Diamond Dave

I think I’m starting to get this thing figured out a little bit. I’m going to buy a road bike. I have 2K for the bike, that’s all I want to spend right now. Just like most people I want to get as much bike as I can for the money. You guys have already giving me some great advice, thanks. I’m thinking out load so please tell me if I’ve got this right.

I have to get a frame that’s going to be the right size for me. I’m 6ft tall.
So I’m thinking get a better frame and up grade components later. I mean doesn’t it make the best sense to get a real good frame and build off that than, get an entry level or lower quality frame with great components right? Second question. I’m really liking the carbon fiber frames, it’s all about the weight right? So are there companies making carbon fiber frames that are not as good as the alloy frames or have a lower quality that other carbon fiber frames or, is all just personal preference.

Go as light as you can right? I’m going to get all of the measurements so I know exactly what size frame I need, then it will be a matter of finding one I want for the right price new or used. Thanks,

Dave.

mrvrsick

The bug bites hard sometimes, and you find yourself "upgrading" more than you thought... Unless, like you said, you get the frame out of the way first ;]

blamire

carbon is about weight, stiffness and comfort. there is such a thing as lesser quality carbon ie TCT carbon on the madones 4.5 and 4.7 is much heavier than the OCLV carbon used on the rest of them.

Carbon Unit

Not all carbon manufacturers are created equal either. There are a lot of ways of building a carbon fiber bike and the various ways have their advantages and disadvantages.

Here are a couple of links that will explain the different ways of building a carbon fiber bike and the different grades of carbon used to build them.

https://www.calfeedesign.com/GradesofCarbon.htm

https://www.calfeedesign.com/whitepaper1.htm

https://www.calfeedesign.com/whitepaper9.htm

kwrides

Wow, you can actually "think" one out? You're good.

f4rrest

That was a load of think.

Diamond Dave

It’s a gift.

clausen

For 2k you can get a nice bike with good components. Don't worry about frame material there all worthy or they wouldn't have been used in the first place. Try a few bikes and buy the one you like.

Also if your new to cycling you will need the proper apparel. That can cost quite a bit.

dwr1961

Well...

Pricing for the components as part of a complete bicycle vs. the cost of paying for them individually (as you upgrade) are in two different universes... When you buy a new "complete" bike you are getting a much better deal than if you were to buy that same frame and components separately --- So much so that folks around here will sometimes buy a complete "donor bike" from a discounter like bikesdirect.com, simply to strip its parts and build up a frame they purchased elsewhere.

You can do that too, but the best deal is often just to buy the complete bike you enjoy the most... At 2-Grand you are getting into the "really nice" range of road bikes. You won't get anything that will win the TdF, but your new steed will be 90% of the way there... Somewhere close to your price piont you get into the realm of diminishing returns.

I also can't emphasize enough that you need to get out and ride as many different bikes as possible. Aluminum, carbon, steel, titanium... Get a practical "seat of the pants" feel. You won't get this from reading a magazine or even listening to all of us talk about our own machines. That education will be priceless. Some AL frames ride very nice, some C frames ride like lumber... You'd never know this by the advertising nowadays.

I wish you well in your search... We Bike Forum members would love to share vicariously in the thrill of your hunt, so let us know what you decide!

Diamond Dave

Thanks I will, keep the good advice coming.

Dave