Cadd

Hello all. I'm new to this forum and I think I'm ready to devote a part of my life to biking. I live in New York City and ride mainly on the city streets and bike paths. I want a bike that's easy to ride fast. I do not want a mt. bike. I was thinking about road bikes, but the skinny tire worries me. I will have to jump on and off 1"-6" curbs.

I've been reading lots and lots of topics here and I'm amazed of how much there is to learn about biking!

My budget is around $700 (I know I know I know...you can't get a real bike for that right? )

After net research, I've came down to these bikes:

- Jamis Coda (don't know price)
- Specialized Sirrus
- Jamis Aurora or Nova (don't know prices)

I thought the Sirrus was the perfect, but after reading lots of posts here, a few have complained about the handlebar's only position may get you tired.

That was the reason I included the Aurora & the Nova. I have questions about the drops. I've never owned a road bike before...so this may seem like a stupid question, but please bear with me. When I see others riding on the drops (is that what it's called?), it looks sooooooo tiring. I can't imagine myself riding like that for a long period of time. When I ride, I usually go with my friends who are more into slower/group/chat/riding (yes, most of them are females). Would I look like a fool if I ride on the drops with them? Can I ride on the top or on top of the brakes for a long period of time? Is it comfortable?

Are there bikes out there with the drops that have slightly fatter tires that I can use for the city? I do not want to worry about going on and off the curb. I also want a bike that would allow me to ride on easy dirt roads if I have to (roads such as parks, baseball fields, etc.)

I know I'm asking lots of questions, but I really want to get started on biking and would like to keep this bike for the long term.

Now in terms of frame materials....what's the difference between steal and the others? What can I get for my price range. How about the gears? What type is good and what should I stay away from?

Please list other bikes that are in my price range that you feel is a good beginner's bike for me. Thanks

Cadd

BTW, I'm 5'8 and a huge 120-125lbs (bikers' body?). Not sure if height and weight plays a factor on the bike or not.

meradi

Hi,

I like the Sirrus since it doesn't seem as fragile as some other more-racing type bikes (though I'm sure they're sturdy too). About the hand positions on the Sirrus, I plan on getting bar ends put on, so that should be fine for adding a little variety.
I wrote more to one of your posts, I think in the introductions section.
I was on a pretty tight budget. Actually it started much less than the Sirrus but I don't think there's much out there for what I was looking to spend. Anyway last year I was riding a thrift-store Schwinn, so I just think of the money I saved, or something like that, and rewarded myself this year
Brian

orguasch

I am 5'9" and i am using a52 cm center to center frame bike, with the as a yardstick you can go from there, but if your spending $700.00 that's serious money go to your LBS, ask them to help you out the size of the bike frame that will fit you to T, then bike the bike you want and will be comfortable with it.

Ellie

Hey, watch it! There are a few women on this site that would probably whip you in a race...

I ride on the drops going slowly because I get more control that way. I also ride a lot on the brakes and the top. That's the point. You can switch position a lot more to wherever is comfortable. And I wouldn't worry too much what you look like. I shouldn't have thought you'll get any more comments riding slowly on the drops than you will otherwise.

Good luck getting your bike. $700 is about 10 times what I spent on my last bike, but that was second hand and I have upgraded parts since.

Ellie

Pilot

HI
I was in the same spot you are. My wife and I are new to biking this year. We went to many different shops and rode everything we could. By everything I mean from mt.bikes to x-country bikes and rode all the models we could find. When we started looking at bikes I was convinced I wanted a x-country bike untill I test rode a mt. bike. after riding a mt. I couldnt see myself riding a x-country. I spent alittle over 400.00 for my Raleigh m-60. My advice is do what my wife and I did and shop around and ride everything you can from Mt. to x-country to rode bikes. Then find one you no you will ride for a few years then if you want you can upgrade. Just alittle advice if you are looking at x-c for any reason you can always upgrade the tires to something with more of a bite.
Just my 2 cents.

Jason

Cadd

Ellie, I apologize for that comment. I didn't mean anything by it, honest. I'm sure most females can out ride me. For a 24 year old, I'm not as fit as I would like to be. Again, I am sincerely sorry for what I said.

Thanks for the advice I actually went to a LBS (local bike shop...I'm assuming) and looked around today after work...it went pretty well.

Cadd

This is what happened at the bike shop today. I explained the situation and he pointed at the Specialized Sirrus and the Sirrus Sport.

