Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Clyde looking for entry level road bike

Alright guys, help me out here.
I am a 26 year old clyde, working on losing weight like so many other people. I have been riding a comfort bike for several months but am ready to move on to a road bike. I am 5'11" 228 lbs. down from 249 in the last few months.

So, I am looking to spend up to about $1000 on a good road bike with clipless pedals and shoes. Any suggestions are welcomed. I have been looking into Felt 95 but don’t know much about what I need(want). The LBS sells Raleigh, Felt, Jamis, and Scott. I have been lurking around here for months and finally decided to post and ask for your help.

I ride a Felt F-85. Went to 36 Spoke Wheels as I broke a front and rear spoke on the 24/28 Alex Wheels.

i put a bunch of miles on a borrowed motobecane from bikesdirect... liked it enough to buy my own.

in the road and general forums you will get flamed for looking into them but you could get a bike and equip out the door for 1000 from there...

Visit a Specialized dealer and check out the new "Secteur". Good "endurance" geometry in them similar to the Roubaix but not CF. These are in your price range and are worth a look.

Go to your LBS and talk to them. If you have multiple shops, talk to them all and find the LBS that treats you best the first time you walk in the door. Then discuss with them what you want. You may be able to get a good price on a 2009 model with the same warranty as a 2010 model. I own multiple Jamis bikes and they are good bikes. Good luck with your purchase.

If you know how to build up a bike, then you can look at bikesdirect.com bikes, but not unless you plan on doing ALL of the work and remember that they are not your LBS that you buy from and want to keep open.

I'll add to flip's comments about going to the LBS and taking a tour. I had been doing my bike shopping by looking at various mfr's web pages and reading about the "bike du jour" on various forums. I thought I wanted/needed a Specialized or Trek. Went to the shop to ride a Specialized and had a good chat with the owner and told him what type of riding we do, what events we had planned for 2010, etc. He offered up a great deal on a 2009 Bianchi Imola, which felt SO much better to me than the Trek I was riding for comparison, and was a great deal due to year end close out.

My point is: I'd have missed out if I'd have not trusted him enough to tell my "story."

Go test ride and buy a bike that fits. Wheels are what will give you fits. Have a set of 36 spoke wheels laced up and dont be too concerned with components because you can upgrade as time goes on. I have always liked Cannondale. Their frames are strong. Good luck

In the sub 1k price range any bike from any manufacture is going to be just about the same. The main difference will be the paint job and slight geometry changes. The best thing for you to do is to wander into a bike shop(s) and start test riding everything in your price range. Then test ride a bike that is 50% more than your price range, then double. This will allow you to get a good feel for what is availible and what you may or may not like. (The most expensive bike is not allways the best for you). Don't over think it, at 228lbs your wheels should hold up just fine so long as you take it easy on the bumpy stuff.

Visit a Specialized dealer and check out the new "Secteur". Good "endurance" geometry in them similar to the Roubaix but not CF. These are in your price range and are worth a look.

I agree! Go look at the Secteur. Really nice bike and in your price range.

I would also suggest Kona Jake if you have a dealer - 900 with full Tiagra - cross geometry - with brazeons for racks and fenders.

I'm with flip, too. If you can, find a shop that treats you well, talk to someone there who seems to know what they are talking about, and trust them.
If you've been lurking here, I'm sure you are aware that you might have to rebuild your rear wheel or buy a new one soon. The stock wheels on a bike that costs less than $800 (assuming $200 for pedals and shoes) are not going to be good wheels. They might work for you, but you should be ready if they don't.

good luck

Performance Bike should definately on your list.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/StoreLocator_10052_10551_-1_StoreLocatorVirginia

You have a ton in Virginia, one specifically in VB. Their Scattante brand is one of the best values out there. My friend found a full carbon bike with tiagra/105 components for under 1200. You can definately find a good bike within your price range there. Also, if you buy their buyers club for something like $20, you get 10% back. Basically, you can get your shoes and pedals for nearly nothing.

Good luck with your riding.

+1 on PBS. I bought 3 bikes from them over the past few years.

A low level Schwinn Le Tour GS (Sora/Tiagra) when I was starting out ($750 list / $500 on sale). It is now my commuter and has been a great, trouble-free bike.

A Fuji Finest 1.0 (Ultegra) for my wife (leftover heavily discounted - $1800 list / under $900 on sale w/ discounts).

A Fuji Roubaix RC (Ultegra) for me (end of season - $1800 list / $1000 on sale w/ discounts).

And the PBS club membership is really worth it. $25 to join and you get 10% of all purchases back in merchandise. They even have double point sales. I bought my Roubaix during a double point sale and got $200 to spend on anything in the store.

One other thing about PBS, their prices can fluctuate a lot in short periods of time. If you are patient, you can might find the bike you want has been pretty well discounted when they have a 10 or 20% sale and save some big bucks.

Like most everyone said, hit up all the LBS' in your area and test ride everything that strikes your fancy. Your bike will find you.

"Fuji Touring". I found it very comfortable and immediately easy to get off the saddle even while riding int he store.

Thanks much guys! Great information I appreciate all your input!

Two words: Surly Crosscheck.

Howdy neighbor!

I'd like to echo the advice of shopping around and taking test rides. There are many good shops in the area - find one that makes you comfortable and values your business. These are a few LBS that I like/have done business with and recommend:
1) Fat Frogs in Red Mill Commons is a great little LBS has always taken good care of me. (Group rides almost every morning - Big group on Saturdays). Talk to Joe (owner)
2) I bought my bike from Conte's in Chesapeake. (Cannondale, Specialized and Giant dealer- Don't rule out a Giant Defy.) Speak with Craig or Willis.
3) Performance (Just off VA Beach Blvd near Great Neck) has always been a good value for accesories. I have no personal experience with bikes or service, but the have been helpful with accessories. They are much larger that the other shops = more things in-stock and on the shelf. Great for last minute, "need it now" items. No shipping charge if you order from the catalog/online and pick up at the store.
4) I've heard good things regarding Bike Beat and All About Bikes but have no experience with them.
5) I'm not 'dissin any of the other local shops, but I just haven't done any business with them - no data.

Good luck with the hunt. Shop around and you'll find the bike that makes your heart skip a beat.

Where do you ride? Perhaps after the snow melts I'll see you on the road ...........

Alright guys, help me out here.
I am a 26 year old clyde, working on losing weight like so many other people. I have been riding a comfort bike for several months but am ready to move on to a road bike. I am 5'11" 228 lbs. down from 249 in the last few months.

So, I am looking to spend up to about $1000 on a good road bike with clipless pedals and shoes. Any suggestions are welcomed. I have been looking into Felt 95 but don’t know much about what I need(want). The LBS sells Raleigh, Felt, Jamis, and Scott. I have been lurking around here for months and finally decided to post and ask for your help.

Who's the Jamis dealer in VA Beach? Good sailing friend of mine now carries Jamis (owns the Fitness Resource chain). He's new to it, but very enthusiastic and might cut you a heck of a deal as they are trying to get some bikes on the street.

http://www.frcycling.com/default.asp