ccrnnr9

I am still pretty new to bikes in the sense that I am not familiar with what to look for. I have been to a lot of bike shops but this is useless when I am not sure what makes one bike better for me than another. I hear a lot of guys say "buy whatever fits you best" but I am confused as to what I should look for. I hear something different from every LBS so Im not sure what to buy. I currently ride an entry level sora bike and I want to spend enough that I am not just jumping one step above my current bike but still want to stay under my budget of around 1400$ for just the bike. I plan to buy some shimano pedals and some nice aero bars as well. Just as a note, this will be my first season racing for my college team and in the summer I plan to race for a team back home. I would like a bike that will be my all in one bike (workhouse, racing bike, etc)...I wish I could afford two bikes but Im a college student on a budget. Here are some questions I have some up with that I cant find answers to just by searching on the forums:

1. What is the difference between a normal double crank and compact crank?
2. Should I worry about the crank arm lengths or is that something that I wont have a choice on in my price range?
3. What main things should I look for when I hop on a bike for a test ride? Just because something is comfortable, does that mean it is the best fit for me?
4. How much should bike weight facor into my decision?
5. Should my priority be on the frame, wheels, shifters/dereilleurs, etc?
6. The bike that I am most interested in (Orbea Volatta) comes with Campy Mirage (9spd). Should having a 10spd be that much of a priority?
7. In my price range, are most of the bikes going to be of similar quality?

I know those are a lot of questions, but I really want this purchase to be made with no regrets. More than have people recomend bikes to look at (although that is very helpful), I would like to know what to look for. Any help would be appreciated!
~Nick

P.S. I do not want to buy a bike online unless there is a way for me to ride that particular make/model first.

ccrnnr9

anybody?

CPcyclist

The difference is in the number of teeth on the chain rings a "normal" is 53 tooth big ring and 39 tooth small ring the compact is 50 tooth big ring and 34 or 36 tooth small ring you gain an advantage for climbing without going to a triple.


you won't have a choice unless you are building the bike custom with a parts list you buy. The companies do a descent job in pairing the crank arm length to the frame size.


If the bike feels comfortable ask the guys at the shop if your position looks good on the bike or get a fit done before you start shopping. If the bike is not comfortable to start with it is not easy to make the bike comfortable latter.


Don't worry about weight to start with it is very likely the bikes in your given price range will be very close.


I would look a frame first and wheels second the rest of the parts a easy to upgrade down the line use them til they a worn out. The frame and wheels will make the most difference in the ride quality.


No the 9 vs 10 debate is one that is splitting hairs. And as for the Mirage groupo my first brifter bike was a 1994 Mirage 8spd group that was still going strong when I made the move to 10spd Chorus 2yrs ago.


For the most part Yes, but you will find some brands are a little better value. You will pay some for the name on the bike.


For the most part you should be able to find most of this using the search function though there are days that is doesn't work well and you need to try lots of Key words/combination, it is even harder when you don't know what something is called.

dekalbSTEEL

My initial reaction was: Does your college team have a coach? If so, He/She should be able to help you with a lot of this stuff. Good luck!

ccrnnr9

I appreciate the long response! That really helps! As for my college coach/advisor, yes he used to race for Jelly Belly and he is very knowledgebale. The only downside is that he admits that it has been a long time since he had to buy his own bike and beyond that he is not familiar with much of the componetry and bikes in my price range. Also, I think it is always good to get a wide range of opinions.
~Nick

badkarma

Does you college team have any sponsors? PSU's team is sponsored by Trek, so we can get sweet deals on Trek and Lemonds (pretty much wholesale). I think that's worth exploring. Good luck.

ccrnnr9

Just a note: Our college team just started this year. We arent even competing collegiately this year. We ride 7days/week but we do not have sponsors yet. The town my school is located in is really small and doesnt even have a bike shop.