Introductions - new to road bikes

I"m a runner who got injured. and is now focusing on cycling.
I've always loved cycling but now I"m getting serious about it
and am wanting to buy a good road bike that I can ride for long distance
and that I can go fast on.

Been to bike shops and had different opinions.
I'm a 51 frame size.
Thought I needed some expert help/advice from non partisan bike experts...

Right now I'm finding out about:
--bike pedals: which ones are best for a road bike? (clip on)
--wheels/tires: which to get (I want quite puncture resistant)
--Litespeed Siena 2008 (M): I have a chance to buy a new one from a shop reduced to $3,900 from $5,900, full dura ace, king headset--and debating whether to do it (it's a lot of money--but it's a great bike) wondering if model being almost 2 years ago makes it less of a deal...

so anyone who has any advice for me, I'd be so grateful. I'm so new at this it's a whole new world!

thank you!

Welcome to Bike Forums. You might try posting your question in the Road forum.

Welcome to bike forums...Check out the road forum.

Thanks so much. Will do!

The Specialized Roubaix has a great reputation for long distance speed. Ti material has an inherent springiness that will give comfort but if you are a heavy powerful rider the flex may be too much for you. Ride both and get what feels best. Also consider Marinoni which is made in the Montreal area. You can get more info from the Long Distance section of these forums.

I am not the one to ask, because I am also just getting started. But I saw your thread and thought I would share some thoughts.

I would not buy new, myself. I am perhaps a bit anti-new, anti-materialistic (at least when it comes to the newer high-end[read, high-priced] models. I have purchased a few bikes on Craigslist.com (Bianchi, Lemond Tourmalet, Bidgestone 400), and have started to restore older bikes (Schwinn Super Le Tour, Paramount). I have been having a blast. I hope to get out and ride them more often than once weekly, you really have to make a commitment to do it, and I am working on it.

So what I have done is to buy older bikes, learn how to repair them (read: "Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance"), and see what kind of newer bike you might want to end up with. This will help you understand the mechanics, the sizing, the feel, and make sure you end up enjoying this quite honorable form of exercise/transporation/recreation.

I hear too many stories of people buying high-end bikes, and then storing them for years after a couple of rides. Now, I am not saying you would do so, but entering the field in the used department will certainly help you to better appreciate and understand the advantages of the newer model, once you end up with it. It will also help to cement the passion into your soul, so that the pressures of daily living out there will not derail you from you path.

These are just some random thoughts, I hope it helps. Good luck.

Victor