Road Cycling - Returning to sport, need advice!

I stopped riding about 5 years ago and am planning a return to the sport. I previously rode mountain bikes both cross country and downhill, and had a pos road bike for training. It has been about 5 years since I last road or even paid attention to the industry. (What the #%$ happened to GT?) Anyway ...

I am currently shopping for a road bike and have a budget of about $1500. I have looked at the Cannondale R800 & R1000 as well as the Felt Racing F50 & F45. I am currently leaning towards the F45, but it is alittle over my budget. But I can't pass up all the extras over the Cannondales for the same price.

I'm a 6'0" 140lbs rider who likes to go fast and sprint... Do I have any need for a triple? Or is a double going to suit me just fine? I live in southern california and there are some mountain rides I can take, but I still see myself probably out of the saddle cranking my way through it. Or is that just the mtb'r in me?

I currently run about 8-10 miles every couple of days, so I am hoping that jumping into a 20-30 mile loop and then moving up to a 40-50 won't be too much shock for my body and diet... I figure 3 to 4 weeks at 20-30 and then I should be ready to move upto 40-50 mile loops. Might take awhile for my quads to get upto speed though...

Thanks for the help and advice!
Jeff

140lbs? You don't need a tripple.

Do I have any need for a triple? Or is a double going to suit me just fine? Forgive him, for he knows not what he does.

Gt went bankrupt. They were bought out by Pacific (X-Mart bikes). They are still operating, but they do not make serious road bikes any longer. They make comfort bikes.

Felt seems to be where you can get a lot of bike for the money. C'dale is at the other end of the scale, a little on the high side for the same components.

PLEASE do this first. Bike fit on a road bike is key. However, most (not all) bike shops have employees that don't have a clue on how to fit you. Most will just try to sell you what they have on the shelf. So, I recommend that YOU know a little about it before you go shopping. Do this on-line sizer. It will get you in the ballpark. http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO Once you have the measurements, you can do some research online. Different manufacturers use different geometries and, just to make it fun, measure differently. DO NOT go by what feels right size-wise coming from MTB. A bike that is too small will usually feel right. I am a MTB convert myself.

The joke about the double / triple thing is because it is always a HOT debate. I am a triple proponent. And I usually rant for them in mountain areas. You are WAY light and tall and it sounds like you are in good shape, so here it goes, I'm going to say it: You probably don't need a triple. I am 190, 40 yrs old, and ride centuries like Solvang, and Conejo Valley, these are up to 6200 ft of climbing and I use the litttle ring. So it works well for me.

I am in Pasadena. Where in SoCal are you? There are some good group rides around here when you get your steed.

OMG. It looks like I am writing a book.

PLEASE do this first. Bike fit on a road bike is key. However, most (not all) bike shops have employees that don't have a clue on how to fit you. Most will just try to sell you what they have on the shelf. So, I recommend that YOU know a little about it before you go shopping. Do this on-line sizer. It will get you in the ballpark. http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO Once you have the measurements, you can do some research online. Different manufacturers use different geometries and, just to make it fun, measure differently. DO NOT go by what feels right size-wise coming from MTB. A bike that is too small will usually feel right. I am a MTB convert myself.



Great link!!! Looks like the guy at the shop I stopped at did a good job. I was test riding 56's and feeling comfortable. He insisted I take a 58 for a long ride around the area to see how it felt... I was comfortable on the 58, and according to my measurements and that site I should be riding a 58. I actually think I may take a couple 60's out just to see how they feel.





The joke about the double / triple thing is because it is always a HOT debate. I am a triple proponent. And I usually rant for them in mountain areas. You are WAY light and tall and it sounds like you are in good shape, so here it goes, I'm going to say it: You probably don't need a triple. I am 190, 40 yrs old, and ride centuries like Solvang, and Conejo Valley, these are up to 6200 ft of climbing and I use the litttle ring. So it works well for me.



Yah, from what I have read in the "great" debate... I only need a double... I may want to play with my gearing setup depending on what kind of ride, flat or hilly, but a double should be fine...





I am in Pasadena. Where in SoCal are you? There are some good group rides around here when you get your steed.




I live in the South Bay... there are alot of group rides around here on the weekend, "donut" run etc... But I also work up in the Pasadena area.. I am guessing there are alot of mountain rides in the area....

Jeff

Try the 60cm, but that sounds big for your size unless you have damn long legs. I wouldn't buy a bigger bike than I needed.

Double should be fine - might go 12-25 on the rear for good middle of the road gearing.