deemac
10-31-03, 06:38 PM
I have been riding a mt. bike for about 7 years now and I am thinking about buying a road bike. I am looking for advise in what to look for in a road bike ,as far as,size ,components, frames, and brands ?
thanks
thanks
Road Cycling - advise on buying a road bike
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late
10-31-03, 06:52 PM
Hi,
there isn't a standard size, so a 54 from most brands will fit me, but.... there are a couple with long top tubes that do not. Let's start at the beginning. Do you have a budget? I just bought a nice 20 year old used bike; and earlier today we had a thread going about a bike that costs 16 grand. If you can find a bike that fits, that is 5 to 10 years old, you can score a great bike for the cost of a budget bike. Back to fit for a moment, part of this is deciding what sort of road bike you want. They break down into 4 rough categories with many sub-groups. There are casual bikes that have you sitting upright. Then there is the touring style, where you are bent over, but not far. There are sporty bikes, which should give you a wind cheating riding position, but not a painful one. Then there are racers, which can really bend you waaay over. I am going to guess that you want to be in one of the middle two groups. I would suggest you not worry much about compoments. After you find a bike you like, if you want to spend a few extra bucks, we can suggest some upgrades. It's a perfect time, since the dealer will not only offer a trade in on the new wheels (oops, let that cat out of the bag)....but will be highly motivated to cut you a deal on the wheels that replace them. So.....what's the budget? Do you see yourself going on fast group rides, long weekend cruises, touring across the state? All of the above? Oh, and hi.
there isn't a standard size, so a 54 from most brands will fit me, but.... there are a couple with long top tubes that do not. Let's start at the beginning. Do you have a budget? I just bought a nice 20 year old used bike; and earlier today we had a thread going about a bike that costs 16 grand. If you can find a bike that fits, that is 5 to 10 years old, you can score a great bike for the cost of a budget bike. Back to fit for a moment, part of this is deciding what sort of road bike you want. They break down into 4 rough categories with many sub-groups. There are casual bikes that have you sitting upright. Then there is the touring style, where you are bent over, but not far. There are sporty bikes, which should give you a wind cheating riding position, but not a painful one. Then there are racers, which can really bend you waaay over. I am going to guess that you want to be in one of the middle two groups. I would suggest you not worry much about compoments. After you find a bike you like, if you want to spend a few extra bucks, we can suggest some upgrades. It's a perfect time, since the dealer will not only offer a trade in on the new wheels (oops, let that cat out of the bag)....but will be highly motivated to cut you a deal on the wheels that replace them. So.....what's the budget? Do you see yourself going on fast group rides, long weekend cruises, touring across the state? All of the above? Oh, and hi.
deemac
10-31-03, 07:02 PM
I am about 6'3'' and I plan on riding on longer weekend rides.I am not really on a bugget but I am thinking in the $1000 range.
late
10-31-03, 07:18 PM
You're a big feller, if you're hefty you wll want a strong frame. Pay attention to how the bike accelerates, with your size and the strength you have; some frames will flex and won't feel quick or lively. You want lively, at the least. I would drive around and look at closeouts on 03 models.
There is a lot to chose from. Make sure you try Specialized, their steel Allez looks sweet. There's Cannondale,Felt,Jamis,Bianchi, and a hundred others. There are a lot of good companies out there, you need to find a bike that fits really well that's fun to ride.
I would give the bike a ride when checking it out, not just an around the block. Keep an eye out for used Paramounts, Cannondales (some are stiffer than others) and Kleins (if you need a stiff frame).
There is a lot to chose from. Make sure you try Specialized, their steel Allez looks sweet. There's Cannondale,Felt,Jamis,Bianchi, and a hundred others. There are a lot of good companies out there, you need to find a bike that fits really well that's fun to ride.
I would give the bike a ride when checking it out, not just an around the block. Keep an eye out for used Paramounts, Cannondales (some are stiffer than others) and Kleins (if you need a stiff frame).
Lone Ranger
10-31-03, 07:52 PM
In a similar circumstance (although 5" shorter but perhaps close to as heavy), I went with a LeMond Zurich and haven't regretted it. It was around $1500 then, and you probably are looking at $1750 or so now. The 853 steel gives a great ride. The new Zurichs have a lot more carbon in the frame, so I can't speak for them. You might also look at a aluminum frame Specialized and Treks in your price range as you get a good deal and can't go wrong with them.
I say buy a new bike from a good LBS that will fit you properly as that is very important to your enjoyment of the bike.
I say buy a new bike from a good LBS that will fit you properly as that is very important to your enjoyment of the bike.
TrekRider
11-01-03, 09:03 AM
In a similar circumstance (although 5" shorter but perhaps close to as heavy), I went with a LeMond Zurich and haven't regretted it. It was around $1500 then, and you probably are looking at $1750 or so now. The 853 steel gives a great ride. The new Zurichs have a lot more carbon in the frame, so I can't speak for them. You might also look at a aluminum frame Specialized and Treks in your price range as you get a good deal and can't go wrong with them.
I say buy a new bike from a good LBS that will fit you properly as that is very important to your enjoyment of the bike.
The 2003 and prior Lemond Alpe d'Huez were basically the same frame, but with lesser component groups. It went for around $1200 I believe and was and is a fantastic bike for the money.
I would also suggest the Fuji Robaix (spelling?). For around the same $1200 you can score a fantastic aluminum framed bike with excellent components, full Shimano 105.
The Cannondale R600 is also an excellent bike.
Test ride and decide!
I am 6'3", 240lbs and if you are as big and want to stretch your budget just a tad, try the Cannondale R1000. Well, it will about double your budget, but it is well worth it.
I say buy a new bike from a good LBS that will fit you properly as that is very important to your enjoyment of the bike.
The 2003 and prior Lemond Alpe d'Huez were basically the same frame, but with lesser component groups. It went for around $1200 I believe and was and is a fantastic bike for the money.
I would also suggest the Fuji Robaix (spelling?). For around the same $1200 you can score a fantastic aluminum framed bike with excellent components, full Shimano 105.
The Cannondale R600 is also an excellent bike.
Test ride and decide!
I am 6'3", 240lbs and if you are as big and want to stretch your budget just a tad, try the Cannondale R1000. Well, it will about double your budget, but it is well worth it.
Roy Gardiner
11-03-03, 11:03 AM
I say buy a new bike from a good LBS that will fit you properly as that is very important to your enjoyment of the bike.
Years ago I was going to buy a new frame mail-order. I went to my LBS who could get it from the same supplier trade price, make a few quid on it and sell it to me for the same, mail-order, retail price. All winners.
My LBS will nearly always match mail-order pricing and can often go wa-a-a-a-y under if he's bought up a shedload of stock from somewhere or other. I get bikes built better than I could do it, faster, and v.low cost.
I would never bother with mail order unless my LBS does not carry the gear; life's too short.
But then if you are a good customer but your LBS is not helpful - well, get a new LBS.
Years ago I was going to buy a new frame mail-order. I went to my LBS who could get it from the same supplier trade price, make a few quid on it and sell it to me for the same, mail-order, retail price. All winners.
My LBS will nearly always match mail-order pricing and can often go wa-a-a-a-y under if he's bought up a shedload of stock from somewhere or other. I get bikes built better than I could do it, faster, and v.low cost.
I would never bother with mail order unless my LBS does not carry the gear; life's too short.
But then if you are a good customer but your LBS is not helpful - well, get a new LBS.