Road Cycling - time to upgrade?

Ok I just started up road cycling for the first time after some time in Mountain/Off-Road bikes. My only road bike is a I don't know what year Schwinn Worldsport (which I figure is a bargin bike back in the day) my friend gave to me. I have pics if anyone can figure out for me.

My question is I did a search and found out what to buy with $500-600 dollars (The money I have right now) or stink with my Worldsport for a year and pick up a $1500-3000 then?

Thanks, and welcome from a military man. :D

You have to figure, if you get the bike now for about $600, you will be glad you did. Reason being is that, it would be a world of differance compared to what you have now. Not to insult Schwinn, as they make some fairly decent bikes, but since yours is coming of age, and is most likely very heavy compared to newer bikes, the choice is pretty easy.
Besides, you will only have to save a few more months when you want to get your really nice one next year. Meantime, you'll have a nice bike to fill the gap. I honestly wouldn't want to try serious riding with such an old bike.
I have an old bike as well, but back then it was pretty high end, so now it is just barely getting me by until I can get a new one, for which I have $0 for. So, it will be a while for me. If I had the money now, I would get a new one as well.

Patriot

Sweet I had a Schwinn World Sport back in the day. Loved that bike. :) So anyway if you want to drop $500-$600 on a entry level bike I would tell you to look at the '03 Marin Portifino (http://www.marinbikes.com/html/spec_portofino.html) . Only reason I don't have this bike is that I hated the Shimano Sora group. As a step up the Argenta (http://www.marinbikes.com/html/spec_argenta.html) has carbon seat stays and the Tiagra group. This is the bike I got...$700. As these are '03s there are few sizes left but I assume the '05 will be out soon so the '04s could be a deal too soon.

The answer is simple... are you comfortable and enjoying your Schwinn?

I bought a Bianchi Brava in 2000 thinking that I'd upgrade a few years later. It was $725 but now lists for $650 at the Bianchi web site. I ride four or five days per week. Now I can't imagine why I'd upgrade.

With $500-$600 you are ready to shop around for an "entry level" road bike. While reseaching bikes you can continue to save. Believe me, you can get a great bike for that kind of money.

Rob

If you can ride the Schwinn at all, I would wait and get the higher end bike when you can afford it. Here is my reasoning...

1. It's getting near the end of the season - buying anything now will have limited use before fall and winter - how are the winters in Anchorage? :)

2. A month after you buy the $600 bike, what do you have? A used bike that is no longer new and perfect and has little room left for you to grow into. It'll satisfy the itch temporarily at best.

3. Working towards a higher end bike may motivate you to work harder in the off-season to stay in better shape. Rising to the level of the bike (in one's mind) is a powerful motivator.

4. You will appreciate it far longer. And anticipation is a good thing.

55/Rad

If you get a bike now, in a year you will be lusting for the $1500+ bike. Don't give in now. Ride the Super Sport until you can get the bike you really want.

If you get a bike now, in a year you will be lusting for the $1500+ bike. Don't give in now. Ride the Super Sport until you can get the bike you really want.

Absolutely agree!

thanks all for the info, I think with summers so short (in both places) and I'm getting ready to move from Anchorage, AK to Cheyenne, WY. I think I'm going to wait till next summer and see if I can save enough money for a middle level bike or an entry level bike with some upgrades.

...or an entry level bike with some upgrades.
buy the frame!

When you get to WY, post up again if/when you wanna come an hour south for a ride.

buy the frame!

When you get to WY, post up again if/when you wanna come an hour south for a ride.

Sounds like a plan, I checked and there is only one bike shop in Cheyenne so I'll be down to Denver for shopping for my bike products and accessories