Road Cycling - MTB'er looking to cross to the dark side

With the wet weather in the northeast and the poor condition of most trails around here, I have been seriously considering a road bike. The thing is, I'm a total roadie n00b, and know very little about road bikes. I'm looking to spend about $1000 (give or take a couple hundred). I'd like a bike that goes fast but I'm not looking to ride in the Tour de France anytime soon. Also, potholes and sandy roads are an issue here, so I'll need something that won't fall apart under me. I'm 6', 195 lbs, not exactly huge, but I doubt an all-out racing thoroughbred would be good for me. Here are my questions.

What's the difference between regular rims and those cool looking, v-shaped rims (told you I was a n00b) :o

Is a triple carankset really necessary? There are lots of hills out here but no real mountains.

Is there much of a learning curve with those integrated brake lever/shifter thingies? I have XT shifters on my mtb.

I was shooting for 105 components. Does a bike with Campy components exist in my price range? It's not a big deal, just wondering.

Do they make SPD style road pedals? Would I get laughed at if I had them? What's a good system to use?

Thanks for your help and patience:)

I just made the switch like you did about a week ago. I was a total noob aswell. My price range was about the same.

I would have bought the Felt F65 but they didn't have it in my size and the manufacturer wasn't going to make any more in my size until there 2004 models are released. Best build kit for the money. Nice looking bike. All 105.

I got a Cannondale R600. Can't complain, I have had a blast on it. 105 and tiagra.

I am running a double crankset, sometimes I think the triple would be nice, but it is not neccessary.

I am still getting better at the shifting but it is a breaze to figure out.

SPD on road bikes are common, Looks are the most popular.

Good luck I am sure you will love Road Biking! Go for the F65 if they have it in your size. Best bang for the buck

I went for a Bianchi, nice bike only £550, it has Campy components, and a triple set, which rocks, id maybe ask for a bit harder (pedalling wise) rear cassette, for fast downhill parts.

Great bike to start from, the brake/gear set up is PERFECT you use your thumb with small paddles, and index finger for the behind the brake lever. The brake lever is seperate, by the way the brakes are really nice and smooth, predictable.

My pedals are a LOOK clone, i think they are made by Bianchi, liscenced by LOOK, just dont walk on the cleats! Ive ruined a set of them already. To be honest, im making the switch to Tourer/MTB style pedals pretty soon, just so i can walk in them.

You WILL get addicted to road biking, im SO glad i didnt buy an MTB (im still going to, just not now:D ) and im sure you will be happy your doing this too.

I will wish you all the best in your purchase, and i hope youll consider the Gold Race 600 ;) .


Do they make SPD style road pedals? Would I get laughed at if I had them? What's a good system to use?
Im almost certain they do make road pedals that are interchangeable.


What's the difference between regular rims and those cool looking, v-shaped rims (told you I was a n00b)
Being a n00b myself:D , my best guess would be that they are lighter, my NET 2000's are v shaped, and they are damn light.

Hope i helped in some way, welcome, good luck and cheers! :beer:

Bianchi has the Campione with Campy parts and its 1099.00.

I test drove a Lemond last year that I could have had for $1300.00. It had Ultegra componets on it and was a sweet ride. A couple of members in the club I belong to ride these bikes and they are real happy with them. Personally I bought a Klein for a few dollars more and am very happy with it.
My bike is equiped with SPD pedals. I wear what I would consider to be off road shoes so if I'm on a big ride where you stop at local watering holes:beer: you can walk around comfortably.
Have fun and keep the rubber side down.

Jim

Felt F65 is sold out for the year. Unless you can find a LBS with one in stock. The F75 might be a good choice for you. 105 drivetrain Tiagra shifters for $799.
http://www.feltracing.com/framestart_images/F75_big_03.jpg

Thanks, guys. I was thinking about using my mtb shoes to ride on the road, too. I am considering a Specialized Allez Elite 27 from my LBS. I want to make sure I am fitted properly and I have some warranty and service support.

One more question, this time about tires. Which is the best tread pattern for riding in less than ideal conditions? There are plenty of potholes, loose asphalt from poorly filled potholes, sand, and other debris on the roads here, and sometimes I may want to ride on damp pavement. Any brand and model recommendations?

Again, thanks for all your help, guys. I still love mountain biking, but it's not much fun riding with this weather and the current condition of most trails. Hopefully this summer will dry out a little and I'll be able to do lots of both types of riding :D