domtran

One of my buddies who's a pretty avid rider says that i should save up and stick with brands like Giant, Trek, or Fuji.
I don't have anything against those brands but it seems like i can get the same specs for a couple hundred cheaper if i go with my local Performance store's "Scattante R-570" or the 2011 GT GTR Series 2 SRAM Apex Road Bike - Exclusive

I need some insite on whether i should save up and get the bigger brand names or i can stick with these house bikes.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400315

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1095489_-1

those are the two bikes i'm looking at.
any suggestions?
thanks!

WhetStonez

I picked up a used scattante R-560 for 360 bucks on CL. Works great so far, had 105 components. Great as my first road bike. I also test rode the GT series 1 with Rival group and liked it as well but decided to go used as my first bike in case i didn't stick with it. GT has been making bikes forever and most people think all those frames are all made by the same manufacturers when you are talking about the lower to middle end bikes.

WhetStonez

Components start getting expensive so you can always get the GT with rival and later down the line save up for a nicer frame and swap what you have over to that. just an idea.

Juan Foote

Find a bike that fits, feels good, works the way you want, and don't worry too much about what your buddy says unless he is paying for it.

domtran

I see. Thanks for the suggestion! I'm new to roadbiking so this would be my first roadie.

Carloswithac

My buddy has a GT with Dura-ace. It's a pretty cool bike.

abstractform20

your friend seems like a dumb guy, or a smart guy with dumb guy tendencies...

also, GT is not a house brand and never has been. just go with whatever feels most comfortable (and whatever you like most).

abstractform20

but his buddy rides a lot.

MetalSlug

^this

That GT was on sale last week for $799 as the deal of the day. Keep an eye on the price it may drop again.

pgjackson

All the moving parts are the same Shimano or SRAM stuff. So, a Scattante or GT bike with 105 or Ultegra is essentially about the same as a Fuji or Giant or other big name bike with the same components. However, if i was looking to get a $1000 bike, I'd get this one right now:
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...bike-8902.html

But then I have a thing for BMC.

todayilearned

That R570 is a nice bike. I planned on getting that before I got my CFR Comp.

Scattante and GT aren't bad bikes but some people do look down upon them.

Best advice I can tell you is learn the basic rules to fit yourself on the bike and test it out. The guys working at Performance usually aren't the smartest. If you like the bike then get it. They're worth the money.

pgjackson

The Scattante is a actually a beautiful bike, and I almost bought one, but it has a tripple crank. Trust me, you will hate it. The GT and the BMC I posted have compact doubles. Just makes shifting so much easier. If you are set on Performance Bike, they have a Focus Variado with a compact and full 105 for $999. That's probably their best $1000 bike. https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400306

merlin55

I recently bought the GT Carbon Expert with SRAM Red, same weigh, components, and wheels as a Evo Six, but at about 1/2 the price.

I've noticed that in many respects it looks like a Cannodale frame, which since both Cannodale and GT are owned by Dorel...so my guess is that both of these carbon frames are made in the same factory....maybe the same is true with their Aluminum frames.

todayilearned

Also, don't quote me on this but Fuji and Scattante use similar if not the same frames.

domtran

Thank for all the input!
I'm still looking around and probably won't buy for another week or two.
I only recently decided to bike so i don't have much knowledge on the topic but i plan on making it a hobby
so thanks for all the tips and i could def use more!

also what is the difference between a double and triple crank? how much of a change does it make?

domtran

that bike looks really nice. I'm really liking it. As with the focus too. Both look pretty good and are spec'ed nicely too.
any preference between the two?
I like the BMC one though. Pro's cons?

WhetStonez

The quick answer is triple crank has three rings and a double has 2 rings. 3 rings are for weenies is what most people say. I don't say that.

pgjackson

I just like the way BMC looks, and they have a very good reputation for building quality. You will find that in cycling, style is often the deciding factor. Within a particular price range, the bikes are almost identical in equipment. In the $1000 range you will be looking at an aluminum frame, carbon fork, 105 components and about 19lbs. Bump it up about $500 and you are getting in to the entry level carbon fiber frames with 105 components. The bikes in these price ranges are virtually identical, except for paint, branding, and some minor frame design differences (called geometry).

The only problem with the BMC is that you can't ride it (you have to order it), whereas the Focus is probably in stock at your local Performance Bike. Now, for $1000, you MIGHT be able to set in on a last year model CF Scattante that is on sale. Sometimes, individual PBs will run sales on certain bikes.

To be honest, I recommend you go to PB and see what they have. I would get the BMC because I know a little about bikes and what I like. If you are just getting started, get a bike locally...plus PB offers 10% back in store credit. You could get pedals and shoes with that. That Focus is a seriously nice bike that you won't regret buying.

pgjackson

Oh...keep in mind that the bike is only about half of the total expense. You will need pedals ($75), shoes ($50-100), shorts ($50 each), jerseys ($70 each), tools (spare tubes, pump, O2, repair kit...), helmet ($50)...and these are the low end of the prices. It's not as expensive as some other hobbies, but it isn't cheap either.

WhetStonez

The PB by my house had a GT series one from last year, (grey, yellow, black paint) with full SRAM Rival minus brakes, ritchey carbon seatpost, ritchey stem and handlebars, mavic aksium wheels for 1149. It was still there when i went last week.

todayilearned

I picked up my Scattante CFR Comp for $970 during 15% off sale. If your size if 58 they have some left...

$1,000 for a CF + 105 Components... can't beat that. Also the Team Performance would give you back 10% (~$100).

pgjackson

That is the bomb.

They also have a 90 day price guarantee. If the bike goes on sale for less that what you bought it for they will give you back the difference, even internet prices. Their bikes are ALWAYS going on sale.

abstractform20

close. the company (ASI) that owns fuji also produces the scattante line...for the majority of bikes, its just engineers/design teams sending specs off to a factory in asia that gives them what they want.

WhetStonez

Ever have it weighed?

domtran

Dang thanks for all the info guys
I really really like the look of BMC and from what you say it's pretty good build quality too
I guess i'll be going to my LBS and checking out Performance again to actually ride these and see how they feel.
I'm getting pretty hyped up for my first road bike ahaha i should probably get some legit locks to make sure i don't this stolen when i commute.
I'll check back with performance and see all the deals they have.
Last time i was there, one of their salesmen really persuaded me to check out the scattante R-570 and it looked really nice.
I didn't even know about their 10% back so that's pretty legit too, definitely gives me incentive to buy from them.