General Cycling Discussion - Help! Need Opinions

hey guys,

I'm new to cycling and was recently inspired by a friend who purchased a Fuji road bike. Its great exercise, will be a great way to save money on gas, and a great way to commute to and from school.

However, I have no prior knowledge on brands and I don't know where to start looking for an entry level road bike. I need something that is not too expensive (up to $500 maybe?) and something that is reliable.

Any suggestions?

Thanks so much! I would love to be educated in the art of cycling!

I purchased a new 2010 Fuji for my 11 year old son from a local dealer..model is Newest 3.0...overall it's an OK bike and the price was $500.00; the only thing I don't like about it is the Sora components, if I were you I'd save up some more cash and get something with at least 105 shimano on it....the only reason I bought this Fuji is that it was right on a price for an entry level bike and I wasn't going to spend $1500.00 on my kids first road bike...you'd be good with any name brand bike like Cannondale, Jamis, Fuji, Giant, etc. But get something you're going to be able to grow into, if you spend less, chances are in in six months you'll wish you bought something just a little better.

If you are going to use to commute to school, get a craigslist beater unles you are positively sure you can keep an eye on your bike while in campus 100% of the time.

What are your opinions on this bike, and what frame size do you recommend for a person who is just under 6 foot?

http://cgi.ebay.com/new-schwinn-road-touring-bike-bicycle-14-speed-shimano-/180616209356?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item2a0d90a3cc

What are your opinions on this bike, and what frame size do you recommend for a person who is just under 6 foot?

http://cgi.ebay.com/new-schwinn-road-touring-bike-bicycle-14-speed-shimano-/180616209356?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item2a0d90a3cc

Bottom of the line, no-name parts. Designed to be ridden around the block then put in the back of the garage, to be sold years later at a garage sale.

Shop at a bike shop. In fact, shop at several and then make a purchasing decision based on what shop you like best.

That bike is too small for a normally-proportioned 6-foot-tall male. You would fit a 58 to 60cm frame better- but there's more to bike fit than just frame size. That's why a good bike shop is important. They'll work to put you on the right bike, then work to fit the bike to you.

thanks guys!

Got any friends that are knowledgeable cyclists? There are lots of good deals on Craig's List and at yard sales if you know what to look for. Also depending on the length of commute, terrain and how much you are carrying there may be other options out there for you.

I agree with Jeff that a 58-60cm frame is about what you need. I also agree hit the LBS and see what they have that fits.

I commuted 5-7 miles one way for years on an old Raleigh 3 speed. Still have the bike, just have re-purposed it a bit.

Don't be afraid to look at hybrid's, mountain bikes or city bikes either. If you buy good used bikes you might be able to afford more than one. :D

Aaron :)

hey guys,

I'm new to cycling and was recently inspired by a friend who purchased a Fuji road bike. Its great exercise, will be a great way to save money on gas, and a great way to commute to and from school.

However, I have no prior knowledge on brands and I don't know where to start looking for an entry level road bike. I need something that is not too expensive (up to $500 maybe?) and something that is reliable.

Any suggestions?

Thanks so much! I would love to be educated in the art of cycling!

Why does it have to be a road bike?

For what you plan on using it for a mountain bike or a Cruiser would do better.

Besides those skinny ass tires on a road bike don't give the ride of the fat balloon tires used on a MTB or a Cruiser.

hey folks,

its been a while since I've last posted but I think I've found a potential end to my journey of finding a bike. I'm am stuck between these two hybrid bikes. The only difference between the two is the brake system; I could use some advice. Is it worth it to spend the extra $100 for the more expensive bike (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_latte_x_disc.htm) or go with the lesser expensive bike (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/cafe_latte_x.htm).

I suppose my question is, is it worth it to spend the extra $100 for the brakes?

Disc brakes are nice especially if your gonna ride in the rain.

You've come to the right place for opinions.

My own is that practically any entry level road bike in that price range is going to be equivalent in comfort, performance and durability to any other one. So shop price and/or brand.

You've come to the right place for opinions.

My own is that practically any entry level road bike in that price range is going to be equivalent in comfort, performance and durability to any other one. So shop price and/or brand.

So, what about disc brakes? That was the OPs last request for opinions.

Lots of bike shops can set you up with a decent bike for $500,
and when you walk in there you can be sized up, for the right size bike.

What brands are sold near your school?, how is the Bike Theft record of that area?

Then again.. An old 3 speed is darned good transportation..

So, what about disc brakes? That was the OPs last request for opinions.

I don't know - I want them, but I don't think it should be any kind of priority. Again, just another opinion and this one very unsubstantiated.

I can take or leave disc brakes, the only time I would consider them a deal breaker would be if I were doing a lot of long downhills and knew I needed durable brakes. They bring their own set of issues to the equation. FWIW this is coming from a guy that still has bikes with steel rims, rod brakes and rides in the rain :innocent:

Aaron :)