Making my first road bike purchase
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Making my first road bike purchase
I'm finally going to make the plunge and I wanted to ask some of the experts their opinions on the 4 bikes I've narrowed it down to. I've riden all of the bikes below and they all fit me well. 2 are compact geometry, which fits me a little better than traditional since I'm pretty short with a long torsoe. I'm listing the 3 bikes below with the prices. Please let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.
2006 Giant TCR2 - demo bike for $950. I really like the 105 components and I've riden it quite a bit and I like the aggresive ride angle of the bike. The shop includes lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2005 Lemond Reno - $700. I like the feel of this bike as well, but I rather not drop down to Tiagra components. The shop is giving me a good deal since the bike has been sitting around for a while. The shop includes tuneups for free for only the first year of ownership.
2007 Trek 1500 - $990. I like the bike, but I'm not a big fan of the shop that sells them in my area. They haven't been the most friendly bunch. The shop does include lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2006 Schwinn Fastback Comp - The last time I was in my local Performance Bike shop, they had these marked down to $995. If I could talk them into honoring their 20% online coupon, I could get this bike for $796. The bike has good components, but I'm not very familiar with the quality of the Schwinn frames. Performance also includes free lifetime tuneups with all purchases at any Performance store.
Let me know what you think, I'm finally going to take the plunge this weekend. Right now I'm leaning towards the Giant. Thanks again!
2006 Giant TCR2 - demo bike for $950. I really like the 105 components and I've riden it quite a bit and I like the aggresive ride angle of the bike. The shop includes lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2005 Lemond Reno - $700. I like the feel of this bike as well, but I rather not drop down to Tiagra components. The shop is giving me a good deal since the bike has been sitting around for a while. The shop includes tuneups for free for only the first year of ownership.
2007 Trek 1500 - $990. I like the bike, but I'm not a big fan of the shop that sells them in my area. They haven't been the most friendly bunch. The shop does include lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2006 Schwinn Fastback Comp - The last time I was in my local Performance Bike shop, they had these marked down to $995. If I could talk them into honoring their 20% online coupon, I could get this bike for $796. The bike has good components, but I'm not very familiar with the quality of the Schwinn frames. Performance also includes free lifetime tuneups with all purchases at any Performance store.
Let me know what you think, I'm finally going to take the plunge this weekend. Right now I'm leaning towards the Giant. Thanks again!
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If you like the ride of the Giant the best, then go with that. A bike that's uncomfortable it one you won't ride.
There are plenty of people that will tell you the Tiagra components are just fine and you say you like the feel of the Lemond, too. You could use the $250 saved to get you some jerseys, shorts, bottles, pump, etc. Then, after riding that bike long enough to need upgrades, you'll know where you'll want to spend your money to get better components and which ones are just fine the way they are.
There are plenty of people that will tell you the Tiagra components are just fine and you say you like the feel of the Lemond, too. You could use the $250 saved to get you some jerseys, shorts, bottles, pump, etc. Then, after riding that bike long enough to need upgrades, you'll know where you'll want to spend your money to get better components and which ones are just fine the way they are.
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If you like the Giant the best, go for it. It's a nice bike that will last you a long time.
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Buy the one that fits you the best, from the shop that gives you the best service (especially in fitting). There is not much value difference between bikes in that price range. The main difference is how well it fits you.
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I'd go with the Giant or Trek.....although I'm a bit biased, since Treks happen to fit me well.
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Originally Posted by MikeSisk
I'm finally going to make the plunge and I wanted to ask some of the experts their opinions on the 4 bikes I've narrowed it down to. I've riden all of the bikes below and they all fit me well. 2 are compact geometry, which fits me a little better than traditional since I'm pretty short with a long torsoe. I'm listing the 3 bikes below with the prices. Please let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.
2006 Giant TCR2 - demo bike for $950. I really like the 105 components and I've riden it quite a bit and I like the aggresive ride angle of the bike. The shop includes lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2005 Lemond Reno - $700. I like the feel of this bike as well, but I rather not drop down to Tiagra components. The shop is giving me a good deal since the bike has been sitting around for a while. The shop includes tuneups for free for only the first year of ownership.
2007 Trek 1500 - $990. I like the bike, but I'm not a big fan of the shop that sells them in my area. They haven't been the most friendly bunch. The shop does include lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2006 Schwinn Fastback Comp - The last time I was in my local Performance Bike shop, they had these marked down to $995. If I could talk them into honoring their 20% online coupon, I could get this bike for $796. The bike has good components, but I'm not very familiar with the quality of the Schwinn frames. Performance also includes free lifetime tuneups with all purchases at any Performance store.
Let me know what you think, I'm finally going to take the plunge this weekend. Right now I'm leaning towards the Giant. Thanks again!
2006 Giant TCR2 - demo bike for $950. I really like the 105 components and I've riden it quite a bit and I like the aggresive ride angle of the bike. The shop includes lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2005 Lemond Reno - $700. I like the feel of this bike as well, but I rather not drop down to Tiagra components. The shop is giving me a good deal since the bike has been sitting around for a while. The shop includes tuneups for free for only the first year of ownership.
2007 Trek 1500 - $990. I like the bike, but I'm not a big fan of the shop that sells them in my area. They haven't been the most friendly bunch. The shop does include lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.
2006 Schwinn Fastback Comp - The last time I was in my local Performance Bike shop, they had these marked down to $995. If I could talk them into honoring their 20% online coupon, I could get this bike for $796. The bike has good components, but I'm not very familiar with the quality of the Schwinn frames. Performance also includes free lifetime tuneups with all purchases at any Performance store.
Let me know what you think, I'm finally going to take the plunge this weekend. Right now I'm leaning towards the Giant. Thanks again!
From what you have typed...it seems to me like the Giant is a no-brainer decision. Get it.