AZVOLSFAN

I have been to all the LBS in my area. And I have looked at several bikes. They all seem good to me. I am considering 2010 Fuji Roubaix ACR 3.0, Specialized secteur elite, Trek 2.1, Cannondale CAAD 8 with 105 components, Cannondale CAAD 10 but with lower end components and at the bike shop where I really like the guy who owns/operates it said he will be selling Giant and Felt bikes, of which I like the Giant Defy, and I also want to look at the Felt Z85, however, I have yet to see the Giant and Felt in person. The last LBS went out of business then the new owner bought it, so he doesn't have any bikes in stock yet, but he should have his orders in next week. He was the most personable out of every person I spoke with at all the shops. So that being said I wouldn't mind waiting to buy a bike from his shop. Also, none of the shops stocked a bike in my size. I'm 6'3 255 so I need a 61cm. How do you suggest I narrow it down? This will be my first road bike purchase so I have no idea where to start. My budget is $1200 which all of the bikes I listed fell within my price range. I could possibly stretch my budget to $1500 if I found a bike that I couldn't live with out.

Barrettscv 

Buy the model that fits the best. Also look for wheels with 32 spokes, these will hold up better under 255 lbs.

AZVOLSFAN

Well, none of the shops had a 61cm bike in stock. And they want me to put down money to have them order a bike in my size. So I can't really find the one with the best fit. I sat on most of the bikes, however they were 58cm versions. Thanks for the tip about 32 spoke wheels.

captnfantastic

It's your first bike, I suggest you don't spend too much on it. I can tell you first hand that all groupsets (sora-duraace) all work fine when tuned properly. Take into account buying shorts, jersey, water bottles, helmet, shoes, pedals, tubes, ect. these things can add up to a couple hundred dollars. Check your local craigslist and see whats on there. I found 3 of my bikes on CL. Great deals on there.

guadzilla

I look for:
- geo that suits me (shorter ETT/taller HT, which I need to get an aggressive fit)
- bike design that is suitable for my needs (stiff vs comfort)
- price range
- color

V.

UNLTD1487

You don't. It chooses you.

Barrettscv 

Hi again AZvolsfan,

I'm also a big guy (6'0", was 245, now 215) and I received very good advice at the Clydesdales/Athenas forum: https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...-(200-lb-91-kg)

I worked with a high quality bike fitter who spent three hours measuring my build and testing what would fit using a special stationary bike for fitting;



After the fitting, I ordered a Cyclocross bike. It fits perfectly. A Cyclocross bike is built tough for off-road racing and also has a more relaxed and upright fit. This provided a strong bike for a person my size. The bike also was very comfortable and helped me log 5000 miles during the first year of ownership. That helped with my planned weight loss.

You could also shop at REI or Performance bike. Both of these chain stores have 100% money back satisfaction guarantees.

I would not buy a bike from a store that does not stand behind the correct fit of the bike sold.

AZVOLSFAN

Well, if I go with the cheapest bike then the Fuji Roubaix ACR 3.0 is the cheapest, performance has them online for $899. Performance also has has the Fuji ACR 2.0 for $1149. Which seems like a great deal to me. I'll have to look into cyclocross bikes. And I have been watching craigslist for a couple of weeks and have yet to come across a bike in my size, if I could fit a 56cm there are a bunch of those on CL. Performance also has a Fuji Cross comp cyclocross bike for $999. If I bought something like that would it make a good road bike if I swapped out tires to road only tires? Thanks again for all the advice.

Barrettscv 

Yes, after swapping out the tires, the Fuji Cross comp would be just as fast as many road bikes at that price point. Plus, you could install 700x28 size road tires which do not fit on many road bikes. These will offer a little better ride quality and better protect the rims from bad pavement compared to the 700x23 size tires often put on road bikes.

San Rensho 

Geometry first, most importantly headtube angle, fork rake and wheelbase, which are the major determinants in how a bike handles. Although most road bikes are pretty much the same. Then component group.