Fifty Plus (50+) - Why did you pick your bike?

Still being a newbie I'm most familiar with the names sold at our LBSs.... Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Kona, Bianchi, Cervello ....

Many of you have some really nice bikes with brands I haven't seen in any of the shops in our area (we've been to at least 6 LBSs close to home) or in any type of ad. For example, momof4greatkid's future Serotta Fierte.

So I'm wondering, if you picked one of the other brands, what led you to that bike? Does it have a reputation for superior performance or engineering? What does it have that you didn't see in another bike? Did it ride like nothing you've ridden before?

("Because it is white" is not a good answer.)

It fit very well. It had good components. It was a titanium Lemond on sale for under $2000. I didn't have to think twice.

I am always value driven, and bought my '05 Fuji Team for that reason. I hate to spread this info since I will buy another and do not want to drive the prices up!:D I think Fuji is one great bargain.

You can find Fujis at Performance stores, Cycle Spectrum stores (BD owned) , and at some LBS.
My friend bought a Team full carbon with 105/Ultegra mix for $1200!! At one time I could have bought that bike for 10% off, and an additional 10% as a Performance member when the Austin store opened. For $1000 that would have been a hell of a deal, but mine current bike is fairly new, so I passed for now.

Oh, and BTW it does fit me perfectly!!!

("Because it is white" is not a good answer.)

Awww...guess I don't have an answer for you. ;)

I am always value driven, and bought my '05 Fuji Team for that reason. I hate to spread this info since I will buy another and do not want to drive the prices up!:D I think Fuji is one great bargain.

A guy here owns 4 LBS's and carries Giant, Gary Fisher, Trek, Raleigh, Orbea, Lemond, and up to recently Specialized and Jamis, plus Fuji. He feels that the line that provides the best day-in, day-out value is Fuji. They won't always be the best choice for someone and sometimes there are sales where other bikes are better buys. But when you compare what you get, part by part, at regular prices, they almost always provide better quality for the dollar than other lines.

I don't have an esoteric, upper-line bike, but I know two people who own Orbea Orcas. I can understand why they popped for them as they are absolutely beautiful bikes and performance-wise, they are so responsive that it is hard not to fall in love with them. I've heard the same thing from a couple of people who recently purchased new Trek Madones.

("Because it is white" is not a good answer.)

That humour/Humor again. Well done.

First bike was bought because I could afford it. Bianchi was because of the frame that was perfect and could be built on. Offroad Tandem was because of the Frame again. The giant because it was the cheapest "Proper" road bike I could get- And the Boreas because I knew what I wanted in a Road bike and this frame has it.

Pretty colors, what else!!!

Actually before purchasing a new bike I did a ton of research and alot of riding of other bikes. I knew exactly what I wanted when I bought it. I knew I wanted a steel bike, with at least Ultegra components, good wheels, easily upgradable, comfortable for the long haul (possibly touring but at least multi day rides) and quick on short rides and affordable. The geometry works with my style of riding. From day one I was happy with the bike...

...and pretty colors didn't hurt! :p

My advice if looking to buy - educate yourself. Understand bikes and bike geometry. Know components. Think about what you want and need to do on the bike. If strictly a "club" rider you might want to buy a bike totally different than someone, say me, you likes to do long distance. Think about what you can afford and in the long run, what you can add to improve the bike. Basically I have changed out almost everything upgrading my bike (added new handlebars, stem, seat post, saddle, cassette and derailleur and wonderful custom CK wheels). The only thing original other thant he frame is the crank and I'll probably change that shortly.

And first and foremost - understand fit. I would recommend getting a fitting and having your measurements before purchasing a bike. Many a person spends the money on a bike only to find out it's the wrong size and no changing of components can fix that!!!

Well, I started by fixing the price. Then I started looking at bikes in the price range, I new I wanted more of a racing bike, all carbon fiber and I knew that I wanted something somewhat different. For me there are so many Specialized, Giant and Treks bikes on the roads I ride I wanted something that I did not see all of the time. At this point my short list was BMC, Scott and Orbea, but then I needed to do test rides and the new Trek's came out. Now my list changes a bit to include the Specialized Tarmac, Madone 5.2 and the Scott CR1. In the end the LBS that gave me the best service had the Tarmac and CR1, I road both and liked the Scott CR1 better and since it had been in my initial list I was good to go.

