and that top tube length is the most important. But no one will tell you how to know what it the right top tube length. They all will say test drive several!!! But when you are new to that riding position I don't think all of the test rides in the world will make a difference. I ended up with a 02 TCR2, Gila Giro helmet, Shimano shoes, Look pedals, 1 pair shorts, computer with cadence, 2 cages and bottles and sales tax for 1500.00 even. The main reason I ended up with the Giant is because I liked the owner of the lbs and didn't like the way I was treated at the other 2 lbs. And I fell in love with the looks of the yellow TCR2.
Fit is tough to figure when you are new. I used knee over pedal and handle bar blocks out front hub when in the drops. This seems to have gotten me close.

Hi,
you have a lot to choose from. Specialised has come out with a nice road bike called the Seqouia. My wife test rode one today. They offer a lot of bang for the buck. Bianchi makes some great bikes. I can't think of the name, but my LBS has a leftover model that was $2K for $1599, and I was just drooling all over it. The jamis Quest is in your price range, and has a racy feel to it. But the Quest and the Seqouia come from opposite ends of the spectrum. The Quest has a very aggressive seating position that is part of it's racy feel. The Seqouia is much more upright, but also much better suited to spending long days in the saddle. But not as fast, of course. Something that really changed my mind was a test ride I took on one of the bargain brand titanium road bikes, a Habanero. One short ride convinced that spending an absolutely insane amount of money was not as crazy as I used to think. In any case, try a bunch of bikes, buy what you love.

Fit is tough to figure when you are new. I used knee over pedal and handle bar blocks out front hub when in the drops. This seems to have gotten me close.

I might be getting boring by overstating this but I would have been alot happier person now if someone had directed me to www.wrenchscience.com, before I bought my racing bike!

I would have then gone into the LBS having some idea of what to look for in stock frames or bikes, or whether I should have considered custom. I would advise going to that site and seeing what your proper bike fit should be relative to your individual measurements, and then debate with the sales people as to whether what they offer fits the bill. Otherwise they may be inclined to move something off the shelf just to get rid of it, or they may not take the time or have the intention of sizing you properly.

I'm not suggesting that the site is the final word on the size issue, but it will at least give an informative basis to make a costly decision. Most people cannot outlay $1500 every year or so; it is better to get it right the first time. I didn't.

Hey,

Thank you for the information thus far and the link! I would not mind a Bianchi at all... (have to find a dealer though).

Any suggestions on specific bikes would be greatly appreciated. I lean a little more towards the racing geometry than the touring geometry.

Please, give the low down...

Thanks,

Mike

I would check out a used (depending on your budget?) Trek 5200 :)

OCLV (Treks carbon fiber. Optimum Compaction Low Void) is some strong stuff, and gives a very smooth ride. It's light as well.

You could probably pick up a low mile, Ultegra equipped 5200 on Ebay for around $1300.

My .02 :beer:

The Sequoia was introduce by Specialized as a "comfort" road bike. Alot of people come into the shop wanting a road bike, not a hybrid or a city bike or a MTB with slicks, a real road bike. But they don't like the position the road bike puts you in. So Specialized made the Sequoia with road tubing, and road parts, but with upright geometry. If you really want to race, I don't think the Sequoia line is for you. The Giant TCR 2 is a really nice bike, I might ad.

Yeah,

Not interested in the Sequoia...

What do you guys think of the 2003 Specialized Comp 27? The matte grey is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sexy! Full Ultegra grupo with Shimano 540's... $1700.

I got a left-over 2001 Bianchi SL Daytona that had full Campy Daytona components and a Levitation wheelset that was originally $2000 for only $1200.00. This thing is absolutely awesome. I can't believe how much I am enjoying this bike. Deffinately a great bike that gives you plenty of room to grow into.

felt bicycles

I was in the same position as you a month ago and all my friends said I should go with steel.

Do you ride a full suspension MTB? If so, an aluminum frame may seem too harsh to you. You may still be able to pick up a steel 2002 Lemond Zurich with Ultegra for $1400+. If you currently ride an aluminum hardtail an aluminum road frame with carbon fork and/or seat stays should be fine. And it sure opens up the options.

I like the advice above on the 2001 or 2002 Trek 5200 on Ebay because you get alot of bike and comfort for around $1400. However, you better get yourself some sniping software because the last bidding war I got into over this exact bike was a heart breaker.

Good luck.