Texas - S.A. Area Texan new to cycling - unsure where to start

Hey guys,

I am located in Cibolo (between Schertz and New Braunfels, just outside of San Antonio and within reasonable distance to Austin and surrounding areas).

My Wife is attending a graduate program in Midland/Odessa. Several of her classmates are riders (beginner and experienced). She grew fond of the idea, and we purchased a Trek 1.2 for her (women's geometry).

It was a fairly quick purchase due to the fact that she was only in town for a day. Impulse buy - no doubt! However, I still feel that the deal was fair.

With that said, I have since been doing more research and I have NO CLUE where to start for myself. I am about 5'11 and 195, and in fair shape. I typically ride 20-22miles in an hour sitting at the gym on a stationary which is a fair pace albeit indoors. In other words, the 195 is not ALL fat :lol:

I have looked at the Trek line, Gary Fisher, Fuji, a few Raleigh, and a few Diamondback and GT. I have visited Action-Bikes who were VERY willing to give advice, and BikeWorld.

I am a car fanatic who has purchased a few different cars for as much or less than what my Wife's trek 1.2 cost - therefore, the whole price and value of what I pay is of high importance. I hate to make another purchase without being sure that I am getting a fair deal.

Any advice for this newbie?
Any local used listings other than craigslist?

Thanks in advance.
SQ

You are in luck, there is a huge cycling group in and around S.A. You will find most of the local rides post ed in www.bikemojo.com. click on 'speak ' then SA= raspa for all kinds of rides and the New Braunfels road board for the weekly rides in and around NB and Cibolo. Good bikes shops are plentiful around here, Be sure to check out action bikes in Universal City, Bike and Run works in NB. If you are fit tues and thurs rides in NB are plenty fun and well attended. Good Luck and Ride Lots, Biken' dad :thumb:

If you are seeking help in how to go about selecting a bike, the best thing you can do is go to different shops that carry different brands and take them for a test ride around the parking lot. Without knowing how you are built (long legs or long torso, etc) I would suggest starting around a 56 cm frame size and see where you go from there. In the course of trying out various brands and talking to the various bike shops, one or two bikes will probably stand out as your favorites. Once you get to that point, then start looking at things like cost, extras thrown in by the bike shop such as free service, etc. Eventually, you will figure out which one is the best for you.

I would add Performance Bike on 281 south of 1604 as another good place to do some shopping for gear.

I went to college in San Antonio and spent many saturday mornings out riding in your area while friends were nursing hangovers. There is some INCREDIBLE riding to be done right around where you are.

Performance Bike is good if you know exactly what you want and are looking to get stuff for cheap. I find that their service isn't that great. I'd recommend paying just a little bit more, getting some top notch service and support your LBS (local bike shop).

Bike World is a pretty good shop. They have 3 locations. The ones on Broadway (medium sized) and 1604 (HUGE) are pretty good, the one off of 410 (the original locations) is very small and pales in comparison.

Ride Away Bicycles (on I-10) is also a pretty good shop.

The guy that owns Bicycle Heaven is kind of a jerk, but its an okay shop with employees that were pretty nice the few times i've been in.

There's another shop that i can't remember the name of on 281. It's a pretty mellow, laid back shop.

There's also a tri shop that i can't remember the name of that is out in Helotes that is surprisingly good.

As far as rides go, the website for the San Antonio Wheelmen (http://www.sawheelmen.com/) was my best resource for ride maps, but i heard that non-members no longer have access to the maps. They're a good club though, definitely worth joining if you're trying to get into cycling, plus they do lots of rides in your area.

There's also a ride (about 20 miles through downtown SA) on Thursday nights that leaves out of Bike World on Boradway around 7pm. Its a pretty mixed group. I've seen racers on the ride on their recovery day, people on mountain bikes, and even people on city bikes. Lots of regroups (too many in my opinion), and its fun to ride through downtown San Antonio at night.

So yeah, there's lots of great riding around you. A little bit north in Greune is River Road, which is one of my all time favorites. The whole area north of SA between I-10 and I-35 may lack world class climbs, but for beautiful, rolling rides on secluded country roads, there's no place i'd rather ride (and that's coming from a guy that lives in NorCal).

Oh yeah, one last piece of advice: minimize your time riding on HWY 46. As of the last time i road it (2 or 3 years ago) there wasn't much of a bike lane or shoulder, the surface was awful, and it was super busy. Its impossible to ride in that region and avoid 46, but try to minimize how much time you spend on it and you'll have more fun.