In the end LBS service, test rides and a design that appealed to my heart drove my decision

Still being a newbie I'm most familiar with the names sold at our LBSs.... Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Kona, Bianchi, Cervello ....

Many of you have some really nice bikes with brands I haven't seen in any of the shops in our area (we've been to at least 6 LBSs close to home) or in any type of ad. For example, momof4greatkid's future Serotta Fierte.

So I'm wondering, if you picked one of the other brands, what led you to that bike? Does it have a reputation for superior performance or engineering? What does it have that you didn't see in another bike? Did it ride like nothing you've ridden before?

("Because it is white" is not a good answer.)

It would have "Zander" on the down tube. The brand is notoriously overpriced for what you get however. (even when given away for the cost of material which they all are).

Well, which bike?
My LeMond was on sale and offered componentry -and value- at a price I couldn't ignore.
My Gary Fisher offered a design I was looking for in my return to cycling. I wanted a dual purpose bike that might not do either one great but did both well.

Both of them were well test ridden and compared between other, similar bikes.
I liked the way they were put together and how they rode.

My Kaitai is black and -back in my electric days- all my guitars were black.
My Reno is blue and I am a sucker for a pretty, sparkely blue

Something to add... if buying an entry level bike, many of the production bikes out there are perfect but if you have some money to spend - say at least $3500 consider custom. So many beautiful custom bikes out there (yes I know adds to the confusion) - you already mentioned Serotta, there's also Seven, or Moots and even smaller builders like Landshark or Kish, Independent Fabricators, Waterman, Vanilla, lots of great bikes made just the way you want.

My dream (and am saving the money as we speak) is to have Jim Kish build me a custom Ti bike. I want Spectrumpowder coating to do a "lotus" etching on the metal. I want Ultegra 10 speed gruppa, CK ti headset, CK wheels. Sigh... someday! :rolleyes:

I only went Custom build on the frame but if you have the experience- you know what will work for you. Not a cheap option though and you do need to know what you want.

My road bike and Time Trial bike.......

Because the builder made sure they fitted me and that they were "dialled in" from the word go .

My touring bike........

Because Thorn make the best bikes in the world, with the best gears ( Rohloff)

My Tandem...
It was cheap!!!

george

I was sucked in by Grant Petersen's ad copy. ;)
It was 1992 and I was riding my first road bike, a '91 Cannondale with Criterium geometry. The bike was fun to ride and quick as all hell, but on the long rides I found myself doing frequently, it was too stiff and too quick steering for comfort.
I saw the Bridgestone ads in magazines talking about the all day comfort of traditional stretched-out European roadracing geometry and quality steel tubing on their top of the line RB-1. The straightforward approach and simple but effective design appealed to me.
I knew from reading reviews that Bridgestones were well made, well designed bikes. Just before tax refund time that year, I walked into my LBS and saw a Bridgestone catalog. The shop manager told me that they had just signed on as a Bridgestone dealer. I told him to order me a red RB-1 size 57.5 without ever test riding or even seeing one of the bikes in person, and that is how I became the first person to buy a Bridgestone bicycle from Bike Tech in Macon, GA.
Flash forward to 2007. I have ridden that bike tens of thousands of miles, dozens of centuries and I am making plans for my 2nd major component upgrade instead of buying a new bike. Ribby turned out to be a good fit.
Too bad they stopped making them in 1994. But Grant now has his own brand, Rivendell.

First I wanted a compact frame because I'm old, darn it.

Then I learned here that "compact" doesn't necessarily equal "relaxed". So I wanted a "relaxed" frame.

Then I decided that I better not order on line. LBS expertise and all that kind of stuff.

There are a number of LBSs in my area. I went with one that is fairly close to my house, very close to my office, and has a good service department.

That left me Trek v Lemond, Pilot v Buenos Aires, etc.

I wanted to get a Reno. My wife's physical therapist, who has treated me as well and is an avid biker, told her that I needed full carbon because it would be easier on my joints.

I tested a Reno and loved it. My wife had a Buenos Aires set up whilst I was riding, so I tried that as well. Smooth as butter, I tell ya.

She then said she'd pay the difference between the Reno and the BA, and the deal was done.