The Sirrus was for 500 (tax included)
and the Sirrus Sport is 700 (tax included)

First off, does anyone know if this is a good deal? Secondly, does the sport version justify the $200 increase in price?

Can someone look at the specs of these two bikes and let me know....it would be real helpful if someone can give me an honest opinion here's the website for:

Sirrus

Sirrus Sport

The guy in the bike shop said the main difference are the brake lever/shifter (one piece in sirrus vs. 2 pieces in sirrus sport), crank and the gears.

Now my other question is: does anyone know anything about the Specialized Crossroad A1 Limited? It's a women's bike with thinner tires. He wants $300 for for that bike. This bike is for my girlfriend...he says it's a limited edition, which is why it's not in Specialized's website or catalogs.

I also asked him about the Jamis Coda. He said the Sirrus and Coda are about the same...and that there isn't much difference. He carries Jamis, but doesn't not have any in stock. He can order bikes from Jamis if I want. I also asked about the Jamis Nova and Aurora, and he gave me the same answer.

Could someone also check out these bikes for me and tell me what you think

Jamis Coda
Jamis Nova
Jamis Aurora

If someone who is bike savvy and can do this for me I would greatly appreciate it.

Cadd

Another thing....sorry, but what else should I expect from the bike shop when I get the bikes? Any freebies (ie. water bottle, the holder, kick stand, gloves, shoes, helmet, etc.)....i know i know, i'm pushing it...but do they ususal give you free items if you ask for them? What should I ask for? What do they give?

What did you guys get with your bikes? How about upgraded parts? Anything?

Richard D

I got a good discount on the accessories I bought, but I wouldn't have had the cheek to ask for one-not to say you shouldn't.

Richard

Teding

Bought a Coda last summer. I think you get a lot bike for your money. It's light, and has top quality components, and I love the polished (not painted) steel (cromoly) frame. The ONLY thing I don't like about the bike is the straight handlebar. I get numb hands, due to (IMHO) the lack of hand positions.

Thinking about converting the bar to a drop, or switching to the Aurora, which is in the light touring class. Converting means new brake levers, barend shifters, HB, and stem.

The Aurora lists arounf 550$, and the Coda 799$. Fuji Touring is very similar to the Aurora, but might be a little more expensive.

Whatever bike you buy, be sure you get it from a GOOD LBS that has your riding pleasure and continued patronage at heart, not just a sale and inventory reduction.

Hope this helps.

Cadd

Finding an LBS (local bike shop I’m assuming….) shouldn’t be a problem for me….but finding a good one is might be because I have too many to choose from. Within a 30 mile radius, I have over 30 LBS here in Brooklyn, NY! Now, how would I know who to buy from. I don’t have many friends who ride. So getting an opinion is difficult. I guess the best way is to go in and take a look right? What should I look for? Which shops should I avoid? Most shops close around 7pm….most of the time I don’t get home from work until 7! I don’t want to go on weekends because of the volume of people who will be there.

Please give me some pointers for choosing a LBS. Thanks

Teding

There are a few sites that have good information on what to look for in a LBS. I'm at work and don't have those URLs.

Basically, you need to feel good about the shop and the sales person. It shouldn't feel like a used car sales person. They should be willing to take all the time you need to decide. You need to test ride it more than just around the parking lot, a mile or so minimum. Feel confidant that they recommending a bike that fits you and your riding, not one that's "close enough" to one they have in stock. If they don't have your size in stock, they should be will to order one.

Shop around, not for price, but for a shop you feel good about. Buying a bicycle shouldn't feel like buying a used car. If you decide on a brand, visit a couple shops that sell it, see if their suggestions match.

Ted

Teding

This site has some good information.

https://www.bikesrnottoys.com/

Look around this forum for suggestions about what to look for in a good bike shop.

BTW, the standard saddle on the Coda isn't very comfortable. Ask the shop if they'll swap it something more comfortable. I have a Brooks B17 leather saddle. I also put narrower tires on it. I think they are 700x28 and smooth, no tread.

FROryder

Of the bikes you listed, the Jamis Nova is the best one. I do not know what the bike retails for, but from the description of the frame and components it may exceed your price point. The most important consideration is proper fit. You could spend $6000 on a high zoot bike and if it does not fit you properly, you have wasted your money. To reiterate fit, fit, fit.