Best entry level bike for around a grand
01-23-17, 08:53 PM
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Weston, Fl
Posts: 72
Bikes: 1988 Trex 360, 1975 Fugi Special Road Racer (turned fixie), 2012 Felt Nine Trail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If long distance is your goal, Steel is the way to go. The Motobecane Gran Premio Elite is a good bike with good tubing (Reynolds butted 520) and great components (Shimano 5800). I ridden Aluminium, Carbon and Steel and for long comfortable riding you can't beat a steel frame.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...emio_elite.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...emio_elite.htm
01-23-17, 09:06 PM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,489
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
Let's not start That whole debate.
Steel will be a little heavier but possibly a little springier. If you can ride a mid-90s C'dale you will find Any modern bike exceptionally comfortable.
Steel frames are a valid option. Some say they have better "ride quality," some say Carbon Fiber does. I have ridden modern aluminum which is the equal of any steel or carbon fiber bike I have ever ridden. It Is all SUBJECTIVE.
I think the real message of PeteDMan's post is, "don't discount steel bikes. While Very Slightly heavier, they are every bit as good as any other bike all things considered (unless you solely and specifically consider weight, which would be silly.) Test them all, pick the one that you like best.
Steel will be a little heavier but possibly a little springier. If you can ride a mid-90s C'dale you will find Any modern bike exceptionally comfortable.
Steel frames are a valid option. Some say they have better "ride quality," some say Carbon Fiber does. I have ridden modern aluminum which is the equal of any steel or carbon fiber bike I have ever ridden. It Is all SUBJECTIVE.
I think the real message of PeteDMan's post is, "don't discount steel bikes. While Very Slightly heavier, they are every bit as good as any other bike all things considered (unless you solely and specifically consider weight, which would be silly.) Test them all, pick the one that you like best.
01-23-17, 09:25 PM
#53
Upgrading my engine
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Alamogordo
Posts: 6,218
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Steel sucks. It's 100% nostalgia. I've had a few in my day and they're no more comfortable than a modern carbon or even Al bike.
The Sprint CF I posted earlier is a much better deal than the Gran Premio Elite.
The Sprint CF I posted earlier is a much better deal than the Gran Premio Elite.
01-24-17, 06:25 AM
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 245
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have not read all of the replies to this thread.....
Surely someone has suggested a look at the Giant Defy Aluminum models now called the Contend? Every time I compare specs between the major manufacturer's I come away with the opinion that Giant is the best value for the dollar out there. Well made bikes. Price varies with components selected, but you can get one for a grand or less easily. It will come from a shop who will work with you for a proper fit, you will get post sale service, etc.
Test ride some Giants. If you don't like them - keep looking. Much of the success of your new bike will depend upon how you feel on it and about it!
Good Luck!
Surely someone has suggested a look at the Giant Defy Aluminum models now called the Contend? Every time I compare specs between the major manufacturer's I come away with the opinion that Giant is the best value for the dollar out there. Well made bikes. Price varies with components selected, but you can get one for a grand or less easily. It will come from a shop who will work with you for a proper fit, you will get post sale service, etc.
Test ride some Giants. If you don't like them - keep looking. Much of the success of your new bike will depend upon how you feel on it and about it!
Good Luck!
01-24-17, 07:01 AM
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Madison, IN
Posts: 1,351
Bikes: 2015 Jamis Quest Comp
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 270 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
"Steel is the way to go"
"Steel sucks"
I guess that settles it...2 expert opinions...what more could you want to know? :-)
"Steel sucks"
I guess that settles it...2 expert opinions...what more could you want to know? :-)
01-24-17, 01:08 PM
#56
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 25
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you can find on clearance, I picked up a 2016 Charge Plug 4 for $899. Disc brakes, 11 speed Shimano 105, and clearance for tires much bigger than the stock 42mms that come with it. Coming from a chromoly steel Redline Conquest Classic that felt like a semi truck, the Plug 4's alloy frame is relatively light for an all-road bike.
I've put ~300 miles on it in the last month, and it's been a great 'swiss army knife' bike so far.
I've put ~300 miles on it in the last month, and it's been a great 'swiss army knife' bike so far.
01-24-17, 01:44 PM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,489
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
Not every thread has to turn into one of the stale old debates we repeatedly beat like a horse corpse here on BF. People who do that are selfish and small-minded, and not at all interested in the poster ... they just want to be heard and acknowledged for Their opinion on some unrelated subject ... maybe not enough love and care as children, whatever.
Point is simple: steel is a valid frame material for bicycles. Most of its appeal (like those of other materials) is subjective---people who have ridden all kinds of bikes have all kinds of preferences.
Nothing wrong with suggesting a steel-framed option, but then appending the whole notion that steel is better is Not helpful to the OP or to the whole thread.
Let's for once, not make it about ourselves, but actually respond in a helpful way to the OP? For a change?
