kylecdavis

Hi,

I'm looking to get into road cycling and was hoping for some advice:

Info
-I will be using this bike to commute to work every day, as well as just getting aroudn the city. 3.5 miles to & from. I live in San Francisco, so it is fairly hilly.
-I'm competing in my first triathlon in July. Was hoping to use training for that as a way to springboard myself into riding regularly.
-6'4'', 210. Not sure if that should affect what frame i get (carbon? titanium?)
-Willing to spend between 1000-2000. (i guess i could be talked into more)
-Was looking at maybe something from bikesdirect.com for value, but second guessing based on shady business and my inexperience.
-Would love to get something that will last. I dont want to have to do maintenance or change up parts...would love it to be great "right out of the box."
-As mentioned, I live in the heart of SF...any advice on where to go for longer rides?

Thanks for reading! Really looking forward to getting into road biking.

-Kyle

kimconyc

Are you for real?

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/519385-what-s-up-all-these-noobies-persecuting-road-cycling-establishment.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/470422-introduction-road-cycling-forum.html (<-- this is one of the few stickied threads for chrissakes)

kylecdavis

Yep, for real. I just found some of the stickies a little overwhelming (especially how to buy a good bike). If your advice is to just go read through those then i shall do so.

Sorry for starting a new unnecessary thread.

Busta Quad

Also check out the commuter forum.

kylecdavis

Yes, in response to the first thread. Sometimes the injokes and starter info and everything is dizzying (not knowing what fred means, lbs, etc.)

I just wanted to be told what to do by someone with expertise. "ah ok, the bike is for commuting and a triathlon. you want to spend between 1000-2000. Buy this ______ bike. it's quality."

10 Wheels

Some to look at.

https://websterbicycle.com/itemlist.cfm?category=48

kimconyc

BF obligatory answer: CAAD9
My answer: CAAD9-5 or a Specialized Allez Sport

edit: 210 is not exactly a lightweight for cycling. Also why I think Al is better for you. the CF fork will help with the ride a bit. CF is overrated IMO (yes, one of my bikes is CF).

Reason(s): They are around the same price ($1300+/-), Aluminum frame, CF fork, 105 group. Upgradeable if you care to do this later on and if you actually manage to ride. This combo is way more than you need for a 3.5 mile commute and a triathlon (you will have to buy some clip-on aero bars later).

Also, if you end up like a lot of cyclists out there and never end up riding, these two bikes have relatively high resale value (unlike, say, a Colnago EPS with Campy Super Record 11, which is used) because they don't cost that much to begin with (max loss is $1300 as opposed to, say, $8K+) .

kylecdavis

Thank you very much kimconyc. I know it's hard to be nice to completely clueless noobs, but I really do appreciate it. I'll go to a bike shop this weekend and test each of them out...if you care I'll message you with which one I get.

Hopefully it leads to me getting into long rides. I've been a runner all my life...so simple! All you need is a pair of shoes. But I'm actually really excited about biking.

Thanks again.

kimconyc

-I live in San Francisco, so it is fairly hilly.
SF is not hilly

-Would love to get something that will last. I dont want to have to do maintenance or change up parts...would love it to be great "right out of the box."
See my recommendation for bikes and just get the one you think looks and feels better; otherwise you will not ride it. All bikes break down over time. It depends on how much you ride and how well you maintain it. Cycling takes away all of your free time. This is like golf, but worse...erm, better.

-As mentioned, I live in the heart of SF...any advice on where to go for longer rides?
Somewhere other than SF; here is a good place to start: https://www.bikeforums.net/northern-california/
20 miles might be considered a long ride right now depending on your fitness level. Probably the best way to learn to ride is to find a local club or group of riders and hang on for dear life. If you like climbing, you live near one of the biggest and tallest mountain ranges in the world

kylecdavis

haahha...ummmm. the stairs cut into my sidewalk outside my apartment beg to differ.

kylecdavis

ahha woww. this is awesome. thanks!

Stevestrat

Kyle,
You two had a rough start but I think your charm is getting to Kim. ; )

roadiejorge 

Best bet is to go to a few bike shops and try out the bikes you like, the staff will be helpful I'm sure. The Bay Area is a great place to ride so get a bike and enjoy!

Nbob

At 210 I'd stay away from CF - in your price range anyway. Over 185-190 you start to lose the advantages CF has over Al ( mostly compliance -i.e shock absorbing ). Some of the higher end builders offer a "heavy layup" but they usually cost more than what you're willing to spend.

I bet if you visit a few bike shops a CF bike that costs around the same as an Al bike will have lower end components than the Al. It costs more to do CF than Al frames so to keep the costs in range they use cheaper groupset or wheels , etc. So if there really isn't any advantage to the CF go for the better parts.

Randochap

Go to a reputable LBS and explain your needs -- which are by the way from one end of the spectrum to the other. Sounds like you need a used/cheap commuter and something else for the road.

Check out the different areas of VeloWeb.

thirdin77

• When you commute, will you leave the bike locked up outside? For how long? The duration of your work day?
• At your weight, I'd go with an aluminum or steel bike, for strength. You may also want to get a bike with more-conventional 32-spoke wheels than the wheelsets with fewer spokes as the former or usually stronger.
• Since you're new at this, try not to spend more than $2k or, better, no more than $1500 on your first road bike because the fit, componentry or other aspects of the bike might no longer suit you after you've been riding for a while.
• Skip bikes direct, go to a shop with salespeople you feel you can trust and, after you tell them what you want, let them give you some advice.
• You'll have to do maintenance, at least cleaning as a regular chore. No one likes it but it has to be done. Do you have access to a yard, preferably with a garden hose?

You seem enthusiastic about getting into road riding and that's a good thing, just slow down a little so you can make an informed decision.

Kuma

This is all good advice, but particularly the bold part. Bikes Direct may have its place for people who know exactly what they want and can put it together themselves, but if you're a total blue noob, you need to go to an LBS and get some advice on your specific situation from someone who knows. As others have mentioned, the Bay Area is fantastic for cycling. Some of you Bay Area folks please chime in and give the OP some good shop recommendations. (You may also be able to find some info on this using the search function.)

As for what bike to buy, there are definitely differences at the margins, but all of the major manufacturers make fine products in the range you're looking at. I'd present yourself at your chosen shop (or even try a few that carry different product lines), tell them what you told us above, test ride a few, and pick the one that feels best. ("Feel" is by far the most important variable, by the way (though cost is pretty important). As kimconyc suggested, if you like the way the bike feels, you'll find yourself making excuses to go riding. If you don't, you'll find yourself making excuses NOT to go riding.)

One more point. Many shops offer a professional fitting service for a fee (~$100), that they'll often credit if you buy a bike from them. There are differing schools of thought on whether this is a good idea. Some say if you're normally proportioned you don't need it, since the bike manufacturers base their sizing off "normal" people's bodies. The other side is that this can be a beneficial service, because it helps you know the bike is set up for you properly, which will lead to comfort and more willingness to ride. I tend to think it is worth it, particularly if the shop will credit you and if you're pretty confident you like the bike you're looking at.

Good luck, and have fun.