Road Cycling - Runner looking at getting into road biking

I am a runner but I am beginning to feel the effects on my body and want to move to biking. I need some help picking out a bike and have narrowed it down to two bikes. I am 23, 170-175 and 5'11. I want to ride between 400-500 miles a month. If you guys need any more info let me know. I would greatly appreciate your help/advice.

Ibex Aprisa Team Pro

Frame:6061-DB Aluminum w/ Carbon Rear
Fork:EVO Carbon Fiber
Shifters:Shimano Ultegra STI - (2x10-speed)
Front Derailleur:Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur:Shimano Dura-Ace
Crankset:Shimano Ultegra Double
Cassette:Shimano Ultegra - 12-25T (10-spd)
Chain:Shimano Dura-Ace
Brakes:Shimano Ultegra
Levers:Shimano Ultegra
Wheelset:Neuvation M28 Aero
Tires:Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie
Cockpit Set:BEV Carbon
Saddle:BEV Soft Carbon
Pedals:Shimano R540 Clipless

or

Ibex Aprisa Elite 6600

Frame:6061-DB Aluminum w/ Carbon S/S
Fork:EVO Carbon Fiber
Shifters:Shimano Ultegra STI - (3x10-speed)
Front Derailleur:Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur:Shimano Ultegra
Crankset:Shimano Ultegra Triple
Cassette:Shimano HG70 - 12-25T (10-spd)
Chain:Shimano Ultegra
Brakes:Shimano Ultegra
Levers:Shimano Ultegra
Wheelset:Neuvation M28 Aero
Tires:Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie
Cockpit Set:Ritchey Pro w/ UNO Carbon S/P
Saddle:Ritchey Streem Pro
Pedals:Shimano R540 Clipless

Those bikes are nearly identical. Which one do you like best? Which one fits the best? At this point, these are really the only two questions you need to ask yourself.

Az

Those two bikes seem very similar. I'd test ride both bikes and see which frames feel best to you. If they both feel comparable, then it comes down to price and componentry.

From a componentry standpoint, I like the first bike better b/c I prefer doubles over triples (IMO), and you get the DA RD as opposed to the ultegra RD.

What's the price difference in the two?

With the level of fitness you currently have, and the amount of riding you plan on doing, I would suggest the Aprisa Team Pro...just because it's a double. Unless you're in really hilly terrain and you actually want it to be easy, I think you'd find the triple useless.

The things like pedals, saddle, and tires shouldn't really come into the equation, since they will (most likely) be swapped out for what you find works best for you.

/sorry to see that at 23, you're "starting to see the effects on your body" from running. Methinks you might be doing something wrong.

IBEX are good quality bikes (I have an IBEX Ignition mtb) but I would recommend you look at and test road bikes at an LBS.

From a componentry point of view, the IBEX may seem like a good deal but I am not sure about their frame. Quality, I am pretty sure is OK but from reviews I have read on IBEX road bikes, their road frames may not be the best you can find at that price. Are Neuvation M28 Aero wheels good? No idea. Now, someone may jump in and prove differently, that's fine.

I think, if you are not already into road riding, it would be better for you to buy from an LBS. Sizing is very important + in this price range and up, many lbs will provide a year or more of free maintenance (lifetime is not uncommon), the possibility of swapping components and a professional advice, and discounts on accessories you will also be able to try (think pedals, shoes, gloves, clothes etc). This is worth a few $100's.

Also, don't focus entirely on Ultegra 10, bring in bikes with 9spds and also 105 in your choice mix.

I am a runner but I am beginning to feel the effects on my body and want to move to biking. I need some help picking out a bike and have narrowed it down to two bikes. I am 23, 170-175 and 5'11. I want to ride between 400-500 miles a month. If you guys need any more info let me know. I would greatly appreciate your help/advice.


You might have a sizing issue with IBEX as the only Team Pro left is a 60cm frame. That might be too large for you.

I agree with some of the previous posts about the importance of sizing, service, and the advice you would get from a LBS. For example...I just purchased a Lemond Sarthe from my local LBS...on my first ride there was a loud squeak from the rear wheel...I rode it right over to the shop and it turned out that the cassette was not tight enough. It would have taken be several hours to figure that out myself as a neophyte.

Those online deals are really tempting, but as a new rider you would be well advised to at very least visit your local LBS!! Don't underestimate the importance of a GOOD LBS to provide service and advice to you as a newer rider.