She might regret that decision. Honest, I'm storing my bike in our bedroom. She thinks that's weird, but you guys understand.

Did I mention that my bike is white?

Price and weight. And somewhat sexy wheels. Plus, there are so many people on BF hating BikeDirect.com I had to order one just to to against the grain. Motobecane Le Champion, Mostly Utegra stuff, American Classic AC420 wheels.

[...] I wanted to get a Reno. My wife's physical therapist, who has treated me as well and is an avid biker, told her that I needed full carbon because it would be easier on my joints.

I tested a Reno and loved it. My wife had a Buenos Aires set up whilst I was riding, so I tried that as well. Smooth as butter, I tell ya.

She then said she'd pay the difference between the Reno and the BA, and the deal was done.

[...]

Did I mention that my bike is white?


And red, I might add... I know a good pair of shorts to go with that LeMond of yours

I picked a Bruce Gordon because I am an extremophile. I've toured before and I will tour again so I want the best touring bike I can afford. Also I am a big strong guy and I tend to break stuff. Gordons' bikes are built to take it.

I choose the BMC because the frame was just extraordinary. Stiff and responsive like aluminum but as smooth as some of the CFs I tested. It fit perfect and just felt right. Oh, and nobody else has one, around here anyway.

I wanted a modern Reynolds 853 steel frame. I own 7 older lugged steel bikes and I love them all, but I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about the newer steel frames. I had read good things about Lemond and I liked the old style paint scheme. Somewhere in the back of my mind I also wanted a green bike because everyone knows that green is faster than white.:p

I ran across a NOS 2002 green Lemond Alpe de Huez at a bike shop in Orrville, Ohio about 3 years ago. The price was reduced and I had cash in hand. After a week of pondering, it was mine. I swapped out the stem for a shorter one and replaced the 175mm crank set with a 170mm. It fits very well and the ride is as good as advertised.

Fitting it with a brand new set of Mike Garcia custom hand built Velocity Aerohead wheels has dropped the weight into the 19 pound range. Not bad for a steel bike.

I'd say it rides about as well as my '87 Bianchi Columbus SL frame. And that is a huge compliment to the Lemond.

I also ride a Lemond - a 2002 Zurich. It is an awesome bike!

Still being a newbie I'm most familiar with the names sold at our LBSs.... Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, Kona, Bianchi, Cervello ....

Many of you have some really nice bikes with brands I haven't seen in any of the shops in our area (we've been to at least 6 LBSs close to home) or in any type of ad. For example, momof4greatkid's future Serotta Fierte.

So I'm wondering, if you picked one of the other brands, what led you to that bike? Does it have a reputation for superior performance or engineering? What does it have that you didn't see in another bike? Did it ride like nothing you've ridden before?

("Because it is white" is not a good answer.)

I have a feeling this will be a long answer, because this is something I am passionate about, so here goes!

I had been scouting every bike shop in my county and every adjacent county looking for my next bike. I rode Trek, Specialized, Giant, Bianchi, Litespeed, C'dale's in every material from aluminum to carbon to ti. I wasn't finding anything that really tripped my trigger. I didn't allow price be my only consideration, though there were limits to what I could spend (and I've only barely exceeded them :p )

I did not know of the Serotta brand until I was scouting around on the 'net comparing bikes I had test ridden. The name came up comparing favorably to the Specialized Roubaix which was on my short list of bikes I was interested in. A buddy on bikejournal has a Serotta in his stable, and it sparked my interest because he is someone who's been riding for 30+ years and knows his bikes. In searching, I found a shop within 30 miles that I didn't even know existed that is a serotta dealer. I also found that Bicyling mag gave the fierte the thumbs up for "plush ride of the year"

I asked around about Serottas with some of my cycling buddies and found out they have an impeccable reputation for making great bike frames. The only negative comments I could find were related to the price, never the quality or workmanship.

I visited the shop, rode a Serotta and I was immediately impressed with the way it rode. It definitely felt better than any of the other bikes I rode, including the titanium Litespeed. I was told when you find the bike you want, you will know it, though I until I rode the Serotta, I had been beginning to doubt I would find that special one ( lol, sounds like romance is in the air) It was what I had been hoping to find in the other bikes I'd tried. It handled so well, very confidently. It felt well balanced. It felt solid and secure but nimble without being twitchy.

