ajptexas

So I am looking to get started road biking having never attempted the sport before. I have to admit, I was a little surprised at how expensive road bikes are to get into. Once I begun my initial research I soon discovered that it would take at least $650 to get a LBS quality bike. I also must admit that I considered getting a cheap Xmart bike just to see if I would even like it. I am fairly confident that I will enjoy the sport and could definitely benefit greatly from the exercise. To make sure I don't post a novel for my first post, I will try get to the point.

I have test rode about 3 different bikes and am hoping to test a few more. The first LBS I visited is very very close to my house. This particular bike shop carries Giant and Bianchi brand bikes. One of the things I learned from this first visit is that bike shops in my area try not to carry the same bikes. As they told me, it is kinda like car dealerships. Considering this was my first visit, and I was not dressed correctly, I did not test a Giant, but this is where I realized that something like the Giant OCR3 at about $650 would be the cheapest I could get out of my neighborhood LBS with a bike. This bike shop informed me that they included unlimited maintenace during the first year.

The second bike shop I visited is a bit of a drive away from my house, but this time I was ready to try a couple of bikes out. This particular shop carried Specialized and Trek. I rode the base model Specialized Allez. I really liked this bike, and it felt pretty comfotable. The conversation then went to 2006 vs 2007 when he informed me that there really is not a big sale to get previous models cheaper. According to him, once the 2006's sell out is when they bring in 2007's at basically the same price. He showed me the 2007 Allez Elite. He really bagan to sell me on this particular bike when he informed me of all the features that were available on this bike that were only available on more expensive models during 2006. Here is where my greeness will show as I am not sure the proper terminology for this stuff. Things like the rear part of the frame being carbon, the crank where the pedals attach to the frame has external components instead of them being internal, the gel inserts that absorb vibrations, and the upgraded components, namely the Tiagra shifters and I think it was Tiagra 10 speed. I must admit, I really like those style shifters over the Sora type. When I rode this bike compared to the base model I really could feel a difference. One other thing to note is that this shop only includes 2 full tune-ups with a purchase.

The final store I visited is more a of large chain sporting goods store that was having a model year clearance sale. This store carries Scott and a Marin. I test rode a Scott S40. This bike apparenly normally sells for like $900, but was marked down by about $150 down to $749. This bike needed to be adjusted as it did not shift well and the ride was definitley rougher that the Allez Elite. This particular shop is the furthest away from my house, but they include lifetime adjustments for free.

Now here is where I need help. I have looked online and it does not appear that other manufatureres like Trek or Giant will have the same features as the Specialized at the $1100 price point. Can someone tell me if they make that big of a difference. I really like the fact that the Allez Elite has a carbon back end. I forgot to mention that obviosuly I am considering uping the budget because I like this bike so much.

One thing to make known, is what I want the bike for. I hope to make it a goal to ride an MS150 event, and hopefully I am not being to optimistic is tying to do this within a year. Time will tell.

Here is where I will rattle of my questions.

How much should I factor in location and service into the equation?

Should I get the more expensive bike if I truly feel that I will acomplish my goal?

Should I consider a Giant bike, either at the $650 range or get up to the same $1100 range, because of the location of the bike shop?

How much adjustment could a bike need in the first year?

Can I negotiate the $1100 price of the Allez Elite with the store?

Sorry for the novel.
Please help.

Sage23

The first thing you need to do is to go try the Giant. Plenty of people are happy with the OCR series. Ultimately, you'll want to get the bike that you feel most comfortable on.

As for some of the other issues, in the first year you'll need an adjustment because the brake/shifting cables will stretch, and wheels may go out of true. But, a good off-season overhall does not usually cost that much anyway so I wouldn't worry about that aspect of the shops. Don't worry too much about the location of the shop. If the shops in your area are that segmented by brand, then pick the bike you like.

The Allez Elite is a nice bike. However, if you're willing to up your budget to that range, there are plenty of bikes that will also be very nice. As for the price, you won't get too far on the 2007 models since they just came out. However, most LBS are trying to move the 2006 stuff, so there's some room there (the ones here are). The Scott is a nice bike (considering an S30 myself) but the lack of replaceable derailer hanger has me concerned. If you crash, you won't want to bend it back too much. I'm not sure what your conversation was like with the LBS that sells the sepcialized, but I'd be concered that he's trying to push you into something that you may not need.

One thought I have for your purpose is to look at the "comfort" style bikes such as the Specialized Roubaix, Trek Pilot, etc. You may find the slightly more upright position more comfortable for longer rides.

As for price, you certainly get some better features as you go up. Carbon seat stays will take some of the vibration out of the ride, external bearings in the bottom bracket will make the bike feel a little stiffer when you pedal hard, the higher quality componets will perform better. Whether you can tell the difference will determine whether its worth the extra cost.

the beef

Most LBSes should offer a pretty nice 06 discount. And even if they say they don't, it's never bad to put a little pressure on them and ask them to cut you a deal on last year's model. I mean, hey. It's been sitting on their showroom for almost a year.

I really wish I could go down to wherever you are and walk ya through the bike buying process. When I first bought a bike I didn't know to ask for a fitting or to bargain at all. I ended up with a lousy deal on a bike that kept needing repairs and to top it off, didn't fit. Overall, I realized I was intimidated and really eager to go home with a bike as well. I won't make that mistake again.

