Road Cycling - Newbie

I interested in getting into road cycling and have a few questions.

I have about $1200 dollars to spend and realize this will not buy much with todays prices. I have seen recently a bike by KHS (Flite 1000). The bike is selling for around 1100 and has an Ultegra/Duro Ace setup. I can't find any info on it. Does anyone know anything about this bike.

I have been looking at used bikes as well and have found a Co Motion Espresso (1999) with Campy Record setup for about $1100. Does anyone know anything about Co Motion (other than tandem info)?

I'm sure you all see these posts quite a bit but I don't want to blow the little money I have

Thanks
Brent

For infor on KHS, visit their Website at http://www.khsbicycles.com/ .

KHS is better known for their MTBs, and I know some dirtbags who really like their bikes. As for the Flite 1000 ... well, there's no mention of it on the KHS site, but the Flite 800 looks like a very nicely set-up bike. I like steel... and it's steel. If the price you've been quoted is new, then I'd say it's a good deal -- assuming the bike fits.

The Co Motion (http://www.co-motion.com/) bike looks very nice. You can't get the Record group alone, let alone attached to a bike for $1100. The Espresso has a really nice frame and almost almost identical geometry to the KHS. The frame alone sells for $1300... so if you're buying this new, I'd say it's also an excellent value... assuming the bike fits.

If the bikes don't fit, then it's a waste of money.

For about $1200, you're probably looking at a 105 groupo with a new bike. Forget about Campy at this price range. You'd be hard pressed to get a new bike with Campy for only $1200. If you do, you found yerself a deal!!!!!

I don't know too much about the KHS road bikes, but that one sounds like a pretty good deal.

There are plenty of deals on used bikes at that price point. We just took a Cannondale bike in on trade that was barely used, has a new set of Rolf wheels and looks great for $1200. I'm sure you could find many good bikes in your area.

I agree with velo, make sure you get one that fits or else you'll be uncomfortable and unhappy with the bike.

L8R G8R

Hi , go take a look a www.roadbikereview.com they may have some info for you there .

I agree fit is important so makes finding used one hard.

If I were in your position I would concider spending $700-800 on a lower end road bike and let the $500 gather lots of interest .

If you are just getting into it you are going to learn all sorts of stuff about road bikes and how you ride: do you want a steep angled frame or more relaxed. Are you a climber? Fast descender? Are you riding long distances regularly or always under 100K. Do ya want a stiff frame?

then after a year or two you will know what bike you want/need.

Now if for some reason you are 100% certain this bike has to last you 4 years then you might want to buy a $1200 bike now.

I bet most of us aren't riding the same bike we started riding on.

Lots of bikes in that range too.

Hi brentf64

If you have 1200 bucks to spend on a road bike it really means you have around 600 bucks to spend on a road bike. The other 600 bucks will be spent on all the stuff that goes along with being a roadie.

Good luck and ride safe....Dudley

He's absolutely right but . . . don't think like that!

Spend the full wack and then build up kit and clothes over the months. Otherwise you'll be saving forever and never get the bike.
Stew

Spend the $1200 on the bike

You don't have to go fancy with everything else, and can add options and accessories as you go along. About the only thing really essential at this time is a wedge, pump, tube, patch kit and tire irons, water bottle and cage.

You can get along okay for the time being with regular peddles, sneakers, regular shorts, t shirt or whatever. No, not ideal, but they can all be upgraded over 6 months to a year.

Do please get yourself a helmet!