Road Cycling - help a newbie brutha out

Hail all guru roadies,

I need some help. I am looking a beginning to cycle (not race) due to some complications with my knees I can no longer play the usual sports I love. On the advice from my Ortho Doc. suggesting I start riding again. When I say riding again, I mean I used to ride a low end bike for fun years back around 10-15 miles each ride. Needless to say, I have no idea at the components i am looking at when I visit the LBS. I have gotten several opinions from the locals, and all of them vary to some degree. So on to the good stuff.

here's what I am looking at....

Marin Argenta 03 model
Frame: Columbus thron cromoly frame with carbon fiber seat stays
Fork: Carbon Fiber
Drivetrain: Tiagra
Crankset: Tiagra 52/42/30
Bar and Stem: Cinelli Altera + TTT Mutant


Cost of the Bike: $599.94 + $20 for shipping

Additional Item to be purchased with this bike: Shimano pd-r540 pedals $89.00

Of course a helmet, shoes and riding clothes, etc.

For the money is this a good bike for a beginner? I can't test ride the bike as it is in Houston now and I am in Charlotte.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Cross

Most will definitely say to go to a LBS and tryout somebikes to at least get a good idea of what size bike you fit on. It's not always what you think it will be. You'll need to go to a few stores to try on shoes and clothes so why not do it all in one shot? Maybe they'll even give you a better deal if you buy everything at once. You'll have many other things causing you pain once you start riding. You don't need the bike size itself contributing.

Most will definitely say to go to a LBS and tryout somebikes to at least get a good idea of what size bike you fit on. It's not always what you think it will be. You'll need to go to a few stores to try on shoes and clothes so why not do it all in one shot? Maybe they'll even give you a better deal if you buy everything at once. You'll have many other things causing you pain once you start riding. You don't need the bike size itself contributing.


Thanks, I actually did that today. went to three LBS and got "fitted". Two put me on a 57 and one on a 59. The advice to buy at one shop is great, and I actually was doing that for this bike, peds, and extra gear. I was looking for more advice on the bike than anything. I have been doing homework on the buying process for about a week and learning more everyday. Thanks for your reply Joejack.

that deal isn't too bad. although i would skip it if you can't ride it first. a properly set up/sized bike (whatever you end up getting) should be your first concern at this point. i hate to sound like a broken record, but you really need to ride a few bikes first before you jump into something. a local bike shop is hands down the best way for a newbie to get into cycling.

Unless you really know what you want and know what size you need, you are better off going to a good Local Bike Shop (LBS) and have them show you different types and models of bikes. A good LBS will find the right size bike for you and let you test ride different bikes to find one that fits your body as well as your wallet. They should also adjust the bike to you for a perfect fit.

[QUOTE=]Thanks, I actually did that today. went to three LBS and got "fitted". Two put me on a 57 and one on a 59. The advice to buy at one shop is great, and I actually was doing that for this bike, peds, and extra gear. I was looking for more advice on the bike than anything. I have been doing homework on the buying process for about a week and learning more everyday. Thanks for your reply Joejack.[QUOTE]

looks like i responded the same time as you. sorry.

the amount of money for a beginer set-up is pretty much the same as I spent.

I have a different brand bike but nearly the same components. So money wise I think it is a good deal.

I agree with the posts.....find a specific size and frame that you feel good with and then search around on the internet and see if you can find it for less. Most LBS will charge $50-$100 to "fit" your bike to you if you don't buy it from them.

I ended up buying a used bike and it felt pretty good when I first rode it. I had to make some minor adjustments to the height of the seat post and seat angle. I might still bite the bullet and go get it fit properly.

I was looking at the Specialized frames (alum w/carb fork) and they were anywhere from $700-$1000 depending on the components. I didn't end up getting it because of the deal I got on the used bike, but I was very close to buying it. Good luck.

Yes, it is a good beginner bike if you know exactly what you need/want. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong by purchasing your first road bike on-line. Make sure you do your homework.

Best advice I can give is to search this forum to learn the benefits of buying from an LBS, then make your decision. It will likely come down to savings, over your comfort level in working on these (don't laugh, its somewhat true) "high tech" machines that seem to need constant tweaking and adjustments. The most common area you might find problems is in the fit. Not so much the frame, but the crank arm length, stem, and bars (something the lbs can swap out at minimal costs if you buy from them). An on-line savings a $200.00 can easily get eaten by having your bike maintained and repaired at the lbs (warranty work is free), and a few bits/parts to make your ride "just right".

Personally, I bought my first on-line and am happy. I had the time (and a spare bike) to learn all I needed about the new technology in STI and headsets. I doubt there are many people out there who have not had to take their new roadbike in for repairs with in the first year of ownership (wheels out of true, stretched cables, adjustments, re-torque).

Hope this helps, and good luck with the knee.

ehenz

Thanks for everyones advice. You guys rock the casba!

The bike is from a LBS, who searched and found this bike for me, and I am going to propose to them that I will pay the shipping if they will get the bike shipped to their store. Hopefully then I can test ride it and see what/how/why. They have gone out of their way to help me and I can appreciate every effort from these guys. I hope they will go along with it. I will keep you informed about the progress in the hunt.

Cross