finsfree

Hello,

I'm new at this sport and I need a good road bike to fit my needs. I am 29 years old 6'1" and weigh 185lbs. I am very athletic so I know I will catch on quick to riding a road bike.

What are the brands and specs I should be looking for? I was told by a bike sales man that I needed a 58cm frame.

I am mainly going to be doing group rides in the morning hosted by the local bike shops. I want to stick with aluminum because it's cheaper. I am probably going to buy used. I want to keep the price under $400.00 to $500.00.

Thank you for your help!

estabro

If you think you will turn a hobby into an addiction, then you should probably spend a bit more than $400. It will save you in the long run.

ch3n207

You should higher your price range because your going to just end up buying another bike because the one you bought is complete crap. You'll realize it sooner or later. Look at the CAAD9'S.

finsfree

Ok thanks. Good stuff guys.

Anything as far as brands...?

Kurt Erlenbach

You'd be amazed at the difference between a $400 used bike and a $750 bike. Go for the better bike. You will not be disappointed.

Brands really don't matter much at that range. Trek, Colagno, Cannnondale, Jamis, and others all make good bikes you can get in that range.

hendrick81

Check out the caad9 6.

10 Wheels

Might work.

https://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/bik/1424355513.html

Kurt Erlenbach

You've got to be kidding.

10 Wheels

Bought my first road bike for $15 from Craigslist.



Why would I kid.

finsfree

That CAAD9 6 is a very nice bike. What is your take on the CAAD9 7 though?

hendrick81

Spend the extra $100 on the 6...

hendrick81

You dont want sora.........................

agarose2000

Sora's 100% fine.

dmann

Tiagra/105 minimum......

finsfree

Hey, I got a guy that is trying to sell me a Cannondale 400 road bike. What year is the 400 series? He is waiting for some parts to come in for the bike and then wants to sell it for $375.00.



Any thought on this one?

agarose2000

Just buy a Giant Defy 3 at your LBS. It'll cost you $700ish. No, it doesn't have Tiagra+ components, but the Sora it runs will work perfectly fine. It's a light bike, looks killer with a true racing-grade frame, and you'll also get the LBS support by buying it at your LBS. Might have to spend another $100 for clipless pedals+shoes, but after that, the only reason you'd need to upgrade would be for bling and luxury. Keep in mind that bike performance is 98% rider and 1-2% bike for road bikes. I think it's worth the convenience of a newer bike with LBS support since parts and repairs will be much easier and infrequent, but if you have the time to pick a Craigslist bike that fits (important), you should be good. (CL deals suck in my neck of the woods - all the good ones picked off by pro Ebay resellers)

Dilberto

My 2009 CAAD 9/7 was $930 out the door. I sold EVERYTHING except the stock stem...and still netted almost $500, which made my bike a steal. I was able to build a sub-17 pound bike for all under $1400...and now, I'm hopelessly HOOKED:

Psimet2001 

The best bike for someone starting is the one that fits and that makes them feel like they want to ride every time they look at it.

That is all.

The rest is details.