And the shop does the custom fitting. I'm new to cycling (my one year anniversary is approaching) and I felt that investing the extra time and money to get a bike that fits me just right and is geared to my riding style is a worthwhile expenditure. Perhaps someone with more experience might not need the special fitting, but it works for me. I feel very confident that this bike will leave me w/none of that nagging feeling of "I wish I had done this or that", Serotta w/their custom fitting for me, had all the bases covered.

The shop treated me well. They were attentive and approachable and never made me feel stupid even though I asked a lot of dumb questions.

Now, I'm off to paint the arrows on the road for our club invitational ride tomorrow.

And I am still waiting for my bike but I was told third week of August...that could be next week, couldn't it?!

Colleen

I choose the BMC because the frame was just extraordinary. Stiff and responsive like aluminum but as smooth as some of the CFs I tested. It fit perfect and just felt right. Oh, and nobody else has one, around here anyway.

I finally had a chance to see a BMC Streetfire. Someone brought a red one into the LBS for some adjustments. It was a very attractive bike. Much more so in person than in the pictures I've seen.

That's easy. I was buying speed. It worked; I instantly went from being a 2nd-tier rider to one of the fastest in my club. Plus, it was the fastest color: YELLOW.

It was a Vision Quest, involving peyote and fasting...

OK, no, it was pretty casual. On the principle that your first bike will not be the "perfect" bike I simply decided on a class (compact road frame, "relaxed") and price range. Also planned on getting one used. And I had a pretty good idea of the frame size. First bike I won on eBay or could find on Craigslist that fit the bill would be it. Result was the Giant OCR2. It has worked out quite well. Could just have easily been a Trek Pilot or another of that ilk.

I did not know of the Serotta brand until I was scouting around on the 'net comparing bikes I had test ridden. The name came up comparing favorably to the Specialized Roubaix which was on my short list of bikes I was interested in. A buddy on bikejournal has a Serotta in his stable, and it sparked my interest because he is someone who's been riding for 30+ years and knows his bikes. In searching, I found a shop within 30 miles that I didn't even know existed that is a serotta dealer. I also found that Bicyling mag gave the fierte the thumbs up for "plush ride of the year"


Colleen

My wife went for a fitting at the shop where I bought my Seven. They are also Serrotta dealers. He recommended the Serrota Fierte for her, but she didn't want to wait or spend that much money. For a bike that came close to her particular geometry he recommended the Roubaix, saying that the frame was very similar to the Serrota design.

I didn't pick it. It picked me. I tested more bikes than you can imagine. Some spoke to me some didn't, but only one said, "Hey, make me go faster; make me go farther. I'll make you happy every time you take me out. Choose me. You won't be sorry."

I bought my bike because it WASN'T white...:D

This might sound simplistic, but it really isn't. Because I liked it the best. So far, I still do.

I belong to the club that thinks that Fuji is one of the best values in the industry. The closest dealer to me is 40 miles , and being a small shop in a small town he does not stock a bunch of them .He will order what you want on request.
I was patient and dilgent and found one on ebay last december. 2003 Roubaix Pro. Last year for the steel frame. Full 105 group ,carbon fork. weight 19.4 lbs. Seller said 200 miles and you can tell it was barely ridden. List 1650 and I got it for 520 plus shipping. I did add a ritchey adjustable stem. Climbs like a dream.Big change from the 30 + pound mountain bike I rode centuries on the last two years. One heck of bike for the price.

I look for low priced craigslist bikes or frames on craigslist. I bought one 853 Fuji frame off ebay. I look for my size with different features than bikes I already own. I've built three bikes from frames and sold one so far. I'm building a fourth because I liked the color - yellow fading to white, and I want to try a frame with carbon seat stays. Technically, building from frames with 105+ quality parts adds up - even on sale with additional coupons and credits. The bikes I flip on craigslist make up the difference.

My Scott Contessa chose me, because we were both in the LBS at the same time, and the owner said to take the Contessa for a ride, and I came back and said I wanted to take it home with me. I have learned alot since buying this bike and would have a better understanding next time of what I would like, but the owner did a wonderful job of hearing what I wanted in my first road bike, so I have been more than satisfied. However, there is always that possibility that there is another bike out there that will want to come home with me.

