Road Cycling - suggestions on beginner bike?

I'm wanting to get in to road cycling. I don't want to spend a lot of money on my first bike so i was looking around the $5-600 range. I've looked at the Giant OCR3 and the Trek 1000. I liked both. Are these good bikes for the price? Which do you prefer? Thanks

check out the Lemond Nevada City...Under $600 and has a carbon fork...I think I'm buying one today!

check out the Lemond Nevada City...Under $600 and has a carbon fork...I think I'm buying one today!
http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/bikes_nevada.html
Has a steel fork.

As to the original question, I got a Trek 1000 about 4 months ago and have since put about 2800 miles on it. It's a nice bike for the price, but expect some additional costs for replacing things (saddle and pedals for me). I found the Giant and Trek to ride pretty similarly so I just went with the Trek based on the store that sold it. It's a great entry level bike, but if you're looking to race I'd suggeset something a little higher.

Straight out of the mans mouth, lance, told me bianchis entry level bike has a better ride than treks..

Straight out of the mans mouth, lance, told me bianchis entry level bike has a better ride than treks..
I have no doubt that it would. Carbon fork as opposed to aluminum on the OCR and 1000, plus it's a steel frame I believe. However, it's about $100 more than the OCR and 1000. What I would love to know is why Lance is riding Trek's entry level bike at all. Or Bianchi's for that matter :)

I think most peoples "entry level" bike will last them at most one year, After that they are either bitten by the bug or the bike is in the garage collecting cobwebs. Get the cheapest bike you really like. If you end up getting into cycling you can always upgrade later. If not, well at least it didn't cost you to much.

Here (http://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.cfm?Categoryid=33&BrandID=9&ProductID=1000&CFID=3162112&CFTOKEN=78247206)

A very decent bike for pretty cheap money. I wish I had known about it before I bought my last bike! It comes with double sided pedals. Clipless on one side and platform on the other. $399.00!!

i think you could do better for a little more money, maybe a carbon fork or something, isnt a trek 1000 close to that price? Maybe a year old one?

Speaking from personal experience, I recommend the
Fuji Ace 2003.

It's a bike with steel frame (smooth ride), SORA gears +
shifting, cromoly fork. The seat is good, Shimano quality
is great for downshifting/upshifting easily, choices are
3 x 7... retails about $500 USD. There are many sizes,
so be sure you get fitted, adjust the seat post and handle
bars height, as well.

The only weak point, are the plastic pedals ...I prefer aluminum
ones hands down.... retailing for about $25 a pair if I recall...
very light, metal and great. Easy to replace with a cone wrench.

This bike on a bike path, litererally flies or floats on air ....
quite amazing, and the comfort of a steel frame is unparalled.

The wheels are double alloy aluminum ...nice touch there...take a look:

http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/bikes_nevada.html
Has a steel fork.

As to the original question, I got a Trek 1000 about 4 months ago and have since put about 2800 miles on it.


I love my Trek.

Are you looking at 2003's or 2004's???

I just bought a 2003 Fuji Newest for $600 on clearance - full Tiagra (well actually it was $640 but they mis-marked it and gave it to me for that price). The same shop (performance bike) was also selling the Giant OCR2 for $550 - also full Tiagra. So if you look around, especially in last years line, you can find a new bike for $600 with Tiagra instead of the Sora components on the OCR3 and the Trek 1000. You'll have to move quickly though, as last year's line is almost out of the shops by now.

Austin

Speaking from personal experience, I recommend the
Fuji Ace 2003.

It's a bike with steel frame (smooth ride), SORA gears +
shifting, cromoly fork. The seat is good, Shimano quality
is great for downshifting/upshifting easily, choices are
3 x 7... retails about $500 USD. There are many sizes,
so be sure you get fitted, adjust the seat post and handle
bars height, as well.

The only weak point, are the plastic pedals ...I prefer aluminum
ones hands down.... retailing for about $25 a pair if I recall...
very light, metal and great. Easy to replace with a cone wrench.

This bike on a bike path, litererally flies or floats on air ....
quite amazing, and the comfort of a steel frame is unparalled.



Kevmetric, is it just me, or do you find the stock Fuji saddles to be pretty uncomfortable? I know I'm going to have to change mine.

Austin

Kevmetric, is it just me, or do you find the stock Fuji saddles to be pretty uncomfortable? I know I'm going to have to change mine.

I have the exact same bike and yah, the Fuji saddle is uncomfortable for me to. I'm not sure if this is normal saddle soreness because I'm beginning, or the saddle doesn't fit me correctly. Around 20 miles I really start to notice that a lot of my weight is on the poor family jewels and it gets more and more uncomfortable.


