Advocacy & Safety - New to biking - need advice

Hey,

Let me tell you about myself. I'm 18, going to college next year. I'm working 2 jobs this summer and they are in about a 6-10 mile radius along with my house.

I used to ride as a kid and loved it, however never had name brand bikes. they were always tiny aluminum ones from yard sales. They are kind of worn out now, and I want to get something new. Something for me that will last all summer, next year and years from now. I like to take care of my stuff and keep it well taken care of.

So far, I'm interested in the Specialized Allez Elite and the Trek 1.5. However I'd be looking to get something a few years older considering money. Probably 2006-2007's.

What do you all think about this? Ive been told to go with the Allez because of the sweeter components (Shimona etc) but I've read that they would need new wheels. Oh yea, I'm 6'2" and 180-190. I'm looking to do this as transportation as well as cardio to go with my lifting. Weight isn't a big factor to me...

Can I get something less and upgrade over time?

FILL ME IN PLEASE!

either would be a great starter bike. But this isnt the right area for a questin like this.

Now getting car off campus or how to get a critical mass on your campus this is the place. :)

New2 - this is more appropriate in the commuting forum, but my quick advice is to go to a local bike shop who will be helping you to maintain your transportation through it's life, and listen to their advice. Go to several shops until you find one which seems to understand you.

New2 - this is more appropriate in the commuting forum, but my quick advice is to go to a local bike shop who will be helping you to maintain your transportation through it's life, and listen to their advice. Go to several shops until you find one which seems to understand you.

+1 The right shop is much more important than the make of bike. Buy one you like - upgrading =$$$$$.

college campuses are notorious for bike thieves. I wouldn't get something TOO nice unless you plan on never leaving it outside. Locking it outside overnight is a quick way to earn yourself another trip to the bike shop. If you are lucky it will only be for a new wheel or seatpost.

thanks guys.

i went to conte's today and i test road an Allez Elite and loved it. Now I have come from an 80's Schwinn with everything rusty and clanky old shifters. After riding this I was just in love. It was so smooth and felt great. The shop isn't far either and the people are really fun and enthusiastic. I don't know if the step from Tiagra to 105 is really that superior, or if the wheels really need anything new.

Now I just have to find it used...thats the hard part! I'm 58cm in size, so if you all have any leads let me know! thanks guys

Go with the Trek. I ride a '07 1500, it's a great bike. Okay, that's not a very good reason for you to buy one.

So ride them both and buy the one that feels the best. Components are the way Shimano extorts money from us.

Thank you for a great post. I am really glad to see a young college student doing what you are doing, making the bicycle a part of their life and transport system.

You don't say where you live, or where you plan to go to college. In many cities (and at some colleges) there are bicycle coops and community workshops. Usually they offer classes in how to maintain a bike, and access to tools for a modest fee.

A good example of such a coop is the Oberlin Bike Coop, where I went to college.

http://www.oberlin.edu/stuorg/bikecoop/welcome.html

In San Francisco, the Bike Kitchen was founded by alumni of Oberlin's bike coop.

http://www.bikekitchen.org/

Howard

thanks,

well i live in northern VA where we have the PPTC and WABA. Some of the largest cycling groups in the world.

I will be going to school in central VA, the richmond-ish area.

+1 The right shop is much more important than the make of bike. Buy one you like - upgrading =$$$$$.

The right shop is the key. No matter the make of your bike, the right shop will do wonders for you. Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned with the magazines say are the cool bikes. A cool bike is a bike that does what YOU want it to do...and a good shop will respect that.

thanks guys.

i went to conte's today and i test road an Allez Elite and loved it. Now I have come from an 80's Schwinn with everything rusty and clanky old shifters. After riding this I was just in love. It was so smooth and felt great. The shop isn't far either and the people are really fun and enthusiastic. I don't know if the step from Tiagra to 105 is really that superior, or if the wheels really need anything new.

Now I just have to find it used...thats the hard part! I'm 58cm in size, so if you all have any leads let me know! thanks guys

You really don't want a dedicated road racing bike as a daily commuter. No way to put racks of fenders on. Likely no clearance for wider tires.