Have fun and be thankfull for all of the awesome riding you have around you.

Thanks for the input guys. I've found several routes and rides, but I'm still not sure on a bike.

I've been to Bike World, Action Bikes, and spoke on the phone with a few others.

A big issue I have is going into a shop, giving the salesman a perceived 'lead', asking to ride the bike, and then bailing on them. Are bike salesmen used to this? I hate to be that jerk shopper who just goes around to waste the salesmen's time. However, I want to ride a few different bikes...and to do this, I am not going to buy the first one I ride.

Any classifieds around this area for used bikes, other than craigslist?

Thanks,
Shawn

I'd imagine bike salesmen are pretty used to that. Just be up front with them and tell them that you're looking at several different bikes, not all of which they sell, usually they'll understand that. It's also perfectly acceptable to tell them that you'd like to sleep on it for a few days after riding the bike before you make a decision. Very few people stroll into a shop and buy the first bike they test ride that same day, although this probably happens much more than it should.

The big no-no is to test ride a bike there and then order it online or get a used one from ebay. In fact, even mentioning ebay, craigslist, performance bike, nashbar, etc. in a local bike shop is about the fastest way to lose the respect of the salesman. That is the point when you're going to offend them and be the guy they complain about to everyone else at the shop. But as long as you don't do that, they should have no problem with you riding a bunch of different bikes before deciding which one you want, even if it isn't one from their shop.

Thanks again for the input.

So I assume Nashbar & Performance are the big wholesale houses?

Let me ask you this - I received unparalleled service at one LBS I went to. However, I wasn't really a fan of their line of bikes. Do LBS have large markup on bikes, or do they make their money on accessories and service? If I don't like their bike, I may still use them for service and therefore wont feel guilty for using his time for advice.

SQ

I am a car fanatic who has purchased a few different cars for as much or less than what my Wife's trek 1.2 cost - therefore, the whole price and value of what I pay is of high importance. I hate to make another purchase without being sure that I am getting a fair deal.

Any advice for this newbie?
Any local used listings other than craigslist?

Thanks in advance.
SQ

Definitely go Craigslist. Also ebay. I'm not in the immediate area, but you want to keep your eye out for local bicycle swap meets, races, events, etc., where people might buy and sell bikes. Some of the local bike shops may sell used/traded in bikes as well.

And hang around on the Texas forum here, as well as the Classic & Vintage forum, maybe the Road forum, that kind of thing. With your eye for price and value as well as your automotive background I would suggest picking up an older (80-90s) road bike. It may not be what you end up with long term, but you can spend around $100-200 to get yourself out on the road, but also something to tinker with and learn the ins and outs of bikes.

After repacking some bearings, adjusting some derailleurs, and, of course, hanging out on BF, you will know a lot more about bicycles and if and when you decide to buy something newer and/or higher end, you'll know what you like and don't like as well as how much you should have to pay to get it.

One bit of advice: if you're going to need a helmet at all, you are most likely to need it when you first start riding again. You won't have forgotten how to ride, but it won't be as automatic as when you were a kid. I started commuting on my bike to work a year ago today, and three days later broke a helmet (and thankfully not my head!)

This is fun stuff- enjoy the ride.

Let me ask you this - I received unparalleled service at one LBS I went to. However, I wasn't really a fan of their line of bikes. Do LBS have large markup on bikes, or do they make their money on accessories and service? If I don't like their bike, I may still use them for service and therefore wont feel guilty for using his time for advice.

SQ

Tell that to the bike shop. Tell them up front what you are looking for that they don't have. Maybe they can get it for you; maybe they can find something similar that just happens to have a different name on the bike. If you're upfront and transparent with them, and give them an honest shot at giving you want you are looking for, how can they begrudge you, even if you end up buying somewhere else. Bear in mind, though, that if you do buy a bike at the LBS, it's worth it even if you pay a little more than internet prices because you're not paying for shipping, and also a lot of LBSs will give you free maintenance for the first year or other similar deals. A small investment up front pays off later.

Definitely go Craigslist. Also ebay. I'm not in the immediate area, but you want to keep your eye out for local bicycle swap meets, races, events, etc., where people might buy and sell bikes. Some of the local bike shops may sell used/traded in bikes as well.