01-24-17, 01:48 PM
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,489
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
I absolutely agree about new aluminum being light-years better than old aluminum (I have one of each.) As for the best one for you? No idea.
CAAD12 105 Cannondale Bicycles
Cannondale CAAD8 105 review - BikeRadar USA
I personally liked the Giant Defy, which is now the Contend https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/contend-sl-disc-1
These range from about $1400 to $1700 but if you want 11-speed 105 and a new name-brand bike ... the Nashbar 105 linked above is carbon fiber so it might weigh a tiny bit less than these, but will be several hundred dollars cheaper.
CAAD12 105 Cannondale Bicycles
Cannondale CAAD8 105 review - BikeRadar USA
I personally liked the Giant Defy, which is now the Contend https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/contend-sl-disc-1
These range from about $1400 to $1700 but if you want 11-speed 105 and a new name-brand bike ... the Nashbar 105 linked above is carbon fiber so it might weigh a tiny bit less than these, but will be several hundred dollars cheaper.
01-24-17, 02:20 PM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hartford, CT
Posts: 152
Bikes: SuperSix, Nature Boy, Mattioli R1, Burley Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I understand fit is huge. I've got one shop pushing the 105 synapse as their preferred model, another a specialized tarmac, and another moving giant bikes. I've read good things about that nashbar bike as well as the kestrel carbon bike. Was really hoping for input from consumers and not a salesman.
I rode an aluminum Cannondale Synapse 105 for my first two seasons and loved it. Lightweight with 105 and an endurance geometry (more relaxed positioning than their Caad or Supersix models), this bike hit the perfect point between price and performance for me. I only got rid of it because my father wanted to try cycling again and I wanted to upgrade.
I recommend buying new from a shop for your first nice road bike, there's nothing like going to pick up a brand new bike!
01-24-17, 03:14 PM
#60
Senior Member
Yes. The CAAD12 105 is a great bike. I went from a 10 year old Trek Pilot to a CAAD12 last year and it changed my life. I'm 13% faster than I was on the old bike. Riding is much more comfortable. Ditch the stock Schwalbe Luganos for some Conti GPs. Mmmmmm. Joy is real.
01-24-17, 06:54 PM
#61
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Just left a lbs that put me on top of a Trek Madone. It checked all the boxes on my list but was a good bit more then I was trying to spend, but to be honest their road line up jumped from a $750 Claris equipped bike straight to the top shelf offerings. The madone felt like stepping into a tailored suit. Going to hit a few more stores this weekend and see what else is out there.
01-24-17, 07:37 PM
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,416
Bikes: 2019 Supersix Evo, 2002 Trek 2000
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times
in
32 Posts
Brand new Treks can be pricey (compared to equivalent offerings from other brands)
That being said, the Madone is a noice bike.
Try the Supersix.
That being said, the Madone is a noice bike.
Try the Supersix.
01-24-17, 08:12 PM
#63
Senior Member
Thread Starter
01-25-17, 09:19 AM
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 112
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Nashbar Carbon 105. I think it is great. Just under $1000, on sale. Which is every other week. I have zero complaints. Put about 750 miles on it in about 4 months.
I also have a 1985 Trek 400 steel frame. I think it's good also. After experiencing the Shimano 105, I have no desire to ride the Trek anymore. Just a personal preference. I do ride it occasionally, but it's not as enjoyable.
One thing to keep in mind with the Nashbar. It's very basic. No fancy paint. I don't care, but if you find yourself looking at bikes and thinking how cool they look or fancy or expensive, I don't get that feeling when I look at it. Some people like the plain look. Of course, when I'm riding it, I never look at it. I just like to ride it.
You might also get some people looking down on it because of the brand. I have. I could tell by the look on their face and their reaction. I don't care. They ride a more expensive bike than I do. Who cares.
One last time. Really like the Nashbar.
I also have a 1985 Trek 400 steel frame. I think it's good also. After experiencing the Shimano 105, I have no desire to ride the Trek anymore. Just a personal preference. I do ride it occasionally, but it's not as enjoyable.
One thing to keep in mind with the Nashbar. It's very basic. No fancy paint. I don't care, but if you find yourself looking at bikes and thinking how cool they look or fancy or expensive, I don't get that feeling when I look at it. Some people like the plain look. Of course, when I'm riding it, I never look at it. I just like to ride it.
You might also get some people looking down on it because of the brand. I have. I could tell by the look on their face and their reaction. I don't care. They ride a more expensive bike than I do. Who cares.
One last time. Really like the Nashbar.
01-25-17, 12:02 PM
#66
Upgrading my engine
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Alamogordo
Posts: 6,218
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Exactly what I am saying.
Not every thread has to turn into one of the stale old debates we repeatedly beat like a horse corpse here on BF. People who do that are selfish and small-minded, and not at all interested in the poster ... they just want to be heard and acknowledged for Their opinion on some unrelated subject ... maybe not enough love and care as children, whatever.
