Road Cycling - Beginner road bike - ($500-$900)

I have been a runner for a long time and ride a bike at the gym, but wanted to get into riding outside. I don't currently own a bike but wanted to get a nice, reasonably-priced road bike to ride. Anyone have any suggestions as to bikes that are in the range of $500 to $900, that are durable, and that are good entry-level bikes?

I have looked at the Trek 1000 and the GIANT OCR line, but was looking for other suggestions.

I am 6'0" and weigh 165 lbs, in case that helps at all.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Now is the perfect time to pick up a bike for a good deal. I picked up my LeMond Tourmalet (853 Reynolds stell frame) for $850.00, and I absolutely love it (ok component set- Shimano Tiagra/105 mix, but a great steel frame).

More important then brand/frame material, however, is the geometry. I have a longer torso than most (in proportion to my legs) and the long top tube on the LeMond bikes fit me GREAT (I felt cramped up top, on most of the other bikes I tried).

My advice- get out there, and try out different frames- find something that fits right. There are plenty you should be able to find in your price range- while shopping, I found many bikes in that range- the LeMond, Trecks, a Bianchi (started with a V, cant remember the model name), a few nice specialized (The new silver Allez comes with good components/wheels/nice AlFrame for $999 at the LBS).

Lastly- I would recommend getting at least a Tiagra level component set. The Sora is an OK line, but is only an 8 speed. The Tiagra and up are all 9 speed, and are a bit easier to upgrade if you decide to do so (when replacing worn out crank gears, for example). Your price range is right on the line between Tiagra and Sora.. so see if you can stick to Tiagra.

-BlueDevil

I've had a Trek 1000 for a week now and it's great. I wanted an entry level bike to 'test the waters'. If I wear it out, I'll upgrade. If not, I didn't spend too much ($530).

Once you find your size, check out eBay. Can get a great "bang-for-the-buck" on eBay. Got my last five bikes there and have always been happy. Have fun!!

The '04 Treks are due out soon. This year they have added a 1500. It has Ultegra and 105 w/a good wheelset for right at $1000. I know it is a little higher, but maye worth it to you.

My wife just picked up a new 03 Felt F65 w/ complete 105 components for $999. I know that is on the high end of your price range but the $ for the better componentry will save you if you think you will ride alot. They also have bikes w/ Tiagra, etc. if you want to look at that price range. As always, ride before you buy. Check to see if you have a LBS that sells them (perhaps a Tri-shop). We found that the smaller bike companys were a little better in pricing compared to the Treks,Cannondales,Specialized, etc. (NOT that there is anything wrong w/ those...I ride a Trek MTB)

http://feltracing.com/home.html

Look around and try quite a few different shops to see what the have to offer. Both of those bikes are good entry level bikes. Maybe spend a little more and see what that will get you like some of the others have posted. I have a Giant and I love it.

Just to add another bike to the mix, take a look at the Specialized Allez Sport. A good bike for a good price. Aluminium frame with carbon fork. 105/Tiagra component mix. List price is $880.

Find a good LBS (local bike shop), test ride a bunch of frames/models, pick the one that you like best in your budget. Make sure to ask the LBS whether they charge for a stem/handlebars swaps (they shouldn't), whether they do a full fit if you buy a bike from them, and whether they offer free lifetime minor adjustments.

Thanks for all your help. Does anyone know of a good site where I can read about the basics of a road bike's components? I appreciate all of the feedback, but most of the cycling lingo is a bit foreign to me. Also, when I go to test out a bike, is it okay to take it out and ride it for a while? Do most of these bikes (Trek 1000, GIANT OCR, Jamis) come with "clip" pedals? Thanks for all your feedback.

Roadbikerreview.com has numerous consumer reviews of bikes ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It's a good place to start.

LBS should give you a decent test ride. So many pedal styles nowadays lots of bikes are sold w/o them. Bikes toward the bottom of your $ range will, probably, come with clips/straps. For higher bikes the shop should put a pair of pedals on to match your shoes or a set with clips/straps if you haven't bought shoes yet.

Obviously, they can't let you ride all day but a good LBS realizes that a few loops in the parking lot isn't much good either.

Here's a link to a decent cycling term glossary:
http://www.fisherbikes.com/utility/glossary.asp

Here's a link to an article about how to take a test ride
http://www.chainreaction.com/roadbiketestrides.htm

The rest of the Chain Reaction site is pretty good. They have a bunch of useful articles.