And hang around on the Texas forum here, as well as the Classic & Vintage forum, maybe the Road forum, that kind of thing. With your eye for price and value as well as your automotive background I would suggest picking up an older (80-90s) road bike. It may not be what you end up with long term, but you can spend around $100-200 to get yourself out on the road, but also something to tinker with and learn the ins and outs of bikes.

After repacking some bearings, adjusting some derailleurs, and, of course, hanging out on BF, you will know a lot more about bicycles and if and when you decide to buy something newer and/or higher end, you'll know what you like and don't like as well as how much you should have to pay to get it.

One bit of advice: if you're going to need a helmet at all, you are most likely to need it when you first start riding again. You won't have forgotten how to ride, but it won't be as automatic as when you were a kid. I started commuting on my bike to work a year ago today, and three days later broke a helmet (and thankfully not my head!)

This is fun stuff- enjoy the ride.

Excellent info.

My concern with getting an older bike is getting on it and thinking that I, or cycling in general, am/is terrible because the bike wont perform nearly as well as the other people around me. I have been told by three or four LBS employees that a number of people end up hanging up their bike because everyone around them makes them look bad. They credited this to old-school bikes, improper fit, and discomfort - not necessarily rider ability.

How much truth is there to this? If I pick up a mid to early 90's bike, will someone in similar shape and ability on a 08-09 leave me trailing?

One salesman even told me that purchasing a bike 'X' would make my wife look bad on her Trek - the particular bike was similar in price and components, slightly better grade...he said if we went in a straight line the same distance, I would pull ahead and turn around to come back, then pull ahead again - essentially riding further than she did. That seemed a bit far fetched but I am a total newb so who am I to say?

Keep the advice coming.

I did find a Trek 1.5 with 8 miles (2008 model) within 2hrs of me. It comes with a Cadence comp, Look Keo pedals, water bottle cage, seat bag, and a pump - but the guy is asking $900. It happens to be the size that everyone has recommend (54cm). Any opinions on this?

Thanks again,
SQ

One thing I forgot to add - my Wife's bike came with Sora front components.

A salesmen I spoke with who had Tiagra components on his bike basically told me that due to my build and strength, the Sora would shift itself when I am climbing (or essentially jump gears). How common is this? I always had that issue on bikes as a kid...but figured it was just because they came from walmart. I'd be slightly irritated if I spent $1k on a bike and couldn't pedal hard to climb or accelerate.

In regards to myself - I am definitely not a runners build, or a cyclist's for that matter. I played middle linebacker in high school and have very large quads and calves, and broad shoulders. I'm about 5'10 and around 190. On a BMI scale, that is borderline obese!(those things don't work on guys with builds like me). I could stand to lose a few pounds around the mid section, but definitely do not appear to be a 'heavy' guy. I wear a 32/32 or 34/32 jean if that helps. When I sat on a 56cm bike, the top horizontal bar was touching. When I sat on a 54cm, I had about 1.9cm of clearance. I was recommend a 54, but told that some 56cm would work.

Is there a certain bike geometry type that I should be looking towards? Maybe a certain type I should stay away from?

Thanks again for the advice,

SQ

Any input on an '08 Jamis Ventura Comp? Less than 400miles

Comes with computer (cateye strada), pedals, shoes (right size!), 2ea. water bottle cages...

Cost is less than $500

How does that sound?

Thanks,
Shawn

What components does it have? (i.e. Sora, Tiagra, etc.) If it has Soras, you can get something very close to that brand new with a bike shop to back it up. If it has Tiagra or better, that is probably a reasonably good deal.

Actually I just looked it up and would say make sure it is the comp and not the sport model. The Ventura Comp supposedly comes with 105s. If so, that is a good deal...~$1100 MSRP. If it is the Ventura Sport, you can buy a 2008 model new for under $400 right now.

It is the Comp model. I will verify this evening via pictures, and hopefully see it in person this weekend.

I thought that I read one thing that said 105 also, but when I look at this it states Sora Front/Tiagra rear:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/ventura/09_venturacomp_spec.html

There is also a Giant TCR Expert series for $500.

It has the old-school but cool looking carbon wheels, circa 1997-1999 or so...


For the price though, the Jamis seems like a better deal for a comparable bike.

