First time buyer looking for advice
09-28-05, 08:30 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First time buyer looking for advice
Hi everyone,
For starters, I just wanted to say hi. This is my first post here on your forums, and after hunting around for awhile on the internet for good information on cycling this place was way beyond anything else I came across as far as real useful information goes. Basically I'm looking for some feedback on the Cannondale Sport Road series, but let me give you some information about how I hope to be using it first.
First of all, I'm in decent shape (off and on martial artist) but I want something to increase my general fitness and endurance, so I decided that I would look into something that I can use to commute to work (about 6-8 miles each way, depending on where I'm coming from.) I also want something that I can use outside of the commute to work on endurance, and have a fun, fast ride. I currently have a lovely stretch of road with no stoplights and very wide shoulders that heads about 5 miles towards my work, and then 2 miles along a busy road that I probably will end up riding on sidewalks for the duration of. In the future, however (since I'm moving), I will have only a 6 mile straight shot along the busy road (or sidewalk). So, I'm trying to find something that will fit both my purposes without sacrificing too many "road bike" aspects and will still survive the slightly higher abuse of sidewalk riding. Also, since it's my first "real" bike, I don't want to break the bank, and so I was considering the 2006 sport road 500. Lastly, I have a friend who's got a serious road bike (alas, I don't know what type) and does triathalon training and the like whom I'd like to be able to ride with and not slow down TOO much
We have an amazing bike shop right near me (bikesportmichigan) that has already taken all the measurements for me and I got to speak for about an hour with someone who was willing to answer all kinds of questions for me to help relieve a little bit of my ignorance, and he indicated that the size X frame for CAAD5 matched my dimensions very well (my legs are pretty long compared to my torso) and we talked a bit about the advantages and disadvantage of of the drop bar handles, which I'm kind of leaning towards (rather than the otherwise similar Road Warrior 500.)
Anyway, I'd be interested in any feedback on the Sport Road 500 in particular, any suggestions for worthwhile upgrades (sport road 800? some other series all together?) or cheaper models that would accomplish the same thing. Does anyone have experience with the 500 that they'd care to share?
Thanks a bunch,
Alex
For starters, I just wanted to say hi. This is my first post here on your forums, and after hunting around for awhile on the internet for good information on cycling this place was way beyond anything else I came across as far as real useful information goes. Basically I'm looking for some feedback on the Cannondale Sport Road series, but let me give you some information about how I hope to be using it first.
First of all, I'm in decent shape (off and on martial artist) but I want something to increase my general fitness and endurance, so I decided that I would look into something that I can use to commute to work (about 6-8 miles each way, depending on where I'm coming from.) I also want something that I can use outside of the commute to work on endurance, and have a fun, fast ride. I currently have a lovely stretch of road with no stoplights and very wide shoulders that heads about 5 miles towards my work, and then 2 miles along a busy road that I probably will end up riding on sidewalks for the duration of. In the future, however (since I'm moving), I will have only a 6 mile straight shot along the busy road (or sidewalk). So, I'm trying to find something that will fit both my purposes without sacrificing too many "road bike" aspects and will still survive the slightly higher abuse of sidewalk riding. Also, since it's my first "real" bike, I don't want to break the bank, and so I was considering the 2006 sport road 500. Lastly, I have a friend who's got a serious road bike (alas, I don't know what type) and does triathalon training and the like whom I'd like to be able to ride with and not slow down TOO much
We have an amazing bike shop right near me (bikesportmichigan) that has already taken all the measurements for me and I got to speak for about an hour with someone who was willing to answer all kinds of questions for me to help relieve a little bit of my ignorance, and he indicated that the size X frame for CAAD5 matched my dimensions very well (my legs are pretty long compared to my torso) and we talked a bit about the advantages and disadvantage of of the drop bar handles, which I'm kind of leaning towards (rather than the otherwise similar Road Warrior 500.)
Anyway, I'd be interested in any feedback on the Sport Road 500 in particular, any suggestions for worthwhile upgrades (sport road 800? some other series all together?) or cheaper models that would accomplish the same thing. Does anyone have experience with the 500 that they'd care to share?
Thanks a bunch,
Alex
09-28-05, 11:08 AM
#2
Gambe di sparviero
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 119
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi, and welcome. I'm a recent forum member myself. I can offer you my advice, but it's based on experience and preference, and not any special expertise. For what it's worth:
First, I'd go for a road bike with drop bars. Drop bars offer you at least 5 different hand/arm positions, and you'll appreciate that variety over time (and even over the 6-8 miles you anticipate commuting). Flat bars, two, maybe three if you get moutain bike style bar end extenders.
Second, stay off the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, roads are for bicyclists (and, alas, motorists). Even if you're vigilant about shouting "on your left" as you approach, there's no telling what they might do (think, squirrel), and if they jump into you, it's collision time. That, or you're forced onto the road whether you want to be there or not. (I don't know about your local ordinances, but it's quite possible that it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk. Regardless, I think it's a bad idea.
Finally: it sounds like you've found a decent shop that's listening to you and helping with your decision-making process, rather than forcing a sale on you. I'd keep listening to them, too.
David
First, I'd go for a road bike with drop bars. Drop bars offer you at least 5 different hand/arm positions, and you'll appreciate that variety over time (and even over the 6-8 miles you anticipate commuting). Flat bars, two, maybe three if you get moutain bike style bar end extenders.
Second, stay off the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, roads are for bicyclists (and, alas, motorists). Even if you're vigilant about shouting "on your left" as you approach, there's no telling what they might do (think, squirrel), and if they jump into you, it's collision time. That, or you're forced onto the road whether you want to be there or not. (I don't know about your local ordinances, but it's quite possible that it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk. Regardless, I think it's a bad idea.
Finally: it sounds like you've found a decent shop that's listening to you and helping with your decision-making process, rather than forcing a sale on you. I'd keep listening to them, too.
David
