Just to settle a noob's mind
12-22-06, 02:13 PM
#1
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Just to settle a noob's mind
As I'm poised to purchase my first road bike with the intention of getting into semi-serious riding, I need a general impression of mine confirmed.
I'm shopping within the $600-800 price point and the impression I get from trying out bikes and lurking around BF is that, really, there isn't a lot of difference in the quality of the bikes overall. Basically, just look for something that feels good and try to stay above the Sora level if possible. Is that basically "it" in a nutshell?
I'm shopping within the $600-800 price point and the impression I get from trying out bikes and lurking around BF is that, really, there isn't a lot of difference in the quality of the bikes overall. Basically, just look for something that feels good and try to stay above the Sora level if possible. Is that basically "it" in a nutshell?
12-22-06, 02:17 PM
#2
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You've learned well! 
Used bikes are also a great place to start. If you've got a fairly active local Craigslist, you can often find used 105 and up bikes for around $500.
Used bikes are also a great place to start. If you've got a fairly active local Craigslist, you can often find used 105 and up bikes for around $500.
12-22-06, 02:38 PM
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As long as you are buying a real brand (not Wal*Mart). ie. Trek, Specialized, Giant, LeMond, Bianchi, Etc. You are going to get pretty much the same thing for $700. Just a matter of fit and color.
Ride a bunch and pick the one that feels the best. Unless it's ugly as sin. In that case go with the second choice.
There is also a lot to be said (only if you know EXACTLY what size you need) for picking up a nicer bike used on eBay or Craigslist.
Ride a bunch and pick the one that feels the best. Unless it's ugly as sin. In that case go with the second choice.
There is also a lot to be said (only if you know EXACTLY what size you need) for picking up a nicer bike used on eBay or Craigslist.
12-22-06, 02:45 PM
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For your price range you can easily find a cool, lugged steel Italian bike that everyone will swoon over.
12-22-06, 03:06 PM
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Make sure to focus quite a bit of your searching time on finding the proper size frame for your needs. There are tons of on-line info regarding fit so do your homework before plunking down any cash.
12-22-06, 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by cydisc
I'm shopping within the $600-800 price point and the impression I get from trying out bikes and lurking around BF is that, really, there isn't a lot of difference in the quality of the bikes overall. Basically, just look for something that feels good and try to stay above the Sora level if possible. Is that basically "it" in a nutshell?
That's basically it. Also, if it looks cool, that's a plus.
12-22-06, 11:08 PM
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Craigslist is virtually non-existent here, at least as far as bikes are concerned. I'm lurking around eBay for bike models that I've ridden before.
12-23-06, 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by cydisc
Craigslist is virtually non-existent here, at least as far as bikes are concerned. I'm lurking around eBay for bike models that I've ridden before.
Other choices are the bigger online "wholesalers," like bd(dot)com or you could even check out Performance's brand of Scattante bikes. They also sell Schwinn & Iron Horse which also seem to be competitively priced in this range. Features you'd normally find on (new) higher priced bikes can be had by dealing with the high-volume retailers.
Best advice is to buy used if you can. I picked up my like-new '05 Felt F70 off of c'slist (here in So Cal) for almost 40% off MSRP. Definitely something to consider...
12-23-06, 09:50 AM
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Fit and budget are the biggies.
Find a bike that feels good when you sit on it and ride it. Unless it's unlimited, your budget will determine everything else.
For a new or relatively unexperienced buyer, you may have difficulty determining what's going to fit you well in the used or mail order market. Fit affects your comfort, efficiency, and performance every single minute that you're on the bike. Compared to fit, everything else pales in importance.
Find a bike that feels good when you sit on it and ride it. Unless it's unlimited, your budget will determine everything else.
For a new or relatively unexperienced buyer, you may have difficulty determining what's going to fit you well in the used or mail order market. Fit affects your comfort, efficiency, and performance every single minute that you're on the bike. Compared to fit, everything else pales in importance.
12-23-06, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by cydisc
Craigslist is virtually non-existent here, at least as far as bikes are concerned. I'm lurking around eBay for bike models that I've ridden before.
12-23-06, 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by cydisc
As I'm poised to purchase my first road bike with the intention of getting into semi-serious riding, I need a general impression of mine confirmed.
I'm shopping within the $600-800 price point and the impression I get from trying out bikes and lurking around BF is that, really, there isn't a lot of difference in the quality of the bikes overall. Basically, just look for something that feels good and try to stay above the Sora level if possible. Is that basically "it" in a nutshell?
I'm shopping within the $600-800 price point and the impression I get from trying out bikes and lurking around BF is that, really, there isn't a lot of difference in the quality of the bikes overall. Basically, just look for something that feels good and try to stay above the Sora level if possible. Is that basically "it" in a nutshell?
12-23-06, 11:51 AM
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Visit local bike shops and ask- especially ones with frequent groups rides. Often people get better bikes (especially around Christmas) and either trade them in (if possible) or let people know that they are selling. My LBS has various "For Sale" items on a bulletin board in the back (by the coffee and couch).
12-23-06, 02:48 PM
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The last week of December will have some really good deals on 2006 bikes. Spend some time visiting every good bike shop in your area. Make a list of the bikes in your price range. Get suggestions on what size bike to buy.
It is critical that your bike fit perfectly. Most new cyclists buy bikes that are too small, putting their hands three or four inches lower than the saddle. That results in pain in the hands, wrist, neck, and back. And it results in a bike hanging in the garage, covered with cobwebs.
In your price range, buying from the RIGHT bike shop is more important than which brand you buy. The right bike shop will make sure you buy the right size bike, will carefully assemble and tune your bike, and will tune and adjust it again in a month, after the cables have stretched a bit. That shop will take care of minor adjustments, and will also take care of you if you ever need warranty repairs.
It is critical that your bike fit perfectly. Most new cyclists buy bikes that are too small, putting their hands three or four inches lower than the saddle. That results in pain in the hands, wrist, neck, and back. And it results in a bike hanging in the garage, covered with cobwebs.
In your price range, buying from the RIGHT bike shop is more important than which brand you buy. The right bike shop will make sure you buy the right size bike, will carefully assemble and tune your bike, and will tune and adjust it again in a month, after the cables have stretched a bit. That shop will take care of minor adjustments, and will also take care of you if you ever need warranty repairs.
