Road Cycling - Road Bike Suggestion?

I want to start biking on the street, recreationally to start. I havn't had one before and I'm just starting out. Any recommendations on good, inexpensive bikes? (trying to stay under $900, but lower is even better) I might use it to commute to school also if that helps.

Since you posted your question on the road bike forum is this the style you are considering? If it's your first bike and have not done much riding you may consider a hybred frame. They are inexpensive and the ride is more comfortable. If you then find the need for speed then work your way to a road bike frame. If the addiction takes control and you become powerless over faster,lighter and more expensive bikes then you are on your way to a 12 step program. Eventually you will be off on your very own European frame with no friends who can keep up. Have Fun!

If your looking for a road bike, you might want to consider a Fuji Roubaix..

Fuji Roubaix (http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,106,102,94,95,105,96,103,97,104,99,98,100,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=9&yr=2004)

The dealers have some year end deals on these. You can get one for about $900.

This is by far not the only choice. There are several deals out there now that the season is ending...

You might want to also check out the Specialized Allez, I know some of the members herre have them and are very happy with them.

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03AllezSport27&bl=road&JServSessionIdroot=kulpmca3qi.j27001 List on the Allez 27 is $880 but you should be able to do better on that with the 2004 models coming out.

Or the Allez 24 which basicaly has a 8sp drivetrain vs 9sp on the 27, for a few hundred less.

Both are good, solid recommendations.

Find an LBS (local bike shop) and take a variety of road bikes for test rides. A good shop will let you do this around the parking lot or perhaps further afield. If they won't let you ride them, find another shop! You may need to go to 2 or 3 shops to find the bike you want. Fuji, Specialized, Trek, Raleigh, Giant are probably good starting points for solid sub-$900 bikes. You should be able to get Shimano 105 components for this price if you buy a 2003 model on closeout (perhaps even a 105-Ultegra mix if you're lucky e.g. the Fuji).

Buy the bike that fits you best. You need to make sure that the geometry of the frame, stem, bars etc suit your body. If the bike is not comfortable for you to ride, you won't want to get on it!

I wouldn't go for a hybrid if you even remotely think you will be doing longer distance riding (at least 20 miles) in one shot. Your hands will be killing you!

I was in the same situation, and I got the same advice and got the hybrid, thinking I wouldn't be doing much riding. Now that I'm addicted, I do at least 30 miles a day, and I can go up to 100 miles in a day, and on the days when I'm doing long hauls, my hands are hurting.

Get a lower end road bike to start. You at least want to be comfortable in the event that you do end up doing longer distances.

Koffee

I agree being a hardcore road biker that it's preferable to the hybrid. If you have not ridden in some time it is a harder adjustment to get used to the fit of a road bike but once your there your good to go the distance.

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
I wouldn't go for a hybrid if you even remotely think you will be doing longer distance riding (at least 20 miles) in one shot. Your hands will be killing you!

I was in the same situation, and I got the same advice and got the hybrid, thinking I wouldn't be doing much riding. Now that I'm addicted, I do at least 30 miles a day, and I can go up to 100 miles in a day, and on the days when I'm doing long hauls, my hands are hurting.

Get a lower end road bike to start. You at least want to be comfortable in the event that you do end up doing longer distances.

Koffee
What!I never had a problem doing 25 miles on a hybrid and my hands never bothered me any more or less then my road bike.Riser bars with 700X26 tires,mavic rims with XTRhubs and brakes.25 was no problem.Oh,its for sale to.

Check out the Giant OCR 1. I've seen them on sale for $850 ... full 105 comps.

Surley Crosscheck, a very comfortable, versatile ride for under $900.00.

If you decide to go with a road bike and haven't been riding, I'd give serious consideration to the Specialized Sequoia Sport. I bought one this summer and can't stay off of it. It features a more upright riding position and the carbon fiber fork with elastomer damping smooths out the ride considerably. It's way faster and I like it a lot better than my old Giant hybrid. The MSRP is $880.00 but I've seen it around for less. Whatever you go with, make sure the bike is a good fit for you, lest it end up against a wall collecting cobwebs because it's no fun to ride. Good Luck!