lymansmtt

Looking for my first road bike. New to the sport and was wondering if anyone had any good advice for a great entry level bike. I have looked at the 2010 Trek 1.2 and it seemed like a great bike (Tiagra components, priced at $875). I have also looked at a 2010 Scott speedster s50 which felt like a good bike when I test drove it (Sora components, price at $625 on sale from $775). Any suggestion on other bikes or ideas about these two bike? I will not be racing more than likely with this bike, mostly will be used for recreation and fitness during college. We have a beautiful 38 mile bike trail (Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg MS) right next to my campus. Thank you

noise boy

Other brands at that price point include Cannondale 9-7 and Synapse, Felt Z100, Specialized Allez (can't remember which one). All are similar spec wise, Sora/Tiagra components, so it really boils down to which one feels best for you. Also figured I would post this before the BD crowd, and the "if it isn't 105 or better it isn't worth it" crowd show up. I have a Cannondale 9-7 it has Sora brifters and Tiagra derailleurs and have been totally happy with it. When I was shopping I rode a ton of different bikes at that price point, in the end they were all really similar, one of them will just "speak" to you when riding it, that is the one that is best for you.

wanlogan

Are you considering used bikes?

ptle

If you have a $1000 to spend you should be able to find a new bike with Sora/Tiagra (if not full Tiagra) components. Go to your local bike shops and try out some bikes. Whichever you like the most will be the best for you. Most bikes under that price range will be similar to each other.

Also the only Sora part on the S50 is the RD. Don't let that fool you. I would get at least a 9 speed bike, which means you'll want to stay away from 2300 parts.

The 1.2 is a decent bike. It looks good and has a compact or triple (I suggest the compact).

Also one last thing. You may want to save some money for bibs/jerseys and shoes/clipless pedals.

BikingGrad80

I'd go used if you can find one the right size or bikesdirect [yea I know but they have ultegra bikes with carbon stays for 1k]. I don't like sora/tiagra level components.

bismillah

Get a used bike with 105
Spend the rest on shoes, pedals, kit

tardman91

I got a 2010 Raleigh Sport that I'm really happy with. It was my first road bike. It retails for $630, but I got mine for $550. It's nothing super fancy (2300, which is similar to Sora), but it looks nice and in my opinion it's a great entry-level road bike. That would leave you with money for all the other things you'll need to get (shorts, jersey, helmet, bottles, cages, maybe clipless pedals and shoes, saddle bag with emergency tools, tubes, etc., etc.)
And according to Trek's website the 1.2 has Sora components. The 1.5 has Tiagra and costs $1099.

Cdy291

I don't know if they still do but holly crap Performance had some good deals on bikes around Memorial Day. A lot of them where cheaper in the store than on the web site.

jasandalb

+1 --- you can find good deals and CL or even ebay!

Menel

AL Frame.
Carbon Fork <- that's the big difference between the entry level 600-$900 bikes from what I've seen. Highly recommended, absorbs road vibrations.

If you can Tiagra shifters have better ergonomics... but functionally 2200/Sora level stuff will work well enough that you won't know the difference until you really get into cycling more, and see if your going to stick with it.

Trek 1.2 and Scott S50 are fine.

Save some money for helmet, shorts, clipless pedals and shoes.

joe_5700

I say go with used too. If you have to go new, take a look at the Jamis Ventura Sport. It's a lot of bike for the money (new).

agarose2000

I hate CL. Here in LA, it's a complete joke. I watched it for months, and saw nothing worthwhile my size. Add to that the flake factor of the seller, and it's a better deal (considering the time you save and the warrantee) to just LBS or BD it.

Don't believe the "105 or it's crap" component argument. Sora/2200 components (bottom-line intro road bike) even on a triple, shift cleanly and flawlessly when well adjusted. Even if the parts wear out faster, they'll last years for most new riders and even if you wear out a piece like the cassette, the replacements cost less than 1/2 of what 105/ultegra parts cost.

The main reason to go 105 up is if you know you're going to be interested in upgrading the components - 105-ultegra-Dura-Ace are interchangeable, whereas the Sora/2200 will not play with them.

105+ definitely shifts more crisply, and weighs a tiny amount less. But consider that you'll be paying $600 for that "crisper shifting" whereas you should have no problems, even against top-level competitive road racers with an intro road bike with Sora/2200. I rode my Giant Defy3 into the lead pack of 50+ competitive roadies a few weeks ago on a 50 mile fast ride and the components definitely are not limiting in any degree - in fact, nothing about that $695 Giant Defy3 bike is limiting. The engine accounts for 95-99% of your performance.

cyccommute 

Sorry but if lymansmtt doesn't seem to know that much about bikes. How is he supposed to know what a good used bike is? I know a lot about bikes...what to look for in a frame, what to look for in terms of frame damage, what would be needed to fixed, is broken or worn out and how to fix them...and I'm very leary about purchasing a used bike. I'd probably not do it unless the bike were really something special.