I bought my Alex Moulton (http://www.alexmoulton.co.uk/) because it was the most efficient, most versatile, most comfortable bike I'd ever ridden. After 23 years together, it still is.

TCS

My Scott Contessa chose me, because we were both in the LBS at the same time, and the owner said to take the Contessa for a ride, and I came back and said I wanted to take it home with me.

I have heard almost this same story from people who went to bars/pubs.
:)

I wanted to feel safe on the bike.

I was returning to cycling after 30+ years and not certain how it would go. I tried out my husband's commuter and felt very out-of-control. I researched and realized I wanted a cruiser where I could sit upright, with a step-through configurarion and the ability to put both feet on the ground while sitting on the seat. Then I tested an Electra Townie 8 at the LBS and felt like I was 10 years old again. It's been so much fun.

Maybe later I'll want something faster - but for now this is perfect.

I had bought an aluminum frame road bike at a good price to see if I liked the road bike thing. I liked the bike but it rode very rough. I went into a bike shop while out of town on business and they had a used titanium frame Litespeed Tuscany. I took it for a test ride and it was amazing how it rode better, handled better and looked better than my bike. I did not buy that one, but later found the same bike on e-bay and won it. I have been very happy with it. My other road bike is an older lugged steel frame specialized. I bought it at a yard sale because it came as a package with a nice trainer that I wanted.

I had been road riding for a couple years on bikes I picked up on ebay (1989 Specialized Allez Carbon that I found way too flexy) and on craigslist (1991 Bianchi EV2 Aluminum that I built). I was hooked and started looking at more recent carbon frames. A French one would be a plus but were over my budget but I kept looking especially for a 2001 to 2003 Look frame.

Then luck stroke. The Sierra Nevada pro team had been sponsored by Time in 2003 and they put all the frames on ebay at the end of 2004. I had never dreamt of getting a Time as they were way out my price range ($3500 to $4500 for frame, fork, stem, and seatpost). I ended up with a 2003 Time VX Special Pro for $950 in excellent condition. Yes, the same frame Boonen, Bettini, and Museeuw rode.

I built it with Campagnolo and FSA equipment, and Ksyrium SL wheels. The geometry is perfect for me and the bike is so nice to ride.

I can answer for several of my bikes...prepare to be bored:

1988 Trek 820 Antelope.....Bought at my local LBS (a Trek & Schwinn dealer at the time).
I'm not very knowledgeable about components, but I was looking for a year-round bike (specifically
winter). The shop assured me this bike could satisfy my needs...and the bike is black. I liked black at the time. It has been and is still my all around use-it-for-everything bike. Commuting, errands, exploring, etc.

1991 Schwinn 354 aluminum road bike....Had a good review in Bicycling, I was hankering for a good
road bike at the time, I tried it, I liked it, I bought it, I love it.

1994 Burley Tandem (pic included)....Bought to ride with my daughters as a training aid to
riding on the raod and for enjoyment. The frame design of this model made it very easy for my
8 yr. old and both 4 yr. olds to mount and dismount. The frame design was the driving force behind my choice in this purchase.
This pic is from 1994, I grew old and fat and she's an Aerospace Engineer now.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/crankyolddude/July94CycleSound.jpg

1986 Raleigh Marathon.....Purchased in Jan 2007, I was missing my old Varsity,
I stumbled into this bike at the LBS, It's in great shape, steel, rides like the Varsity only better, and
it's the same color as the Burley which I'm becoming quite fond of. So I bought it.

2001 Raleigh C-40....Was looking for a Green Comfort/Hybrid and stumbled into this at a LBS.
It's sorta a Teal color (like the Burley), I liked it and bought it on the spot. This was truely an
impulse purchase. I like the bike, the aluminum frame gives a nice stiff nimble ride, I like the
color, but the rear shifter seems to be problematic and the frame may be a wee bit small for me.
I should have researched and shopped longer on this one!!!

For me, it's nostalgia and value. I love the look and the ride of the old lugged moly steel frames. Since my first bicycle was a balloon-tired Schwinn and my second was a bottom-of-the-line Bianchi road bike, it's probably only natural that today I ride a fat-tired Schwinn mountain bike and a nice mid-level Bianchi road bike. I commuted on a beat-up 1960 Capo Modell Campagnolo during grad school, and years later, when I found each of my current Capos, I couldn't resist -- their distinctive carved-out head lugs look really sharp, and the ride quality is absolutely ideal for a half-century or century.

