Road Cycling - Want to get a road bike for fitness and fun, without spending a fortune.

Hi all, this seems like the most populated bike forum on the net with a lot of experienced and knowledgable riders..

The only other bike I've owned in my life was a Huffy back when I was about 7 years old. I'm now 18, and need a fun and interesting way to make myself physically fit. I'd like to spend around $500, although I'll spend more if it's deemed necessary. I figure that a road bike would be best for me, since I'd be riding on paved roads. I went to a LBS and looked at a Trek 1000 for $499. Seemed nice, but it's an aluminum bike and I've read that I may be able to get more for my money by getting a less known brand.

I'd like to have a bike that will be comfortable enough to ride without annoyances hurting my experience. I'd also like the bike to be reliable, as I'm not a very mechanically inclined person. Which paticular models would you guys recommend? I've heard people praise KHS, however there website lists no vendors anywhere near me. I also went to a bike shop about a year ago and the owner raved about Jamis bikes. I'm not sure what I should get, I just want it to serve it's purpose without giving me trouble.

Thanks for your time.

The Trek is a nice bike.

Ive got a 1000, it's never done me wrong. $499.00 for a new one is a good price, too.

If you want a inexpensive bike with the same basic equipment as the 1000 check this out! I have heard decent things about them! But if you want the name go Trek!
The only advantage I see in Trek is that you might have a local store that has them but any good bike store will work on any bike!

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/mirage.htm

If you have any choice at all BUY THE TREK over that moto one, they dont even compare.

So, should I just go with the Trek and get to riding, or are there any other new bikes in the price range worth considering? Thanks

The Trek purchased at your LBS is probably the best option. You'll probably get one year's worth of adjustments, easy warrenty service, and a source for local rides and support.

If you think you'll stick with cycling, get the best bike you can for your budget. Saving $50 now can mean $100s in the future (if nothing else, you might just have to buy a new bike sooner if the current one craps out). I had a reall good experience on eBay (as have some others) so you might check that out before buying. I got a $1,200 Trek 2000 ('99/'00 model) for $290. It came in GREAT shape with nothing much wrong. I saw several other bikes for around $500. Also, your LBS might have some financing that would give you 3 months to pay it of no interest. And be sure to look for end-of-season sales. Also, I've had good luck with buying a bike that was slightly too small or too large and had been hard to fit to a buyer (but you have to be careful to not get TOO small or TOO big :D )

Anyway, the Trek sounds nice. Stick with wat you've heard of. There's probably a reason you've heard of it ;)

Also, if you're off to college, you might consider a hybrid or pure mountain bike. I love my roadie, but in college and grad school, a mountain bike was the way to go! (Also, mtbs are less likely to "walk off") Most of my friends had mtbs and sloshing around on trails in the mud with them was better than riding alone :(

You can't go wrong with a Trek or a Cannondale or a Giant or a Specialized or a....... Test ride all of them. Each bike may be listed as the same size and geometry, but there will be minute differences. One may feel a whole lot better than the other. And don't forget about steel frames. The LeMond Tourmalet, at about $900 list, is a great bike.

We are coming up on September when the '04s come out so check all the LBSs for deals.

The Trek 1000 is a nice bike for the price and perfect for what you want; an entry-level steed of reasonably good quality backed by a reputable maker. Don't forget to put some money aside for the extras such as upgrading the pedals to SPD or Look-style pedals along with compatible shoes, cycling shorts (highly recommended), cycling computer, a couple of extra tubes, floor pump, CO2 inflator or mini-pump, some basic tools, a seat bag, a couple of water bottles & cages, and of course a helmet. Seems like a lot but everything has a purpose and will further your enjoyment of cycling.

Enjoy the road! :beer:

I actually changed my mind on the bike I want today. I went to a different shop and picked out a hybrid(Jamis Coda Sport). I picked the Jamis because I've read that Jamis is a very good value and I think a hybrid would better suit me. On some of the roads over here there are no shoulders, or the sides will have a lot of gravel/sand on them.

Thanks for your help guys.

Yeah be carful to budget for the extras... I have spent about £220 on extras after getting my bike. As Grendel said I collected what I needed, Comp, Shoes, pedals, track Pump, frame pump, helmet, cages, bottles, front and rear lights, and I am yet to pick up a saddle bag but its next on my list !!!

Tim

i was looking at the same bikes as you doom5. when all was said and done i decided that like carljstoneham said, saving $50 here can cost you $100's later. i went with the FUJI finest AL and as far as i'm concerned i've never ridden a better bike. i was coming off a 33 yr old panasonic road bike to a brand new cycle. after everything, assembly, shipping, helmet, cages, bottles, seat bag, tuffy's and spare tubes i think i dropped $950-$1000. but all the stuff i bought will last me til i cant ride anymore and everything has a purpose. so don't look for the cheapest, look for what you think you need and what fits you best.