Sure you can get good deals used but you can also get good deals...and support...on new bikes. Stick with new, lymansmtt. At around $1000 you'll get a good bike that will last quite a while. Just ride whatever you can throw your leg over and pick the one with the best color. Everything else is going to be pretty much the same...including fit.

djlarroc

+1. That's where I would go for a newbie.

djlarroc

I agree 100%. I am one of the biggest bargain shoppers, and even I bought new for our 1st road bikes. Way too much junk on CL, and hard to understand what to look for when you are new to this. I know quite a bit about MTB, but didn't know too much about roads.

EKCooper

Just about anything listed in this is good for what you need. Test ride the bikes within your price range and buy the one that feels good and you fall in love with. Good luck!

mazdaspeed

I am admittedly biased towards vintage bikes but for that much money you can buy a steel racing bike with dura ace or record. If you aren't racing downtube shifters shouldn't be an issue and they are a lot easier to learn how to maintain. To put it into perspective nice older bikes often weigh under 22lbs which is probably even lighter than a new entry level aluminum bike.

PaulRivers

I don't agree (and I don't think most anyone else would either) - while the difference between Dura-Ace and 105 or Tiagra is negligible, the difference between having to reach down to the tube to shift and being able to keep your hands on the bars/brakes while shifting is huge. Downtube shifters are NOT the way to go for anyone who isn't already used to them.

Nothing wrong with a steel frame bike, nowadays they tend to be more expensive than aluminum.

mazdaspeed

I don't think the difference between tiagra and dura ace is negligible. That aside, my friend is a new cyclist and rides my old bike which is 7 speed dura ace with downtube shifters, and he is very happy with the setup. Dt shifters aren't for everyone but when you're talking about inexpensive bikes it's hard to beat the reliability and smooth shifting. I wouldn't advocate them for a criterium but for everything else I would take an older high end setup over a new entry level one, just like how I would buy an old m3 over a new civic. To each their own.

PaulRivers

1. Buying the right size frame is the #1, most important thing to do when buying a new bike. Don't buy a frame that "almost fits" because you "it's such a good deal" because it will result in much less comfortable riding and possibly repetitive injury. And you'll be slower. :-D Where I am, you can pay for a basic fit for like $35 that will tell you what size of bike to get. It's a little tricky from there because different geometry bikes are a little different from each other, but it gives you a good idea and usually it's right on for the brand the store sells. You can often pay for the fit, then if you buy a bike from that shop they'll credit you back the fee.

But I would suggest calling the shop, ask who does the fitting, then ask when they'll be there and schedule something if possible. I would do it before showing an interest in any particular bike, or you risk them telling you the fit is "fine" on a bike size that's not right, but is the bike they have in stock. There should be one or two people at the shop who can do the fit - "anyone can do it, stop in any time" can be a problem.

After the fit, they should give you a piece of paper or something with the bike size on it. If they don't, be sure to write it down. Be sure to write down the units - cm or inches (it's usually cm though). Also, take one of their bikes out for a test ride that's the size they suggested so you can get a feel for what the right size bike feels like.

2. Where are you going to be keeping this bike? You mention campus - are you going to be locking it up outside?

College campuses have developed a reputation for being bike theft magnets. Leaving something expensive-looking outside often results in it being stolen. Whatever you buy, you'll should have a decent ulock (like one from kryptonite on onguard, not from walmart) and probably a cable to secure your front wheel from being stolen as well.

There's more on the subject, but I don't want to write to much.

lymansmtt

Well thank you all. I actually went driving around today and came across another bike shop in town. They had a Specialized Allez Sport for 850 that I road and absolutely loved. It has so far been my favorite and will more than likely be mine after I save a little more money.

PaulRivers

Is it your size?

The Allez is a nice bike (like a lot of others, but you know :-)).

mtalinm

I got an '07 Specialized Roubaix on craigslist for $1000. the alternative was some sora/tiagra frankenbike

lymansmtt

O trust me I have already thought about leaving it outside or not. I have the luxury of having a big dorm room so I will be carrying it inside and keeping it in my room. This is too much money to risk having it stolen by a lousy college student who has nothing better to do with their time then stealing from other people. Thank you for the advice though.

lymansmtt

Yes it was my size and the guy the one at the shop had a compact crank but the guy there told me I would prob want just a standard crank based on what he could tell by looking at me. he said I looked as if I was already in good shape and strong enough to handle a standard and won't have to worry about free spinning down hills. I have grown up in sports so I should be in plenty shape for it.