Those two bikes seem very similar. I'd test ride both bikes and see which frames feel best to you. If they both feel comparable, then it comes down to price and componentry.

From a componentry standpoint, I like the first bike better b/c I prefer doubles over triples (IMO), and you get the DA RD as opposed to the ultegra RD.

What's the price difference in the two?


The Team Pro is $300 more.

You might have a sizing issue with IBEX as the only Team Pro left is a 60cm frame. That might be too large for you.

I agree with some of the previous posts about the importance of sizing, service, and the advice you would get from a LBS. For example...I just purchased a Lemond Sarthe from my local LBS...on my first ride there was a loud squeak from the rear wheel...I rode it right over to the shop and it turned out that the cassette was not tight enough. It would have taken be several hours to figure that out myself as a neophyte.

Those online deals are really tempting, but as a new rider you would be well advised to at very least visit your local LBS!! Don't underestimate the importance of a GOOD LBS to provide service and advice to you as a newer rider.


I would put my order in for a new 06 in a 54cm frame if I went that way (they come out in a couple weeks). I have been to a couple of my LBS to look around and for the type of bike that I am interested in I would have to start off around 2000-2500. I totally support LBS and have bought my other bikes from them in the past, but now that I need to be a little more careful with my money I can't but look to some of the online retailers.

Seeing how the second is $300 cheaper and the only major difference I'm seeing is the DA RD on the Team Pro, I would lean towards the Elite. Unless you're going to race, ultegra componentry is more than adequate (that's what I use, and I'm very happy with it). The Elite comes with a triple crank which I'm not a huge fan of, but if you really hate it, then you can swap it out for a double later, but who knows you might like the triple.

I am a runner but I am beginning to feel the effects on my body and want to move to biking. I need some help picking out a bike and have narrowed it down to two bikes. I am 23, 170-175 and 5'11. I want to ride between 400-500 miles a month. If you guys need any more info let me know. I would greatly appreciate your help/advice.

Ibex Aprisa Team Pro

Frame:6061-DB Aluminum w/ Carbon Rear
Fork:EVO Carbon Fiber
Shifters:Shimano Ultegra STI - (2x10-speed)
Front Derailleur:Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur:Shimano Dura-Ace
Crankset:Shimano Ultegra Double
Cassette:Shimano Ultegra - 12-25T (10-spd)
Chain:Shimano Dura-Ace
Brakes:Shimano Ultegra
Levers:Shimano Ultegra
Wheelset:Neuvation M28 Aero
Tires:Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie
Cockpit Set:BEV Carbon
Saddle:BEV Soft Carbon
Pedals:Shimano R540 Clipless

or

Ibex Aprisa Elite 6600

Frame:6061-DB Aluminum w/ Carbon S/S
Fork:EVO Carbon Fiber
Shifters:Shimano Ultegra STI - (3x10-speed)
Front Derailleur:Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur:Shimano Ultegra
Crankset:Shimano Ultegra Triple
Cassette:Shimano HG70 - 12-25T (10-spd)
Chain:Shimano Ultegra
Brakes:Shimano Ultegra
Levers:Shimano Ultegra
Wheelset:Neuvation M28 Aero
Tires:Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie
Cockpit Set:Ritchey Pro w/ UNO Carbon S/P
Saddle:Ritchey Streem Pro
Pedals:Shimano R540 Clipless
I'm interested to know what kind of effects you are starting to feel from running. thanks.

I'm interested to know what kind of effects you are starting to feel from running. thanks.


Cant help ya much with bike selection as I am new to this as well, but I'd also like to know what effects you are feeling. My body didnt crap out from running till I was 37 and thats when my hip went south. At 23 I was in my best shape and running road races like crazy!

BTW ease into that kind of mileage slowly. You'll find cycling uses some different muscles than running and in different ways. Also if you do want to run again you will probably find your legs feel quite bulky and tight.

I'm interested to know what kind of effects you are starting to feel from running. thanks.

Sorry that I wasn't more descriptive earlier. I have been running track since 7th grade. I seriously injured my quadricep in a hurdle accident in HS. I also tore my achilles tendon while doing the triple jump 2 yrs ago. Plus I have the unfortunate gift of getting the genes for bad knees. It isn't at the point where I am going to give up running. I was just recommended by my Dr. to take it easier and find something that isn't so bad on my kness. I was up to running like 50-60 miles a week, so I want to cut that down in half and take up biking. Hope this clears up the issue.

