jaci

Hi ~ I'm fairly new, and I'm sooooooooo ready to get out and ride!

I've not owned a decent bike since high school (25 yrs. ago).

I've spend the last few weeks shopping and comparing. Started out with a $300 budget, quickly increased to $400, then learned the bike I wanted to order was unavail. (Bianchi Advantage - sold out at warehouse), sooooooo back to the drawing board I went.

Thought I might order Trek 7300, but the shop owner said he'd order in the Trek 1000c (comfort road bike) for me to "try" b4 firming up my decision.

It's a $650 bike, but by golly if I didn't just come into another $200 bucks. So maybe I'm "supposed" to get a better than a hybrid bike.

I am hoping I've got enough energy still left in me for longer distances. Since I plan to do some riding with a group, we're feeling I'd better at least look at this bike.

So lay it on me, everything you think I need to know about that Trek 1000c that isn't provided for in the Trek book. I absolutely cannot afford a penny more than $650, and if I'm going to go road bike it has to be "comfort."


Thanks!

chroot

The sad truth is that you really cannot get a decent road bike for less than about $500 (some would say $800, actually). Also, don't forget that comfortable cycling involves a lot more than just a comfortable bike -- jerseys, shorts, helmets, gloves, shoes, and clipless pedals go a LONG way to making the entire experience enjoyable. You'll need to factor some of those into your budget.

- Warren

nomo4me

I'm not a gal/chick, but I do ride a 2100c and couldn't have started out on a drop bar bike with the bar below the seat.
Having said that, Trek's "c" series represents some geometry and componentry decisions that can constrain your progress as you adance as a rider.

So, can you tell us why you are considering the "c" series?

johnny99

The cheapest road bikes from the major brands (Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc.) will be around $600. You may be able to spend a little less than that if you buy used or over the internet, but then you won't get the fitting service that a new bike shop provides. For beginners, fit is the most important feature of a new bike.

Your other option is a hybrid bike. These can be had for a couple of hundred dollars less than a road bike. If you plan on riding no more than 2 hours at a time, then a low end hybrid bike is fine. Once you start riding several hours at a time, the riding positions that a real road bike offers will be worth the money.

I agree with the previous poster that you do need to factor in the cost of accessories. A helmet and riding shorts are mandatory. Gloves and good shoes really help with comfort on longer rides.

jaci

I've got those other expenses covered.

Nickle and dime stuff here and there is fine; spending $650 here and there isn't fine.

Therefore, $650 is my limit for a bike; and as far as the other goes, I've already got most of the stuff I"ll need anyway.

AnthonyG

The Trek 1000c looks fine on paper but a quick question. What size are you getting and are you getting the WSD model or the regular model. There's different geometry and even a wheel size difference between some of them so if you can be more specific I can offer a better opinion.


EDIT: DOH!!--- OK it's a WSD bike but tell us what size and do you know if it's a 650c or 700c bike the dealer is getting in. In Australia the 45cm size has 700c wheels but the American/ Canadian site has the 45 cm frame with 650c wheels.
Regards, Anthony