Purchasing a new bicycle
 

Hi everyone, I was directed here from the introductions forum.

A bit of history: I currently ride what I believe to be a 1974 Nishiki Competition and I have been riding this for the better part of the last 3-4 years. I say "believe" because the bike was purchased used and model name on the frame is mostly scratched off.

Anyway, although I've been riding for about four years, I've never really been able to ascend to the kind of mileage that I want (I currently ride no more than 60-70 miles per week). This is due in part to a tough schedule and a few nicely times injuries, but now that I can finally afford it, I'd like to switch up my gear a bit.

Naturally, I am very used to my Competition's frame geometry and ride. The problem is, it's about an inch too big for me and definitely too heavy. In addition to that, it's just plain old. I am hoping to buy a bike that would be an easy transition, but not a strict touring bike. I say this because I hope to participate in, or at least train for, some amateur races next summer.

Additional information:

I am 23 years old, 5'7" and 150 pounds. I think I can spend around 1300 on this.

I hope all of this wasn't so vague. Please let me know if you need any more information. Thanks for the help!

I'm twice your age and we're the same in height and weight. You'll want a 52-55 cm road bike depending on the brand.

The first thing to ask is what type of riding are you going to do and where? If you're looking for a road bike there are a lot of brands but I am partial to Trek. The Madone line is made for racing and the Domane is endurance racing. The 2015s are coming out so you can get a real good deal on a 2014. However a bit of advice...it's better to save your money and get a bike you really want than settle. Your bike store can fit your bike so don't buy a bike online.

I will definitely be doing basic commuting to and from class/work (I live in NYC), but I also hope to be doing 60+ mile rides at least once a week and maybe some touring every now and then. I know this is a wide range of intended uses so it would probably make sense to save the Nishiki for my commute/short rides and then have a dedicated bike for longer stuff and, when I am at that level, competition.

I would go with a Cyclecross bike. Its got wide tires for commuting on NYC roads and it's also meant for hobby riding. Trek has some good models of Cyclecross bikes. I bought one for my brother in law and it even had dual brake levers which are going to come in handy plus he rides with me on bike paths and on the road.

Great! By any chance, would you know of any specific bikes with bar-end shifters? It would be a huge drag to give those up

If you are going to race, you don't want bar end shifters, it takes too long to shift. Your requirements are too broad, you're not going to find a bike that is both a racer, a tourer and a commuter. Decide which functions you want to keep your currrent bike for and buy something to cover the other - personally, i think you should buy a mid-level carbon road bike with 105 on it for your 60 mile rides and races, and leave the nishiki for touring & commuting.

cross bikes are for cross racing, there's nothing in your spec about dirt or obstacles, that's the wrong kind.