Point is simple: steel is a valid frame material for bicycles. Most of its appeal (like those of other materials) is subjective---people who have ridden all kinds of bikes have all kinds of preferences.
Nothing wrong with suggesting a steel-framed option, but then appending the whole notion that steel is better is Not helpful to the OP or to the whole thread.
Let's for once, not make it about ourselves, but actually respond in a helpful way to the OP? For a change?
Not every thread has to turn into one of the stale old debates we repeatedly beat like a horse corpse here on BF. People who do that are selfish and small-minded, and not at all interested in the poster ... they just want to be heard and acknowledged for Their opinion on some unrelated subject ... maybe not enough love and care as children, whatever.
Point is simple: steel is a valid frame material for bicycles. Most of its appeal (like those of other materials) is subjective---people who have ridden all kinds of bikes have all kinds of preferences.
Nothing wrong with suggesting a steel-framed option, but then appending the whole notion that steel is better is Not helpful to the OP or to the whole thread.
Let's for once, not make it about ourselves, but actually respond in a helpful way to the OP? For a change?
You're seeing something that isn't there.
01-25-17, 12:56 PM
#67
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have the Nashbar Carbon 105. I think it is great. Just under $1000, on sale. Which is every other week. I have zero complaints. Put about 750 miles on it in about 4 months.
I also have a 1985 Trek 400 steel frame. I think it's good also. After experiencing the Shimano 105, I have no desire to ride the Trek anymore. Just a personal preference. I do ride it occasionally, but it's not as enjoyable.
One thing to keep in mind with the Nashbar. It's very basic. No fancy paint. I don't care, but if you find yourself looking at bikes and thinking how cool they look or fancy or expensive, I don't get that feeling when I look at it. Some people like the plain look. Of course, when I'm riding it, I never look at it. I just like to ride it.
You might also get some people looking down on it because of the brand. I have. I could tell by the look on their face and their reaction. I don't care. They ride a more expensive bike than I do. Who cares.
One last time. Really like the Nashbar.
I also have a 1985 Trek 400 steel frame. I think it's good also. After experiencing the Shimano 105, I have no desire to ride the Trek anymore. Just a personal preference. I do ride it occasionally, but it's not as enjoyable.
One thing to keep in mind with the Nashbar. It's very basic. No fancy paint. I don't care, but if you find yourself looking at bikes and thinking how cool they look or fancy or expensive, I don't get that feeling when I look at it. Some people like the plain look. Of course, when I'm riding it, I never look at it. I just like to ride it.
You might also get some people looking down on it because of the brand. I have. I could tell by the look on their face and their reaction. I don't care. They ride a more expensive bike than I do. Who cares.
One last time. Really like the Nashbar.
01-25-17, 09:20 PM
#68
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well guys I appreciate all your help, but I just scored a complete 5800 groupset for 300 dollars I'm going to throw it at the cannondale. I have a few other goodies coming that should improve the ride. If I'm still dissatisfied with the bike after its overhaul I can move the modern goodies to a newer frame better suited to what I want to do. Honestly I didn't even want to look at my bike after riding the madone yesterday, but this kind of just fell in my lap so I figured why not.
01-25-17, 09:46 PM
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Western PDX
Posts: 210
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse, Focus Izalco, Focus Mares CX, BMC GF02, Giant VT3 MTB (upgraded), Felt Brougham SS
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 56 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well guys I appreciate all your help, but I just scored a complete 5800 groupset for 300 dollars I'm going to throw it at the cannondale. I have a few other goodies coming that should improve the ride. If I'm still dissatisfied with the bike after its overhaul I can move the modern goodies to a newer frame better suited to what I want to do. Honestly I didn't even want to look at my bike after riding the madone yesterday, but this kind of just fell in my lap so I figured why not.
01-25-17, 09:50 PM
#70
Senior Member
Thread Starter
That's great! I don't remember if you said you have worked on bikes before but it is a lot of fun and makes you appreciate what you have even more. It also can cause you to get the upgrade bug, before you know it you will be building new frames up with EU purchased groupsets :-)
Something. To be honest the build a bike had occurred to me. I'd get exactly what I wanted, but given the prices on the market I wasn't looking to come out ahead. This deal just literally came out of nowhere. I'll be posting pics on the c&v forum this weekend when I have everything together.
01-26-17, 08:42 AM
#74
Senior Member
1984 Trek 660 by joe jackson, on Flickr
01-26-17, 08:43 AM
#75
Senior Member
Thread Starter
If you wanted something more period correct, an older set of Mavic wheels (at least as early as the 2000s) will come with an 11 speed-capable freehub. I'm using a pair of 2004 (maybe 2005) Mavic Cosmos wheels on my Trek 660 with 105 5800. Not the most updated pic but one from right after I completed the initial build:
1984 Trek 660 by joe jackson, on Flickr
1984 Trek 660 by joe jackson, on Flickr