SQ

I am not a huge fan of the Sora components, but if you think this is a "starter bike" purchase, I wouldn't let it hold you back too much. If you are planning to buy and keep this bike for 4+ years and expect to ride alot, I would maybe keep looking a little more and try to find something a little better or raise your budget a little. I believe (somebody correct me if I am wrong) that Sora shifters are not compatible with the 105/Ultegra deraileurs, but Tiagra shifters are. So if you wanted to upgrade later with Sora shifters you couldn't without buying new shifters too.

If you are thinking you just want a bike to get started with and will upgrade to something better within a couple of years after you are sure you are going to stick with it, go ahead and get take the Soras at the low price, with the knowledge that you will probably eventually want a new bike.

Something else to think a little bit about if you are going to ride North of San Antonio is whether you want a double or triple crankset. If you are already in good shape with strong legs, you should be fine with a double. However, if you aren't, some of the steeper hills out there will kick your butt without a triple. Again, if you ride alot, that will only be an issue early on...but depending on where and how often you ride, it WILL be an issue if your legs aren't already fairly strong...especially since you aren't the typicaly 6'0 145lb cyclist. Hills are all about power to weight ratio and gearing...

Excellent info txags.

I think I'll be just fine with Sora for now, IF I buy it used and appropriately discounted...and more importantly, within my budget. If I get a $450 bike with pedals and shoes, I'll be well within $600 and already riding with a helmet and decent attire.

For now, I'd like to stay inexpensive because I'm not 100% sure this is something I will stick with.

In regards to strength. I have no issues with leg strength. I ride 20-40 miles on the stationary bike in one sitting, averaging around 22-23mph on the 20mile ride, and 18-20 on the 40mile. My legs never fail me...I just get bored sitting in one place.

No, outside, climbing, and in the elements...I will probably have more stamina issues with breathing and heart rate...but I doubt my legs will be a factor. If they are, it wont be for long as I tend to gain mass and strength really well.

It is funny - when I am in the gym there are guys who work out for months and never gain an ounce because they just simply shred. I am the opposite - I tend to gain mass too quickly in my opinion and look too bulky for my preference. One of the reasons cycling interests me is because it is a good cardio exercise to promote lean muscle as opposed to weight training which just adds bulk (in my case).

I also enjoy the outdoors and I think I would much prefer riding around on my bike then sitting still on a stationary. Add in the Team aspect when riding in a group, and it just looks better and better.

All I need to do now is find a bike to get me started. From there, I will either love it or hate it. My fear is if I hate it, I'll have too much invested - hence the reason for starting cheap.

Thanks for all of the help guys. I hope to see a few different bikes this weekend.
Should any other ideas or leads on used bikes (or good deals on new ones) arise, please send them my way.

Take care,
SQ

any input on a 2005 Lemond Tourmalet with Shimano Ultegra/105 for $500 o.b.o.?
Less than 100miles, but doesn't come with computer or any goodies other than shimano pedals.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lemond Tourmalet® '05


Color Showing: Viper Blue
Specs

Sizes 55cm, 57cm
Colors Viper Blue
Mainframe Sloping geometry LeMond 6066 fully butted aluminum performance / 1.5cm headtube extension
Fork Bontrager Race Carbon, Alloy Steerer
Headset SlimStak Direct Connect
Bottom Bracket TruVativ, Isis splined
Crank Shimano Ultegra double: 53/39 triple: 52/42/30
Pedals Alloy road, sealed, w/clips and straps Shimano 105
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Shift/Brake levers Shimano 105 STI
Cassette SRAM PG-950, 12-26, 9 speed
Chain Shimano HG-53
Wheel System Bontrager Select Road wheelsystem
Tires Bontrager Select, 700x25
Brakes Alloy, dual pivot, cartridge pads
Handlebar Bontrager Select Os, Road
Stem Bontrager Select Os
Saddle Bontrager Race Luxe, Hollow Cromoly Rails
Seatpost Bontrager Carbon
Price Please visit Bicycle Sports for pricing.

Looks like a pretty good deal to me...but I really don't know much about LeMond bikes. Most bikes with an Al frame with carbon fork and ultegra/105 components would typically be $1000ish new, so if it is low mileage and in good condition, $500 seems pretty reasonable to me.

1st post in this forum, and I'm making it because I'm in exactly the same shoes as Shawn: New rider, trying to learn about bike fitment, and currently owning a bike that does NOT fit.

:D