Road Cycling - good first road bike?????

Thanks to those who responed to my question about a bike for a triathlon. I've been looking at a Giant OCR 1, a Trek 2000 WSD, and a Schwinn (can't remember the model). All but the Trek have 105 components, the trek has 105 and Tiagra (sp?) mixed. Do you think any of these are good for starting out? The guys at the store say 105 comp. are a must....?????
Thanks for your help! -Andi

I bought a Schwinn (1999 Super Sport) with 105 gruppo about a year and half ago. At that time, Iwas just getting back into cycling after 20 years off the bike. It has been a great bike for me and the 105 is one of the main reasons it has been so good. 105 holds up really well against minor accidents and abuse. Once you get the 105 adjusted correctly, it holds the adjustment almost indefinitely. There's not much difference between 105 and Ultegra. I don't know why they mix 105 and Tiagra on some bikes, other than to cut costs.

Rich

Schwinn is no longer the company it was. It was recently acquired by Pacific, an X-mart bike type company.

Giant is a compact frame, and if you have short legs this is a good choice, if not, IMO, there in little benefit, if any, from getting a compact frame.

Trek is a good bike, so are LeMond's. Trek owns LeMond, just makes them using different geometries. LeMonds have longer top tubes, so you're a little more stretched out!

I would suggest investigating a company called FELT. We started carrying these bikes, they're very well made and their prices are great! You can get a 105 equipped aluminum frame for right around a grand!

Cannondale's are nice, but you're paying a lot for being made in the U.S.A. and for features you don't need as a newbie. They're good frames, just expensive compared to other entry/mid level bikes.

Jamis makes great bikes at very competitive prices.

....and the list goes on....

L8R

Those are good bikes for starting out, but it all depends on how much money your willing to spend on a bike. If you have a large budget, then I would look at something with DuraAce or Record components. Most of the bikes you mentioned are around the $1000 price range. Do you want to spend more or less?

Originally posted by andi
Thanks to those who responed to my question about a bike for a triathlon. I've been looking at a Giant OCR 1, a Trek 2000 WSD, and a Schwinn (can't remember the model). All but the Trek have 105 components, the trek has 105 and Tiagra (sp?) mixed. Do you think any of these are good for starting out? The guys at the store say 105 comp. are a must....?????
Thanks for your help! -Andi

105 is the sweet spot in Shimano's road components, IMO -- their best compromise among cost, durability, and performance. It's hard to go wrong with 105 unless you're an elite-level racer.

If you're looking at one of Trek's WSD models you must have fit issues to deal with, so don't pass over them lightly. Ultimately how well you fit on the bike will have more effect on performance than anything else.

Schwinn road bikes are left over from their bankruptcy. They were perfectly fine bikes, but be aware that it will come with no frame warranty, just whatever service deal the shop gives you on adjustments and maintenance plus the manufacturer's warranty on individual parts from other companies, like Shimano. The Schwinn should be steeply discounted compared to the other brands. If you crack a chainstay in a race you will be SOL.

There are a *lot* of excellent 105 bikes. It's where the most competition is in this market. Ride everything and find the perfect fit, and you'll thank yourself.

RichC

I don't know if you can get them over there in the states but I have a raceline giro and it was a great package for me, starting out again after a few years off. Full 105 gruppo, nice finishing kit and the shimano WH-R535 wheels which are very fast (although very stiff!). These wheels combined with the alloy fork (see the thread on carbon forks on aluminium frames) make for a very fast confident bike, however the vibration damping is minimal. Great for speed, not comfort and for the price I paid (about $2400AUD which is about $1350US) there was nothing better on the market. Still, as I said, I'm not sure you can get them in the states.

In my way of thinking, Shimano 105 is the "entry level" racing equipment. It gives you 99% of the performance of the top of the line (Dura Ace) with similar durability and about half the price. At your level, you probably will never need anything better.

I have ridden Shimano 105 components for tens of thousands of miles and been quite happy with them. And shoot when they break or wear out, they are not that expensive to replace.

As for the bikes, it is a hard call. Bikes with similar components differ primarily in the frame. Differing frame geometries and materials can affect the feel of the ride, but it can be pretty subtle. I would suggest riding the candidates you mentioned and going with the bike that you like the best. Or shoot, just go with the coolest color.

Thanks for all of your advice! I got my bike last night!!!! I went with the Giant...it felt good to ride. I'm very short, so the compact frame is nice, and the carbon forks made for a smooth ride. Thanks again! -Andi