I'd also throw out a vote for the Fuji Ace. You might want to try and get your hands on an '04 unless the bike shop is willing to give you a deal on the '03. Should be able to get one on sale because the '04 (with 8 speed) is coming out.

Go take a few on a test ride. I like the more up right posture of the Fuji and aside from some saddle soreness I still feel comfortable after relaxed 40 mile rides. It was also the cheapest I could find, which leaves more money for pedals/saddle... maybe even a carbon fork. Past that its really not worth upgrading as the frame is pretty heavy and has a more relaxed geometry more suitable for touring than racing.

If you do "upgrade" in a couple of years, you will always have a use for a hack bike for foul weather riding, or daily commuting. Most low-end road bikes have threaded eyelets for fenders, and few can take luggage racks. Get as much tyre clearance as possible, so you have the option of winter tyres. Giant compact frames are a bit tight on clearance, but the Fuji seems good. The touring style features, whilst not making a proper touring bike, turn a road bike into something really useful.

From my impression though, the OCR2/3 would be better for touring. I got the Fuji Newest because it was lighter, had thinner tires, and had road pedals instead of the MTB ones on the OCR2 or caged on the OCR3 (I wanted performance not touring). The Fuji Newest does NOT have eyelets in the back for a rack, just so you know. I think although the bike isn't very expensive it was designed with more of a performance than touring orientation, at least compared to the OCR3/2.

Austin

Giant OCR3, KHS500. or you can always look into the classifieds for a 2nd hand, it's usually a bargain. besides yr beginner/first bike sure is going to take a bit damage.

I am looking for a starter road bike that won't break the bank (ie. cheap..well, not cheap but less expensive)... One of the local dealers I called today has these:

Fuji Ace --> $350
Fuji Finest --> $399

Are these good starter bikes? If there are others, could you recommend one around that price range (<$400, <$350 even better)?

Thanks...

I'm wanting to get in to road cycling. I don't want to spend a lot of money on my first bike so i was looking around the $5-600 range. I've looked at the Giant OCR3 and the Trek 1000. I liked both. Are these good bikes for the price? Which do you prefer? Thanks

I rode the Trek 1000 last year and then got the bug and upgraded to the 2200 this year. The Trek 1000 is a very solid bike that you can ride very nicely on. It will let you decide how much you want to get into cycling and maybe upgrade for next season. I would then upgrade with a new bike (instead of changing components on the 1000). Keep the 1000 to beat around or put on a trainer.

Not to get ahead of myself but you will love the bike.

I am looking for a starter road bike that won't break the bank (ie. cheap..well, not cheap but less expensive)... One of the local dealers I called today has these:

Fuji Ace --> $350
Fuji Finest --> $399

Are these good starter bikes? If there are others, could you recommend one around that price range (<$400, <$350 even better)?

Thanks...

I have had my Fuji Finest AL for a little over a year. I have put almost 5000 miles on it and it has held up well. I think for the money you can't beat it.

I'm wanting to get in to road cycling. I don't want to spend a lot of money on my first bike so i was looking around the $5-600 range. I've looked at the Giant OCR3 and the Trek 1000. I liked both. Are these good bikes for the price? Which do you prefer? Thanks

I spent a little more than that on a Specialized Allez Sport, and I have loved every mile of it. The specialized Allez is in the price range you are thinking about, and it may be worth a look. Definitely ride the bikes before you buy to see what feels best for you.

I have had my Fuji Finest AL for a little over a year. I have put almost 5000 miles on it and it has held up well. I think for the money you can't beat it.

canonball,

went ahead and made the plunge...

Forum Thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=473869&postcount=11)

Ive been thinking about buying the Fuji League. I dont have alot of money to spend and I want a beginner bike. All the local shops sell it for $300

Ive been thinking about buying the Fuji League. I dont have alot of money to spend and I want a beginner bike. All the local shops sell it for $300

cobra,

I found my Ace (model above the League) at my LBS for $350...

http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/bikes_nevada.html
Has a steel fork.


Bought one a couple months ago for my wife. Came with a carbon fork. Really nice ride for an entry level road bike.

do these beginners bike scome wtih training wheels?

do these beginners bike scome wtih training wheels?



Why, you thinking of getting one in case your ego causes you to lose it on a corner?

I know...jeesh...everyone is a newbie at one point in their lives...I can attest to that right now :)

I know...jeesh...everyone is a newbie at one point in their lives...I can attest to that right now :)


Not ewitz. He came flying out of his real mama already knowing absolutely everything about bikes, apparently.

I think so.

Yep, EJ. I know how to do it now.........