So would you guys recommend that I start with the double crank instead of the triple? I am in pretty good shape and I might be interested in getting into some amatuer racing.

Unless you've got some epic hills in your area, I say go with the double. I have some pretty decent hills where I live, and even though it would be nice to have some easier gearing, I've been able to manage with a standard double.

If you have double-specific shifters and a front derailleur, then you can always switch out the rear cassette for easier gearing or opt for a compact front crank with smaller chainrings. If you've got a triple-specific drivetrain, a conversion to double is much more costly.

Define "pretty good shape".

And to whoever told him that 400-500 miles a MONTH is too much for a beginner...are you kidding, or really being serious? Thats 15 (+/-) miles a day. Hell he was running 200-240 a month.

My apologies, but going from not riding to 400-500 miles in a month might not be the greatest idea. No matter what physical shape you're in. When I started riding, I was running about 150 miles a month and going to the gym 3 times a week. When I first got on the bike, I was whipped and beaten after a mild 10 miler. After 4 months, I'm upping my average ride to 20-30 milers, with 50's on the weekend, but it wasn't instantaneous.

There's entirely different muscle groups in play with cycling.

Define "pretty good shape".

And to whoever told him that 400-500 miles a MONTH is too much for a beginner...are you kidding, or really being serious? Thats 15 (+/-) miles a day. Hell he was running 200-240 a month.

I am no Iron Man contestant, but I stay in as good shape as possible. Resting heartrate was in the upper 40's the last time I checked, but might be in the low 50's since I haven't gotten out as much as I would have liked during the winter. Yeah I planned on doing 10-15 miles on weekdays and on the weekend maybe go for a nice 30-40 mile ride. I am leaning towards the double, after doing some research it seems like the better fit for me. If I ever get to some nice hills, I guess I will just have to crank away.

My opinion - - Stick to double.

From the knee comment I'd be very careful with your pedal/shoe selection. You'll find a lot of good info by searching the forum here regarding pedals and knees.

My apologies, but going from not riding to 400-500 miles in a month might not be the greatest idea. No matter what physical shape you're in. When I started riding, I was running about 150 miles a month and going to the gym 3 times a week. When I first got on the bike, I was whipped and beaten after a mild 10 miler. After 4 months, I'm upping my average ride to 20-30 milers, with 50's on the weekend, but it wasn't instantaneous.

There's entirely different muscle groups in play with cycling.


I totally agree with you. I am not gonna jump right in and think it will be easy. But I hope to be up to 400 miles a month after a short amount of time.

I would put my order in for a new 06 in a 54cm frame if I went that way (they come out in a couple weeks). I have been to a couple of my LBS to look around and for the type of bike that I am interested in I would have to start off around 2000-2500. I totally support LBS and have bought my other bikes from them in the past, but now that I need to be a little more careful with my money I can't but look to some of the online retailers.

hmm, I am not sure these bikes really compare to $2-2.5K other than IBEX over inflated MSRP, here are a few examples I picked at my LBS web site (http://backbaybicycles.com/itemlist.cfm?pageId=44&startRow=11):

'06 LeMond Sarthe (MSRP: $1650 - Retail will go $1500 max). IMO specs of this bike are superior, and don't forget sizing, component swap, service, accessories discount, free tune-up (my LBS gives life-time free tune-up in this price range - at let's say $50 a piece x 2, that's $100 saving/year).

'06 Specialized Allez Comp - Same as above except with new 105 10spd instead of Ultegra 10 (very little difference)

Cannondale R1000: 05 model practically identical to 06 should go for ~1600 max. (this is the bike I ride - no, I would not swap it for an IBEX Aprisa Pro :) ).

Felt F65 - This one you may get for less than 1500 for an 06 and <1300 for an 05. Search for a F55 05 for ~1600 for a far superior bike than the IBEX Aprisa Pro Team. http://www.feltracing.com/

Reconsidering?

hmm, I am not sure these bikes really compare to $2-2.5K other than IBEX over inflated MSRP, here are a few examples I picked at my LBS web site (http://backbaybicycles.com/itemlist.cfm?pageId=44&startRow=11):

'06 LeMond Sarthe (MSRP: $1650 - Retail will go $1500 max). IMO specs of this bike are superior, and don't forget sizing, component swap, service, accessories discount, free tune-up (my LBS gives life-time free tune-up in this price range - at let's say $50 a piece x 2, that's $100 saving/year).

