dnrsslr

I currently have a Giant Cypress DX hybrid. I've had it almost three years and put about 1,100 miles on it. Mostly local country roads and paved bike paths/trails (a few are gravel but mostly paved). I'm considering upgrading to a road bike so I can go faster and more miles. My riding generally consists of 20 to 30 miles twice a week and occasionally a "challenge" but I don't see myself riding over 60 miles or so in a single ride.

I was told by an LBS I should figure about $1,800 to upgrade to a starting level road bike. That much money is not going to happen any time soon. So, I'm considering used.

Would this be a good road bike for me? I'm about 5' 9 1/2" and about 31 1/2" inseam. Road bike Specialized Allez 52cm (2006)

apaulson714

$1800 for an entry level road bike???? I think that LBS is trying to pull one over on you. $1800 is a good price point when you are getting more serious, but for your first road bike you can get away with much less.

You can find plenty of decent entry level bikes for ~$1000 easily. A friend just purchased a 2015 Giant Defy 3 new for $850 for his first road bike and its great for the money.

As for the Allez, that would probably be a bit small for you.

PepeM

Agreed. Just going by your height, a 54 is probably a better option.

As for having to spend $1800, I suggest never going to that shop again.

mcours2006

Yeah, I agree that Spec is a tad small. You'd probably be better suited for a 54 cm.

Was the LBS talking about shoes, pedals, cages, bottles, jerseys, shorts/bibs, helmet, gloves, and computer for $1800? Otherwise, go to another LBS.

Buying used is a good idea. You get great value, and if you're patient and tenacious you can sometimes find a steal of a bike.

Post some ads in your area.

Shuffleman

The other posts are correct. The Allez is a good bike but it is probably too small for you. Buying a used bike is great, but only if you are sure of your size. You will not have a good biking experience is you buy the wrong sized bike. It will always be uncomfortable.
As for the $1800 for a new entry level bike....Hogwash. I would never recommend that price point for a new rider. There is a Performance Bike in Akron. I would go there and buy a new Fuji. They will fit you to ensure that you get the right size frame. I am assuming that your budget is comparable to the Allez. Thus, there are a few bikes there that fit that price point.
Fuji Sportif 2.3 Road Bike - 2015
Fuji Sportif 2.5 Road Bike - 2016

The one for $649, if affordable, would be what I would go with. It is a good entry level bike that you could ride for years. The first one is still a good bike but the upgrades on the 2nd one would be nice if you can spare the extra money.
If you go to a lbs than the Giant Defy is a good buy. I only recommend Performance because they offer a great value, especially on the entry level bikes. It is hard to beat their prices. If you join their email list, and wait a week or two, there will be a sale at some point where you could get the bike for even less.

apaulson714

I had the same typed out, but didnt want to sound too harsh, glad somebody agrees lol.

Honestly id find a new shop, they are just trying to get a few bucks out of ignorance.

And for your first road bike, just have some patience (i know this is hard lol) and look on craigslist until something your size comes up (im guessing around 54-56cm) It will happen, just can sometimes take time. You will generally get a good value and can get a feel for road bikes without breaking the bank. Then if you find out you hate it, or want to move up to a better bike, you generaly wont take as much of a loss on a used bike as long as you take care of it.

dnrsslr

$1,800 was a quick "off the top of his head" number. Maybe he wanted me to upgrade more than necessary? I trust this shop but...?

My current bike has front shocks, a small shock in the seat stem and a fairly soft seat. I know a road bike will not be as soft but I don't really want to feel like I'm sitting on rock.... if possible?

Here's another one: Men's road bicycle - 56cm A friend suggested I get the largest frame that I can just barely stand over. This way, I would not raise the seat as much and not be quite as bent over to reach the handle bars when riding.

When I look at the used bikes, I don't really know if it's a $3,000 bike that I'm getting for $500 or a worn out $750 bike they're trying to get $500 out of. So I really appreciate any and all comments.

PepeM

Ignore that friend too.

dnrsslr

Yes, the $500 (to possibly $650?) is probably within my price range. What does the extra $150 do for me between the two bikes?

It appears Performance Bike in Akron is closed. Google says "closed permanently" and the phone number says something like "not in service". I could probably drive to one of the other locations to pickup the bike and have it fitted. Would I buy online and have it shipped to store? Do they do the fitting for free?

PepeM

Doesn't seem to be getting you anything, apart from a different color.

EDIT: Actually the $500 on only comes in a super small size, so the extra $150 gets you a normal size.