The OCR3 is a solid, solid ride. However, it's still got Sora stuff, and generally you won't like it (I didn't). For like a hundred bucks more you can get the OCR2 which has 9-speed Tiagra/105 (higher-end components). That's a bike I could see you pretty much riding on for the next five years, assuming you don't catch the upgrade bug like half the people on these boards and suddenly realize you 'need' a $3000 Trek Madone or something in a month or two.

Service and location isn't too important. At first I bought my bike from a store 20 miles away and eventually I got tired of their crappy service and attitude (despite 'free tuneup' offers) and took my business to a much cooler and less expensive LBS closer to my home. As a newcomer, you ought to take your repairs and needs to all different shops to get an idea of good service. I made the mistake of trying to 'build a bond' with my first and for a while only LBS; I had no idea until later that they were ripping me off daily and probably laughing about it.

Overall: less focus on the shop, more on the bike. Always try and talk them down on last-year's models. Don't rush things, and we're always here to help - don't let them rattle off a bunch of technical bs and get you to buy a bike you don't really need. Test ride a lot, get a bike that FITS properly, and in the end buy the one that you like the most!

Good luck, have fun.

Cheers
Will

Viceroy

True. My bike came with one year of free tuneups, but so far I just needed what they call a NBC - a new bike check. The cables stretched so the shifting was really bad, but they just gave it a quick tune-up. Haven't needed to go in again so far.

ajptexas

Thanks for the advice guys. Hoping to test ride a few more bikes this weekend. I read CReed's post "Confessions of a Road Bike Noob" and am feeling even more optimistic. Having done so much research and reading, I hope I find "the one" soon, as I am getting anxious to get on the road.

mbaglio

My entry level road bike search has landed me at the same bike as your search, 2007 Specialized Allez Elite. Did you ultimately decide to buy this bike? I was almost ready to buy the Trek 1500 until I saw and tested the Specialized. The Specialized seems like a much more comfortable fit. I like it's rear carbon stays w/ zertz inserts. Given I have some early spinal issues, I am guessing this bike is going to be a little more forgiving than the Trek with aluminum rears. Although, the 2007 Specialized has inferior wheels and shifters/drivetrain (Tiagra), I believe I will enjoy its frame more than the similarly priced Trek. The Specialized is selling at my LBS for $1050.

Any additional input before I make my final purchase would be greatly appreciated?

bbtm

I am also debating between the Trek 1500 and the 07 Allez Elite Double.

mbaglio

I can't speak to the Trek 1500 since I went with the 07 Allez Elite. I've been on it a few times now and I am very pleased. It is quick, responsive and comfortable. It makes me want to go out and ride. The snow finally stopped flying in Pittsburgh, so I look forward to riding it often.

johnny99

The major brands all offer similar values in the lower price ranges. The most important feature of a bike is how well it fits you. You should test ride a bunch of bikes to try to figure out what geometry suits you (taller or shorter head tube, longer or shorter top tube, etc.). A good shop will help you with the sizing and fitting process. Note that racing-style bikes with longer, lower front ends can be uncomfortable if your fitness is not great. Most of the bike companies also make more upright road bikes for less athletic cyclists.

huerro

When you are thinking about the bike and your budget, you will also want to consider the "extras" you will need/want. A helmet, couple of pairs of shorts, a jersey or two, rack for the car, and some cycling shoes, maybe even a new saddle will add a lot to the cost of starting to cycle (and if you plan on doing the MS150 you will deifnitely want most if not all of these things).

I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a better bike if you want. Obviously the bike is the most important piece of the puzzle, but these things are important as well and you might not be thinking about them (I know I wasn't when I bought my bike). Also, PM me if you want some great suggestions for customer service in the area and don't mind coming down the road a few miles.

See you on the road!

Cromulent

The Specialized Allez and the Allez Elite will get you through the MS150 and just about any other ride you want to do. They're nice bikes for a decent price. But there are lots of bikes at that price point that have similar features and you should try as many as you can. I didn't like the Sora shifters so I went with the Elite.

Get the best bike you can afford and still have a little left over for the extras - helmet, tools, waterbottle cages, waterbottles, tire patch kit, spare tubes, pump (floor and frame), clothes, shoes, clipless pedals, etc. You don't need most of these things to go out and ride right away. You might never want clipless pedals and bike shoes. That depends on you. And you can easily spend a ton of money on this stuff, but it's still cheaper than golfing. You don't have to pay $50 every time you want to go ride your bike.

Is that sales guy trying to upsell you? Of course. Do you need a Zertz inserts? I dunno. A lot about cycling is about want rather than need. And want becomes need in rather creative ways. But that can be said about anything.

If you're set on the Specialized, I'd get the Elite.

When you're in the store, ask questions, ask a lot of questions, ask stupid questions, ask smart questions. That's the way to learn. In my opinion, it's important to feel comfortable in a shop. My LBS just had a bike fashion show with free food and drinks and 20% all clothing. Why? To sell clothing of course, and to create a community of customers who want to be there and hang out. They stand behind the work they do and the stuff they sell. It's a great place. A good shop, in general, will be happy to answer all your questions and spend time with you.

This is a fun process, enjoy it. And I hope you find a bike you love and ride the heck out of it.