Road Cycling - road bike shopping

Here's a little report on an afternoon of shopping for my first road bike. I went to a LBS here in WI and rode two different bikes: a Gunnar 58cm 'Roadie" and a Giant OCR1 (L), both 105 setups, on a short 4-5 mile loop with some short, steep hills on paved roads. the owner took quite a lot of time to fit each bike for me, and to set them up as similarly as possible. I took the Gunnar first, then the Giant, then the Gunnar again.

What I noticed: First the obvious... they both go LOTS faster and easier than my Trek 7200! I really missed having a couple of lower gears on the Gunnar, which was a double. The Giant rode rough and felt harsh. I found myself grimacing on bumps after a couple of miles. The Gunnar was much smoother and more comfortable. I much prefer narrower bars to wide ones. Both bikes felt long to me, seat to bars -- probably because of what I'm accustomed to. The ease with which I could maintain speed, on either bike, was very surprising to me, coming from a straight bar hybrid. But, the most important, and surprising, thing I learned was that my wife seems to like the idea that I get a road bike!

Tomorrow I'm going to go to Madison to try out a couple of other bikes with a friend who is a veteran road rider. Probably Cannondale and Specialized models. (I could get used to this shopping -- but need to get it as much done as I can before my week of vacation ends!)

you seem to be doind well so far... One thing I've learned(shopping), "always take time to find the best you can afford, and buy it!"

There are a lot of great bike shops in Madison. I think Budget Bike on Regent St. carries Cannondale and maybe Specialized. My wife bought her Trek at the Trek dealer out on the west side, I forget which street it's on. The Trek Store also carries lemonds which might be good choice if you felt that the Aluminum Giant OCR felt harsh. I ride a Lemond and the ride you get from a steel frame cannot be beat.

Good Luck!

I have to plug my shop here... If you find yourself in Milwaukee, stop by The Bikesmiths on Oakland & Locust. We only carry Lemond road bikes, but we're a small shop and would rather focus on really getting into one brand rather than carry a bunch of different brands.

Originally posted by fore
I have to plug my shop here... If you find yourself in Milwaukee, stop by The Bikesmiths on Oakland & Locust. We only carry Lemond road bikes, but we're a small shop and would rather focus on really getting into one brand rather than carry a bunch of different brands. I think that is an admirable idea, but it leaves out the possibility that a customer would be better suited to a different kind of geometry, without ordering a custom bike.

Gustav, I like the way you're going about it. Be patient and try as many frames as you can. Remember that you don't have to buy the bike as it stands; if you loved the Gunnar frame (and who wouldn't; it's a winner), for example, the shop can put whatever gearing on it you would like, and credit you for the parts they take off. Swapping a triple crankset for a double is a pretty common change.

RichC

You are doing the right thing. You have picked a component group and you are riding comparable bikes. And you are looking at the right thing to make your decision. Two road bikes with the same components and similar geometry will be very similar. The differences will be subtle - maybe one has a harsh feel to the ride, another corners great, and so on.

You obviously realize that you are the one who will be riding the bike so your opinion is the only one that matters.

Go the the new Erick's Bike Shop in Madison. Try out a Cannondale, I love my R800. With a new seat post and saddle, it will be awesome!

I plan to stop at Erik's on Thursday morning, to try the Cannondale and maybe a Specialized Allez or Sequoia. I've purchsed two other bikes there (for my son and wife) in the past 9 months. They're very accommodating.

I second or third or fourth or whatever my response to the thread is...You won't regret the Cannondale R800. Look for the Blood Red version...very cool looking and just so darn fun to ride!

-Wynn

Well, I'm back with a second report on my bike shopping spree. So far it's all shopping and no buying. I spent a few hours today at a shop and rode/compared a Specialized Allez comp and a Cannondale R800. After getting them set up for me by the shop guy I headed out for a short (30 minute) spin on eadch bike. this ride was mostly city roads with a few small rolling hills. Impressions: I much preferred the Cannondale. It felt as though I was more in control, and it was more responsive and comfortable. I found the Allez to be rough, and I never felt like I was in charge of the ride. I felt perched on top of it, but not part of it. The Cannondale felt more natural, and I felt I had much better control, and it was smooth and seemed easier.

So far, I've tried 4 bikes this week, and my subjective preference (ranking) is: Gunnar Roadie, Cannondale R800, Specialized Allez, Giant OCR1. (Funny, that's in the same order as the $$!) I really hope I'm being objective as I ride these bikes, and not projecting my expectations onto the rides based on price or reputation, but who knows?

I still have plans to ride a Bianchi Veloce, and to borrow a friend's LeMond Buenos Aires this weekend. Thanks for listening.

(Chanting) R800, R800, R800

Well i have a c'dale although it is only an r300.I just dont like the ride of the c'dale.I have a gunnar roadie on the way.(I ordered a frame so now i'll be buying parts a little at a time.)Anyway just get the one that feels best for you.The bike that feels best for me may not be the best for you.BTW i am a mt biker just getting in to road riding.