Commuting - Tell me what to do!

Hello all. First and foremost I am very new to these threads, so I must apologize if I am posting this in the wrong area. Anyway. I am looking into purchasing my first road bike that will be used primarily for commuting to work, recreational riding during the weekends and perhaps even a sprint-tri here and there. My main question is; what the hell should I buy? As of right now I am looking at a 2007 Scattante CFR Comp ($1400.00) or purchasing a used 2006 Scattante R-550 frame for $200.00 and hopefully fitting it with comprable components to the 07'. Does this even seem like a a reasonable question? I mean, how much will these components run me and how much will I end up having to pay somebody to put it all together?

Also. I've been to several bike shops both local and in neighboring cities. Test rode many bikes, and have found that the bikes I am most interested in and comfortable with happen to be over $1000.00. Is this a bad thing? Being that it is my first bike should I consider spending way less? Then feel obligated to upgrade parts as soon as possible?

And finally. I am 6'2" and pushing 155 lbs. And I feel like I am at a somwhat of an in between stage in regards to frame size (feeling decent on 58, 60, 61cm) . I know there are many adjustments you can do to modify a bike to fit better. But I would just like to hear from some of you all what you recommend. As of right now I am thinking a 60cm will be the way to go.


Thanks and hopefully I didnt bore any of you to death!

Hello all. First and foremost I am very new to these threads, so I must apologize if I am posting this in the wrong area. Anyway. I am looking into purchasing my first road bike that will be used primarily for commuting to work, recreational riding during the weekends and perhaps even a sprint-tri here and there. My main question is; what the hell should I buy? As of right now I am looking at a 2007 Scattante CFR Comp ($1400.00) or purchasing a used 2006 Scattante R-550 frame for $200.00 and hopefully fitting it with comprable components to the 07'. Does this even seem like a a reasonable question? I mean, how much will these components run me and how much will I end up having to pay somebody to put it all together?

Don't...try to retrofit the R550, that is. If you want to do it, buy the R550 and the CFR. Strip all of the parts off the CFR and the R550. Swap the parts and sell the CFR for about 20% of what you paid for it and reap the savings;) The parts to upgrade the R550 are going to cost you about as much as the CFR.

On the other hand, the 550 probably has 105 on it anyway and, other then finish, there is little difference between them. The 550 might be a 9 speed but spending $1500 to get one gear is kind of silly. It may be a few grams heavier but that makes very little difference.



Also. I've been to several bike shops both local and in neighboring cities. Test rode many bikes, and have found that the bikes I am most interested in and comfortable with happen to be over $1000.00. Is this a bad thing? Being that it is my first bike should I consider spending way less? Then feel obligated to upgrade parts as soon as possible?

Don't get hung up on the whole upgrading thing. It's better to buy more bike than you need than try to retrofit a bike to some ideal. It just costs you much more money in the long run. $1000 for a road bike is reasonable. You can spend a whole lot more for minor refinements but if the bikes have a Shimano 105 component spec, it's still pretty good. Buy it, ride it, save your pennies for a super bike in 3 to 5 years;)


And finally. I am 6'2" and pushing 155 lbs. And I feel like I am at a somwhat of an in between stage in regards to frame size (feeling decent on 58, 60, 61cm) . I know there are many adjustments you can do to modify a bike to fit better. But I would just like to hear from some of you all what you recommend. As of right now I am thinking a 60cm will be the way to go.


Thanks and hopefully I didnt bore any of you to death!

Unless you are particularly short legs for your height, I'd say a 58 is kind of small. I ride a 58cm and I have a 32" inseam. I'd suspect that you'd eventually feel bunched up on the bike. 60cm would probably be better. But that is up to you.

Also. I've been to several bike shops both local and in neighboring cities. Test rode many bikes, and have found that the bikes I am most interested in and comfortable with happen to be over $1000.00. Is this a bad thing? Being that it is my first bike should I consider spending way less? Then feel obligated to upgrade parts as soon as possible?


I guess that depends on your financial situation and commitment to cycling. $1000 isn't really "a lot" for a road bike. Just make sure you're not being unduly influenced by salesmen who are working on commission!

How long is your commute? is it flat or hilly?

When you say recreational riding, do you mean like club races or tooling around on the MUPS?

Unless you are particularly short legs for your height, I'd say a 58 is kind of small. I ride a 58cm and I have a 32" inseam. I'd suspect that you'd eventually feel bunched up on the bike. 60cm would probably be better. But that is up to you.

+1 I'm 6' 2" with a 37" inseam (anatomical not pants size) and I ride a 62 or so, even that can feel a little scrunched up sometimes.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think its obvious that I have many things to consider when it comes to makin such a purchase/commitment....But as of right now, after much consideration and insight from you all as well as many others I have bothered the past few days. I believe I will be going ahead and grab the 07' CFR. Just because I think it will save me time and frustration (and perhaps a lot of second guessing) if I was to try and retrofit R550 with all new components (plus the thought of having a warantee from a bike shop is pretty re-assuring). Stay tuned, as I am sure I will have many more questions over the next few days. Thanks again!

Ahh and sorry aj. My commute will be a straight, flat, 10-15 mile ride down PCH. Nothing too overwhleming. Or so I dont think. Atleast not after driving it for the past 2 years. I know its embarassing.

Unless you are particularly short legs for your height, I'd say a 58 is kind of small. I ride a 58cm and I have a 32" inseam. I'd suspect that you'd eventually feel bunched up on the bike. 60cm would probably be better. But that is up to you.

+1 I'm only 5'10, have a 30/31 ish inseam and ride a 56. I can also ride a 58 just fine, so at 6'2 that seems a bit small.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think its obvious that I have many things to consider when it comes to makin such a purchase/commitment....But as of right now, after much consideration and insight from you all as well as many others I have bothered the past few days. I believe I will be going ahead and grab the 07' CFR. Just because I think it will save me time and frustration (and perhaps a lot of second guessing) if I was to try and retrofit R550 with all new components (plus the thought of having a warantee from a bike shop is pretty re-assuring). Stay tuned, as I am sure I will have many more questions over the next few days. Thanks again!

Good choice. I hope you're happy with it. :)

So far so good. Went in, bought the bike. Even took it out on my daily commute to and from work. Ended up being a 50-60 minute round trip. Pretty damn satisfying, knowing that in my SUV it takes 40 minutes (total) on a good day. Still I am sure minor and major adjustments will need to be made. Thanks again you guys!