Neat older custom steel frame with great parts/components - DuraAce, Ultegra, Cinelli, Campy - at a steal price. I love a bargain, and sometimes nostalgia IS what it used to be :)

I'm a bit of a mutant really tall with short legs. So I saved up and ordered a fully custom frame sized to fit my unique body type. To choose my builder I did a great deal of reasearch, and looked at examples of their work. I then choose each and every component, and the hardest choice of all the colour.
I have been really happy with my experience and would recommend a good custom frame to anyone thinking of a high end bike.

I'm a bit of a mutant really tall with short legs. So I saved up and ordered a fully custom frame sized to fit my unique body type. To choose my builder I did a great deal of reasearch, and looked at examples of their work. I then choose each and every component, and the hardest choice of all the colour.
I have been really happy with my experience and would recommend a good custom frame to anyone thinking of a high end bike.

So, what color was it?

I picked my Lemond Reno after reading reviews, deciding what grade of components I would be satisfied with, reputation of the LBS, and the Lemond seemed to fit best of the bikes I rode, and was on sale, with an upgraded wheelset. Price, of course, entered into the decision, and I feel I got a good value for my dollars. It wasn't the cheapest in it's price range, but I know if I have any problems (haven't so far) that the LBS from which it was purchased, will make it right.

I wanted (and got): leightweight, durability, value. I purchased a "last year's model" Merlin Extralight Ti frame equipped with Campy Record components from Excel in Boulder. Great price on a frame that will last forever. Record components packaged with it are great and I got a price break. Swapped out the wheels for Toplolino. 21000 miles on it and two things have gone wrong. A spring broke in a shifter ($59 to fix) and last week a rim cracked on the rear wheel (Topolino is fixing that as a crash replacement at a very reasonable price). One word about custom frames. I seriously considered having one made by Dean Ti in Boulder, but the more I researched it the more I considered it untenable. After all, if you get it done and then a) don't like it or b) your body changes (due to injury etc) you are stuck with it. Others will disagree but that's where I came down.

p.s. The Ti frame, Topo wheels and Michelin Pro Race tires make for a REALLY comfortable ride!

I wanted a road bike that was a classic and affordable. I was drooling over my Miyata for over a year. I finally struck up a deal to take it in exchange for computer consulting work. It fits me perfectly.

Plus, I'ts White!

I wanted to step up from my two 80's vintage steel road bikes. After narrowing my search for a gently-used Trek or Lemond carbon frame bike, I successfully bid on a NOS Trek 5500 frame on eBay. While arranging payment for the frame, the seller inquired about my plans to build it up. He then offered me an incredible package deal on new Dura Ace group and gorgeous Ksyrium wheels, and shipped the completed bike within 3 days. I couldn't have done better shopping on my own for the individual components, and I am absolutely delighted with the results.

Our bikes are like our cats. We have WAY to many and they choose us, not the other way around.

Our bikes are like our cats. We have WAY to many and they choose us, not the other way around.

YMMV. None of my bikes crap in a box and smell up my house.:p

Blue Bike from REI because I finished back rehab, and thought it might be worthwhile to try to have some fun again, since all indications were that I did not need a burial plot yet.

Diamondback tandem, because LBS had one and we had to have it RIGHT NOW.

Dunno the year Burley Duet because it seemed way way way more right for us than the Diamondback.

Specialized Sequoia with a bunch of upgraded components, because the guy selling the Duet was selling it too, and it was a helluva deal.

Next tandem will be probably be a Co-motion Co-pilot that really fits.
Next bike for me will be one well suited for where (hilly to work and to the store or the pub, sometimes in the light rail car), how (slowly, cautiously, sometimes nervously), and how much (just enough to maximize fun) I ride.

I decided that I might have more fun riding the roads if I were on a road bike rather than my old Specialized Hardrock. Also, I wanted an aluminum frame/fork. Rode several different brands, but I liked the way the Fuji Newest fit. Finally I found an '06 model that fit really well, XL frame, and got it in March of this year. 1,441 miles later and no complaints.