Road Cycling - Information on first road bike

I'm looking into getting in riding. I haven't ridden serious before, and I am looking for some information on what kind of bikes to look at. I am 6' and about 200 lbs. and could probably lose 10 pounds easily. Any information on bikes would help me out trememdously, since I have no direction as of yet. Thanks.

Describe the type of ride and length for us and we'll point you to something appropriate...

(budget would also help)

How about a Trek 1000 or a Serotta Ottrott? Both are good I hear.

55/Rad

Well, since you are posting on the ROAD BIKE section, I will assume you want a road bike.

The first thing to know is that virtually anyone can make a decent bike frame. The manufacturer is not that important. Bikes are not like cars where the manufacturer makes the engine, transmission, frame, body etc etc.

On a bike the manufacturer makes the frame and buys the components: wheels, brakes, cranks, deraillers, tires, etc from component manufacturers. Generally, bikes with the same components are pretty similar. Of course, some bikes have well rather inexpensive frames so you get better components at that price point. This can be a good deal for an "entry level" bike. You get good components and decent frame for not so much.

The thing is that bikes with similar component mixes will be pretty similar machines. The feel may vary some from one make to the next based on differences in frame geometry or frame materials but that difference can be subtle.

So what do you pick? Well, you test ride the bikes at your Local Bike Shop (LBS). Go with what you like and go for comfort. A good LBS will insure that you get a good fit.

On road bikes, you get something like 99% of the performance with Shimano 105 and a good bike with a functional frame with Shimano 105 can be had for around $1000.

Also, remember that you need accessories with your bike. I believe you should get cycling shoes, helmet, basic tools for changing a flat, frame pump, allen wrenches, floor pump, cycling shorts, and chain lube. All that can add a fair bit to your initial outlay. Many people will get more, like bike rack for the car, clipless pedals, cycling jersey, chain cleaner, and so on.

How about a Trek 1000 or a Serotta Ottrott? Both are good I hear.

55/Rad


That covers about from DC to light on the frequency spectrum!

Also, remember that you need accessories with your bike. I believe you should get cycling shoes, helmet, basic tools for changing a flat, frame pump, allen wrenches, floor pump, cycling shorts, and chain lube. All that can add a fair bit to your initial outlay. Many people will get more, like bike rack for the car, clipless pedals, cycling jersey, chain cleaner, and so on.

That is an excellent point that should be made to all people who ask about bikes in a certain price range. My $2200 LeMond Zurich was close to $3000 when you include shoes, pedals, helmet, and all the other things you must have to ride.

I got all top of the line "stuff," Sidi Genius 4 shoes, DuraAce pedals, etc., so while you still have to spend more than the cost of the bike, you don't need to go wild with your debit card like I did.

How about a Trek 1000 or a Serotta Ottrott? Both are good I hear.

55/Rad

Yeah and when shopping for cars, I suggest looking at a Ford Focus and maybe a Ferrari too. :D

Hi,
What's your budget? IMHO, bikes don't get interesting until you kick in a grand. Two grand is even better. The most important thing is fit. Any back problems? You need to hit several bike shops and test ride some bikes. When you get an idea of what type of road bike appeals to you (and tell us the budget) we can get specific.
There are racing/performance/sport/touring/cyclocross bikes and a bunch that straddle categories.This is a great bike (carbon fork, never aluminum).
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/habanero.html

I am looking to spend from $1,000 to $1,500 at the most, I would prefer to keep the bike cost low. I would like to eventually get up to a century ride, but I realize that might take some time after I get my bike. I was looking at Fuji and Felt on the internet, but I haven't visited any LBS' yet.

Hi,
you picked a good price range. There are many good bikes to chose from. The Trek 520 is a touring bike you should try. I would try Specialized's steel Allez and the Seqouia. Jamis Quest, 2 or 3 Bianchis (Volpe/Eros/Virgorelli and I think there may be another worth trying). A leftover or lightly used Lemond Buenos Aires would be cool. Personally, I would concentrate on steel frames.
With Alu you either get a harsh ride or longevity issues. You will need support from a good bike shop to get the bike to fit properly.
So I would also suggest buying from a shop.

For big guys I think steel is definately a great option. Less prone to stress failure, and gives a great ride. The offerings from Bianchi, Orbea and even Specialized are all pretty nice in the steel department.

For big guys I think steel is definately a great option. Less prone to stress failure, and gives a great ride. The offerings from Bianchi, Orbea and even Specialized are all pretty nice in the steel department.



What about Lemond? I see they have some steel offerings.

Yup Lemond has some great steel bikes too.

Road racing bikes have very tight clearance at the tyres, so its difficult to adapt them to commuting/winter training/ light touring. If you dont want to race, then gove some thought to a bike which can take wider tyres, fenders and a little lugagge. If you live in hilly terrain, a triple chainset can be useful. You dont have to go all the way to a full touring bike (Trek 520). Many of the intro-level road-sport bikes have sufficient tyre clearance and threaded eyelets.
Pick your bike shop first, then your brand. Felt and Fiji are both good, but Fuji make the whole spectrum of bike types.

I would say this: don't focus on the price point or on highly theoretical features such as differences between derailleurs. Most bikes you get from a bike shop (don't go to a dept store) these days are really pretty good, even "low end" ones. Me and my significant other have gotten good service and reliability from bikes costing $200 (ok, that was a while ago) to $1100.

Instead pick the bike that really FEELS GOOD to you, that gets you PSYCHED to get out there and ride. Screw what people think of you or what components its "better" to have. It's excitement, not carbon fiber, that'll get you out and using it. After a while, you'll have an idea of whether you really do want to change to something different or more expensive.

All that being said, let me second what some of the other people said:
- for a road bike with no shock absorbing features, I agree a steel frame is nicer than aluminum. I know people who really love their bianchi eros ($1000) and vigorelli (more I think).
- the triple chainring (set of front gears) is helpful for going up hills
- part of feeling good on the bike is being comfortable -- so leave some budget for accessories. just like with the bike itself, you don't need to buy a whole raft of crap just because some bike magazine says you need it. If you need it, it will be obvious. Thirst will lead to water bottle cage purchase, traffic will lead to mirror purchase, falling will lead to whiskey flask purchase (titanium to save weight of course)...

Cheers!