Southeast - new rider in central bama

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jfett85
07-09-09, 08:37 PM
Hi all-

I'm a longtime cycling fan, follow as many tours as I can catch on tv/online, just now looking to get into road cycling. I'm not looking to compete or anything, but I don't want to do off-road and want something more than an urban/commuter bike.

Any suggestions on what to look for in a starter road bike? I'm talking about specs, gear number/ratios, tubing, etc. I'm willing to pay for it, but don't want to go crazy at the very beginning.

Thanks so much!

BillMoore
07-10-09, 05:45 AM
Welcome aboard. I am sure you will get plenty of answers to your questions.
dal205
07-16-09, 07:19 AM
Probably way late to respond, but I just joined the Forum.

My advice is to make sure your bike either has a triple chain ring in the front, or a compact double. I let the bike shop owner talk me into a double when I bought my bike. "Oh, it has a better line" "You get more power when you petal" "All the pros ride doubles" blah blah blah. I'm a middle aged overweight guy. Evidently I had delusions of grandeur. I needed a triple! 8-)

I finally just a few days ago broke down and replaced my double with a compact double crank. It's much better.

I personally ride a Specialized Allez Elite. I like it. It has a more relaxed geometry than something like a Trek 2300 or Madone. I like sitting up a little more straighter than that. Of course, I never had aspirations on racing.

So, my advice is to make sure the bike fits you, both in geometry and what you plan to do with it. Best bet, ask the shop owner to let you take a long ride on whatever you pick out before you buy. I mean something like a 20 mile ride after he or she has fit it to you. That''ll give you a good idea if the bike is for you.

Ex Pres
07-16-09, 12:51 PM
Welcome to the Bham scene. PM'd you.
af2nr
07-16-09, 03:41 PM
Most of the local shops here will do well in helping to put you on something that fits your needs. Just from what you have posted it appears a cyclocross bike may serve your purposes well. There are also a few different "local" sites that can help you locate a used bike as a possibility. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me! Good luck!