For ~$650 there is also the Giant Defy 5, which is similarly speced to that Fuji.

goenrdoug

That looks appropriate both size and purpose-wise. Approach like any other Craigslist purchase -- make sure the thing isn't rusted/broken and offer 75% of asking price and haggle from there.

mcours2006

You're friend doesn't know anything about how to fit a bike. Don't get the largest frame you can barely stand over. It's waaaayyyyyyyyy too big for you. As stated numerous times earlier, you're likely a 54, maybe 56.

mcours2006

Why do you trust this shop? The margin on more expensive bikes is certainly higher than that of 'entry level' bikes. He's just trying to make a buck too. We, on the other hand, have no stake here.

Bike looks fine. But over priced. If you can get it for $300 or thereabouts, it might be all right. @Shuffleman 's suggestions would be better for $500.

apaulson714

Not trying to be a pessimist, but an entry level price "off the top of his head" of $1800 is him trying to make money on your lack of knowledge, that or he is delusional about what is considered a starter bike.

And back in the day stand over height was one way to get a rough idea if a bike fit or not, but with more compact frames and sloping top tubes stand over height is long a thing of the past.

As for that Jamis, its not a bad bike, and honestly should make a great starter bike for you, but i wouldnt pay more than $400 for it. Its a bit beat up and the "upgraded" crank is a shimano R500 wich isnt bad but its not a huge upgrade either (~$60-70)

Heres a good bike, its a tad high in price(~$450-500? would be alright), but if it fits would be a perfect starter bike
https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/bik/5678281909.html

dnrsslr

The $500 bike is only available in size 35....

Shuffleman

It looks like the least expensive one only comes in a 35, whatever size that is. Pretty small.
Performance is having a double points back sale. I just got the flyer at my office. This means that if you buy a $650 bike you would get $70 back in rewards points. Of course, you must buy a member card for $35 first. It would be worth it because you would be getting $70 back to buy pedals, shorts or etc.
I would definitely go to Performance and get sized for the bike. You could also call the nearest one and ask them if they have it in stock. If so, take the drive and try it out. Their return policy is incredible. If you don't like it, they take it back within a year of purchase.
If you have a local Giant Dealer than the Defy would be a great purchase as another person posted. If you could get that for $650 it would be a good deal. They are both good bikes and you would be sure to get a proper fitting as part of the bike purchase.

rmfnla

But it comes with an extra tube...

mcours2006

I must have missed that. In that case, $304.

dnrsslr

Just talked to a different LBS that sells Giant. Said $640 for Giant Defy 5. I sure would like to be under $500. Could someone give me some more compare/contrast on these two used ones? The Jamis seems to have more treaded tires like my hybrid. Will this give more traction if I ride gravel? Will it also slow me down compared to the Cannondale?
2012 Jamis Satellite Comp Men's road bicycle - 56cm
2007 Cannondale CAAD8 cannondale 56cm bike

apaulson714

The CAAD8 has better components than the Jamis. The 5700 105 group is very solid. Along with this it looks like the owner took much, MUCH better care of the bike. People around here can tell you all about the CAAD bikes (check out cult of CAAD) and they have always been regarded as good bikes.

The Jamis is a newer bike, but again looks like it wasnt taken the best care of. Its a steel frame with a carbon fork, so it should be a bit of a smoother ride than the CAAD (put some 25mm tires on the CAAD and there wont be a huge difference)

You could probably snag the Jamis for a lower price, but i think the CAAD is in much better shape and will last longer.

dnrsslr

Does the CAAD8 have carbon forks? If not, I'm afraid the difference from my hybrid (with shocks) will feel like I'm riding a rock.

rmfnla

Maybe, but you will love the improved handling...

goenrdoug

The CAAD is more purely for riding fast on pavement. It has better components -- though the cranks (though entirely functional, I'm sure) could use an eventual upgrade.

The Jamis would be ok for some light offroad use with the tires on it. It'll likely be heavier than the CAAD.

The CAAD looks like it was bought and then stowed in the garage ever since. It's similar to and as-nice-as-if-not-slightly-nicer than the Defy 5, basically. If you can get either the Giant or the CAAD to budge by $100 on the price, go for it.

mcours2006

That's not 5700 though. If it's 105, it looks to be 5600, which is still fine, but still two generations behind.

2lo8

5600 shifts better than 5700 though, except for the part where the triple front shifters had bit of a reputation for breaking. 5700 was more of a sidegrade than an upgrade. 5700 a newer hood design, hidden shift cables and more widely spaced chainring teeth for less chain rub, but has increased friction from the shifters. 5600 has light action because of the external shift cables, but the front shifter is possibly more delicate, and the crank doesn't tolerate cross chaining as well. The crank is kind of a non-issue since the bike doesn't have 105 cranks though.

Also my bike has an aluminum fork am I going to die?