Shostakovich33

Hello all,

Im new to this, like many of you in this section, and I have spent some time at my LBS only to find I cant afford a lot of their offerings. I work in research (aka no money). I know that this has probably been asked a million times but where should I start? There are so many options when buying a bike a few educated nudges in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I want to spend around 650...maybe 800 max and I found this bike with Tiagra components for the cheap https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Horse-Tri...GE6XC4JFFNMG77 Any other options out there until I decide whether I want to invest a large amount of my income into the sport?

Thanks in advance,

James

Shostakovich33

Wow, after doing some research Im seeing that I might have to drop more bills to get into something I can live with for an extended period of time. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

tgf

Hey there, I live in Boston as well. What kind of riding do you want to do? Boston offers a lot of different terrain which can lend itself to different types of bikes. I know they can be pretty expensive, but I recommend you start your search by narrowing down the type of riding you want to be doing. Once you figure out what kind of riding you want, I would say look on boston craigslist. This is definitely a biking town and there are tons of people in the area selling bikes that won't cost you an arm and a leg. It would definitely get you a great bike at a good price, and it would be easy and relatively cheap to replace some of the more worn components if you needed to.

If you really want a new bike, I would recommend Landry's on Comm Ave or Back Bay Bicycles on Mass Ave. Both of these shops offer test riding which is really helpful, and both employ super-knowledgeable staff that can help you pick the one that's right for you.

Good luck!

-Adam
Fenway/Kenmore

East Hill

Yes, first we need to know what kind of riding you plan on doing. The Iron Horse is a road bike, and not a bad one at that.

Welcome to BikeForums!

East Hill

Shostakovich33

Thanks guys,

Sorry for not being more detailed in my original post, but I am looking for a road bike. I want to use it for commuting and also going on some spirited weekend/afternoon rides. I have been to both landry's and back bay and they each had a great selection. The guys at BBB were extremely helpful, but if all went according to their plans Id be spending 1300 dollars on a bike. Sorry, but until recently I had no idea it was so common to spend so much on a bike?!?!?

Would you guys suggest that I try the Iron Horse or would you wait and purchase something more expensive? I dont have a problem waiting if I will be ten times happier by spending more initially. BBB had a specialized bike for 800 but it had Sora/Tiagra component set so wouldnt I be better off going with the Iron Horse for 200 less? There are waaaayyyy too many choices out there...do you guys have any suggestions of bikes you know are great beginner sets that can be upgraded? I will hopefully use my first bike for a year and then upgrade if I really get into it.

Thanks again guys!

East Hill

The Iron Horse should do you just fine for the moment. It's always possible to upgrade incrementally, usually starting with the wheels. But if you are planning on using the bike a fair amount for commuting, you want something that's sturdy.

Why the name Shostakovich33? One of my favourite pieces of music is Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony...

East Hill

tgf

I actually just bought a new bike this season so I could drop my monthly T-pass (I HATE THE MBTA lol). Anyway, like you, I wanted a bike that could stand up to the crappy terrain, potholes and infamous boston weather on my daily commute to work (in brookline) but I also like long, intense and fast weekend rides- so I bought the Specialized Tricross from Landry's (they had the best price). I thought this would be the best combination of ruggedness and speed to keep up with those amazing cyclists on the Landry's group rides

I really do love this bike, but now I'm wondering if I maybe should have gotten a complete road bike. I find myself wanting and getting upgrades like clipless road pedals and shoes, road bike clothing, road tires, caliper style brakes...hehe it's easy to get sucked in. I'm lucky I have enough expendable income to put into my bike.

Anyway I'm rambling. Newer road bikes will stand up to Boston roads pretty well, but a cyclocross bike can handle those pesky bumps and holes a little better while still feeling much like a road bike. Let me know when you do get a bike I can show you some great spots to go.