Arrak

I am looking to get into cycling and looking to get a road bike for training/fitness. I'm looking to spend about $1200 and would like any recommendations on brands/models in that price range that you would recommend.

EventServices

Here's my rec for a first road bike: Bianchi Axis.
Technically, it's a cyclo-cross bike which means it's designed more for off-road use. But if you buy an extra set of wheels with road tires on them, you will have one of the more able bikes around with the flexibility to ride single track, rail-trails, and on-road. And it's only $1300 or thereabouts.

You'll find you'll have MANY more places you can ride it. And I am amazed at how numble the bike is with road tires.

The frame is sound, and as you get more sophisticated, you can upgrade the equipment on it as you go. The first thing I did was swap out the triple chainring for a lighter double. That's all I've done to it so far.

History: I've been riding seriously since 1980. This one bike replaced about 3 others that were hanging in my garage.



Trust me, this bike is a well-kept secret because most people shy away from Cyclocross bikes.

55/Rad

To continue with EventServices fine recommendation - a Lemond Poprad is also a good Cyclocross option at a slightly lower cost.

MichaelW

For competative cycling you need a race bike.
If you are considering commuting or light touring as well as fitness, then the capacity for wider tyres, lower gears, rack and fenders is useful. You dont need to go to a full expedition touring bike though.
CX style is good for all round riding on road and trail, light touring/commuting and fitness.
Jamis is a good brand in your price range.

bccycleguy

For 5 years I used a Trek 7500FX (sloping Al frame, Co-Mo fork; bought the frame and built it up with a Deore triple 54-42-32, LX brakes & brifters, XT F & R derailleurs) with 2 wheel sets: Rolf Vector's for roads and Mavic 317's with Deore hubs for loaded touring, easy single track, rails-to-roads rides, etc. It's a great bike and I've had a lot of fun riding it, and still do.

The point being that there are many general purpose bikes out there that can be adapted to most riding situations, esp. if the object is to have fun riding while on a limited budget.

You'll know when it's the right bike because it'll talk to you. My Trek says "Go, Go", while my Lemond Sarthe (it's a female in a black evening gown) says "Ride Me, Ride me".

bing181

All fine suggestions.

And for mine ...

Get one that fits. They're not all the same.

B

johnny99

Definately true. In your price range, there is not going to be much performance difference among similarly priced bikes with similar geometries. Figure out what bike's geometry and size fits you (and your riding style) the best and buy that one.

SpongeDad

+1 on the cyclocross or CX recommendations. I have a Trek 1500, which is a fine road bike within your price range, but now that I have another road bike I can't help but wish that I'd bought a CX bike. Other examples include Trek X0-1 and the Kona Jake the Snake (you'd have to shop a bit on those to get a good price).

Also, while I think it's a great idea if you can afford it, you don't need two sets of wheels. You can just swap the tires. You'd use something like 32 mm slightly knobby tires for for rough or muddy trails and smooth 23 - 25 mm tires for the road. 28mm tires might be nice for packed gravel - you'll have to figure out what's best for you.)

thebankman

the lemond croix de fer is 1200 which has good components and frame, as are several of the trek aluminum bikes

bkrownd

Go to bike shops. Test ride many things. Buy what fits best. $1200 will buy a lot of bike. Don't spend too much on a first bike, because if you like it you'll just be getting another one eventually. If not, less money wasted. Sora parts are just fine. The real questions will be what kind of frame/fork materials you want, flat vs. drop bars, gear range, etc, which are all very personal decisions. You can get a nice starter bike like a Jamis Satellite for a lot less than $1200.

msheron

If you want a performance based bike with relaxed riding then get either a Giant which is the OCR I think or a Trek Pilot series. If you want more serious road racing then someone else here can help. I ride the Pilot series because it still can be a performance bike but let's the back have a little break on the long rides with the more upright seating.

Alphonso

Test ride various bikes then decide what you like, not what other people say they like. You will get a thousand different opinons.

onRoffR

cannondale R700 lists for 1249 and is a lot of bike for the buck. It has the shimano 550 wheels and 105 derailers and 105 9 speed cogs tru vativ crank double or triple. Caad 8 optimo frame probably weighs close to 19 lbs. this is more of a race geometry frame of course you would want to try one out.but it's a good starting point.

Mariner Fan

Check this out! Ibex ultegra bike for under a grand. https://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/APR-6500-Details.html