'06 Specialized Allez Comp - Same as above except with new 105 10spd instead of Ultegra 10 (very little difference)

Cannondale R1000: 05 model practically identical to 06 should go for ~1600 max. (this is the bike I ride - no, I would not swap it for an IBEX Aprisa Pro :) ).

Felt F65 - This one you may get for less than 1500 for an 06 and <1300 for an 05. Search for a F55 05 for ~1600 for a far superior bike than the IBEX Aprisa Pro Team. http://www.feltracing.com/

Reconsidering?

I like that LeMond Sarthe. Just curious what the weight on that would be? I like the Cannondale as well, but do they come in a double or just a triple? The Felt F65 is an interesting bike as well, I will need to read some more reviews on it.

I am still drawn to the Aprisa for some reason. I like the frame, aluminum w/ a carbon rear, and a carbon fork. Plus all the other carbon parts: BEV carbon seatpost, carbon wrapped stem, and shaped carbon handlebar. There is enough carbon here to make even a racer happy.

I like that LeMond Sarthe. Just curious what the weight on that would be? I like the Cannondale as well, but do they come in a double or just a triple? The Felt F65 is an interesting bike as well, I will need to read some more reviews on it.

You may find the weight on the mfr web site.
Cannondale comes as double and triple, I have the double. I think the Lemond comes x2 and x3 too.


I am still drawn to the Aprisa for some reason. I like the frame, aluminum w/ a carbon rear, and a carbon fork. Plus all the other carbon parts: BEV carbon seatpost, carbon wrapped stem, and shaped carbon handlebar. There is enough carbon here to make even a racer happy.

Carbon is a very good material but don't focus entirely on this + most bikes come nowadays with carbon fork and seatpost. The Cannondale CAAD8 frame on the R1000 was used by the pros not so long ago (2003?) and is all aluminium. The Sarthe is steel and gets excellent reviews, just search BF or just google it.

I like that LeMond Sarthe. Just curious what the weight on that would be? I like the Cannondale as well, but do they come in a double or just a triple? The Felt F65 is an interesting bike as well, I will need to read some more reviews on it.

My 61cm Sarthe with a Specialized Alias 143 saddle and Ultegra pedals weighed in at 20.35 lb. This is with all stock component except the saddle and stem (bontrager race lite v stock race)

I looked at a Felt 65 and 55 and could not get past the rough look of the frame welds. No bearing on performance I'm sure, but looks are important too! I also considered the 05 Aprissa team pro....but felt the Lemond would be a better value in terms of overall quality, resale value, looks (the green and yellow is just OK looking) and LBS support after the sale.

The steel Sarthe is smoother than my previous Specialized Allez Elite.

I totally agree with you. I am not gonna jump right in and think it will be easy. But I hope to be up to 400 miles a month after a short amount of time.

When I started last spring I wasn't nearly as fit as you. Within a month I was doing 100m per week. Its all about how your body feels and responds to riding. You may feel no ill effects of riding 20-30m other then the typical neophyte biking pains (stiff neck saddle soreness) that dissipate with time.

I strongly recommend that you shop at a local LBS for fit reasons alone.. I am 6' even and on a 58cm frame. At 5'11'' a 54cm frame seems small. Maybe 54 is right for you but I would make certain.

If given the option opt for a double crank. Triples, unless faced with wicked hills are unnecessary. Not to mention they push your feet further out, and if you have knee problems even a few cm could cause pain.

enjoy

My 61cm Sarthe with a Specialized Alias 143 saddle and Ultegra pedals weighed in at 20.35 lb. This is with all stock component except the saddle and stem (bontrager race lite v stock race)

I looked at a Felt 65 and 55 and could not get past the rough look of the frame welds. No bearing on performance I'm sure, but looks are important too! I also considered the 05 Aprissa team pro....but felt the Lemond would be a better value in terms of overall quality, resale value, looks (the green and yellow is just OK looking) and LBS support after the sale.

The steel Sarthe is smoother than my previous Specialized Allez Elite.

Your Sarthe sure looks sexy. How much did you pick yours up for?

Your Sarthe sure looks sexy. How much did you pick yours up for?

It was on sale at my local LBS for $1,399. My final price was in that neighborhood after a few component adjustments

It was on sale at my local LBS for $1,399. My final price was in that neighborhood after a few component adjustments

Just curious what made you decide on the steel Sarthe? I have called around to my LBS that carry LeMond's and none of them have the Sarthe in stock.