Road Cycling - first road bike

I am seeking advice about what would be a good road bike for someone just getting into the sport. I have been doing some of my own research about the different frame materials and components, but would like some advice and opinions from people who have been doing it a while. I feel like I don't really know where to begin, so I'll say a little about what I'm looking for....

First of all, my budget is probably under $700. I feel that I would be more of a sport rider. I'm not interested in racing or anything at this point, but would like to get into serious fitness training, and something that would endure an occasional club ride.

I guess one of my main questions would be, given my budget, would you recommend me doing my homework and building a bike, or buying a complete bike? Is used a good option? Any brand preference, or components that are a must have? ( campy, shimano? )

Any advice would be appreciated, or links to advice for a very interested person looking to get into the sport.

Thanks.

Campy, Shimano.. um.. I'm staying out of this :) Seriously both are good, each has their own opionion which is better. You can get a decent bike for around $700. Best thing to do is go to yoru LBS and go for as many test rides as you can see what feels best to you. Building a bike would be alot more expensive then buying one that is already built.

For non-competative road riding, a non-racing road bike may be ideal. These light touring or century bikes have a tad more clearance for wider tyres and fenders, are usually equipped with triple chainsets and can take a small load of luggage, but not a full touring load. Lightweight steel is the usual material, for extra comfort on long rides. Cheaper Al frames are not much lighter than good steel frames, and can be a bit harsh to ride.
Campy/Shimano is a moot point, they both work well enough in the mid-range and are reliable enough for daily riding. Beware of price-cutting on less visible items like the bottom bracket bearings or the headset. They can skimp on these and it doesnt show in the shop.
Last years Jamis Aurora was a nice model at a good price, but this years model seems to be a bit more of a full-on touring bike.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/02_aurora.html
See also Bianchi San Remo
http://www.bianchiusa.com/site/bikes/24_SanRemo.html

Budget for some riding equipment and tools/spares as well as the bike.
You may be able to get a good deal froma mail-order shop, but will you need to use a local bike shop for servicing?. Better to buy from your LBS if it is a good one.
Build-your-own is never a cheap option, and is not recomended for a first bike.

In your price range, you could find a very nice used steel frame bike. Just make sure it fits you properly.

I have a good cannondale hybrid thats as good as a road bike for sale, $500 bucks.

Hi,
test ride this....
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03SequoiaSport&bl=road&my=2003

nice bike.

Originally posted by shokhead
I have a good cannondale hybrid thats as good as a road bike for sale, $500 bucks. How can a hybrid be as good as a road bike if one wants a road bike.Doesn't work for me.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: But, good marketing try anyway.

Your biking interests sound exactly like mine.
I bought and sold several road bikes while trying to find one that fit me...

I got a used 105 Specialized allez for $660
an almost new 105 Specialized allez for $470
and now I have an ultegra Specialized allez that i bought for $750

If you're shooting for $700, I would get a used 105 or ultegra aluminum.
Otherwise you will end up buying a brand new Sora-equipped road bike...

Originally posted by schancr
First of all, my budget is probably under $700. I feel that I would be more of a sport rider. I'm not interested in racing or anything at this point, but would like to get into serious fitness training, and something that would endure an occasional club ride.

Go to a few decent bikes shops (not just one - you don't want to limit the number of brands and models to pick from) and talk to the manager or owner. Explain what you are looking for, budget, type of riding (recreational), approx number of miles per week, other uses (errands, commuting, etc.).
Ride as many bikes as possible. Don't settle on a certain brand until you have tried several.
Don't be swayed by a bike's color scheme. Components, frame material and geometry, and fit are what make a bike "good".
You don't want a hybrid if you're interested in fitness training and club rides.

Once you find a bike that FITS get some good cycling shorts for a comfortable ride.
BTW: no underwear with cycling shorts. The seams in the underwear will be very uncomfortable.

Let us know which bike you pick. Then go out and enjoy yourself. :)

If you want an awesome road bike for sub-700 dont forget to check out your LBS' in your area for used bikes. Last weekend I scored a gently used 2002 Giant OCR 1 for 400 bones. Original price was around 1000.00. They really wanted to get rid of this bike b/c no one was buying it and the owner was waiting for his new Kestrel to come in. Originally it was his bike. You never know what you may find. Also check out bike shops websites which usually have classified sections for people selling their bikes in your area. Happy hunting and welcome to the road family!

Originally posted by schancr

First of all, my budget is probably under $700. I feel that I would be more of a sport rider. I'm not interested in racing or anything at this point, but would like to get into serious fitness training, and something that would endure an occasional club ride.

I guess one of my main questions would be, given my budget, would you recommend me doing my homework and building a bike, or buying a complete bike? Is used a good option? Any brand preference, or components that are a must have? ( campy, shimano? )


For the requirements you have, I think browsing the local shops for bikes in your range is a good idea. If you know some racers or clubs in the area, someone always has a good bike they want to sell.

Look for a complete bike. Building one up will be expensive if you don't already have some parts.

I would say in your case, look for Shimano. It is the most common and very easy to buy upgrade parts from other riders, ebay, etc.

If you don't know what size you are, you can get a general idea from filling out the sizing form at wrenchscience.com

You will do much better buying used for your first road bike. eBay is a great source and I have been very successful in buying there. Campy is my favorite, but Shimano is also excellent quality. Steel will provide a better ride in the price range you are suggesting. You should be able to get an excellent steel frame with an 8, 9 or 10 speed group and decent wheels for this money. If steel, try to get one made from Columbus, True Temper (853 or 753) or Dediacci tubing. Will be lighter and ride better. But almost all steel rides better than aluminum, until you get into the expensive end of things. Essentially, steel never wears out, so don't be afraid of a 10 or 15 year old bike. I ride an '87 Paramount and they don't make anything any better today. Maybe a pound lighter, but not better. And that doesn't make much difference if you are not going racing (which you can't really do for $700). Have fun and good luck!

Buy your first bike on e-bay.Get steel.Nothing better these days then a 87 paramount?These are jokes,right?

I have purchased a few bicycle related items on e-bay and you can get good deals. E-mail the seller before hand and ask your questions. Check their feedback. Seller descriptions can and will "vary".

It is a great place for wheelsets though :D

Bicycle swapmeets rock!!!

Tour the shops, ride many bikes, talk to people. Get "fit" to the bike. Buy NEW with a warranty and available service for your new bike. DON'T let yourself think that this will be the last road bike you'll ever buy. It will be your first, if you fall in love with cycling. As you gain experience, you'll come to know what your "dream bike" will be.

Now, here's a few bikes to consider: Specialized Allez Sport 27, Trek 2200, Jamis Quest, Fuji Marseilles, Cannondale R700, Giant OCR1, Raleigh R700, Lemond Buenos Aires, Bianchi Imola, to start.

Visit cycling websites. Read www.roadbikereview.com. Get cycling mags and books. I would suggest a few "minimums": carbon fork, carbon seatpost (if you go AL); Shimano 105 (Tiagra at least) as a minimum. After that, you can swap out stuff until your heart's content as long as you have a decent FRAME.

Good luck! Let us know what you get...

Look on the buy and sell board..there's a 2003 specialized allez elite for sale that would meet all your needs.

Hey, shokhead - the only joke is your FELT SR71.

Could be the jokes on me but i'm thinking most people dont get steel.Most people would'nt get there first bike on e-bay but thats only the way i'm thinking.

Hi Schancr,

Learn a bit about bike fit before you buy. Here are some links to good information.