Road Bikes
09-10-13, 06:34 PM
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Road Bikes
Hello I am new on this forum so if I posted this in the wrong section just let me know. I wanted to ask what would be a good bike for my next bike. I currently have a 1993 Giant cadex 98c and it has gotten to small for me. I am looking for something below 1000 dollars and it does not matter new or used. I want an efficient, fast, and good climber (that's not the most important but would be nice), that would be a good bike. I ride centuries and some other long rides but comfort is not that important to me. What would y'all recommend?
09-10-13, 06:46 PM
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I live near a trek, Raleigh, felt?( not sure of that anymore), giant, cannondale, specialized,Bianchi, and just about any other brands you can think of.
Last edited by Theboss13; 09-10-13 at 06:54 PM.
09-10-13, 07:08 PM
#4
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If you felt at ease buying a bike off of Craigslist, you could get a great deal if you shop around.
09-10-13, 07:11 PM
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But what type of bike should I look for?Would prefer not to use craigslist but if I could get a really good deal would it be worth it?
09-10-13, 08:09 PM
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1) Go to bike shop A, talk to salesperson, test ride a few.
2) Repeat at shop #2
3) Buy the one you like the best
2) Repeat at shop #2
3) Buy the one you like the best
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Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
09-10-13, 08:14 PM
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I will I just wanted to have some ideas of what to look for when I did.........I know a bit about the components but not very much about rims and frame.
09-10-13, 08:33 PM
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asking more specific questions would be helpful. saying "i want a good bike" makes it tough narrow down suggestions.
most of the major brands offer quality bikes that are fast is the person pedaling them can pedal quickly. most of the major brands offer bikes with quality frames and quality components as well. thus...the general advise to ride a bunch in your price range and pick the one you like is about the best you can get.
if your main goal is going to be climbing well...get something as light as you can. a carbon frame with light components is your best bet. at your price point, that means finding something used.
if comfort is your main goal (doesnt appear to be from your post) then you could look at an "endurance frame" bike. that said, for someone who does centuries this might be the way to go.
if you want to do some touring, then get something that will take a rack, bags, fenders, etc.
if you might do some commuting, again, look for something that will take a rack, bags, fenders, etc. and get a quality lock.
if you want a bike that generally does everything well...ride a bunch and pick the one you like best. then work on getting stronger at cycling and you'll be amazed at what your bike can do.
most of the major brands offer quality bikes that are fast is the person pedaling them can pedal quickly. most of the major brands offer bikes with quality frames and quality components as well. thus...the general advise to ride a bunch in your price range and pick the one you like is about the best you can get.
if your main goal is going to be climbing well...get something as light as you can. a carbon frame with light components is your best bet. at your price point, that means finding something used.
if comfort is your main goal (doesnt appear to be from your post) then you could look at an "endurance frame" bike. that said, for someone who does centuries this might be the way to go.
if you want to do some touring, then get something that will take a rack, bags, fenders, etc.
if you might do some commuting, again, look for something that will take a rack, bags, fenders, etc. and get a quality lock.
if you want a bike that generally does everything well...ride a bunch and pick the one you like best. then work on getting stronger at cycling and you'll be amazed at what your bike can do.
09-10-13, 10:51 PM
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You might want to look at a used titanium bike. Everything today is carbon, but titanium is almost as light, and almost indestructible compared to carbon. My Merlin Agilis Ti frame is <3 lbs and I've seen complete bikes under $1k! Everyone wants carbon so even high end and very light Ti frames from a few years ago can be had cheap. Its crazy. Get yourself one with some clipless pedals, a set of older light aluminum wheels (hopefully already on the bike), learn how to click out of the pedals so you don't fall, and you'll be on your way! Light wheels make a huge difference in acceleration and hill climbing! And clipless pedals let you push and pull using both feet at the same time. Huge advantage to flat petals where you can only push. Good luck!
09-11-13, 04:43 AM
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You might want to look at a used titanium bike. Everything today is carbon, but titanium is almost as light, and almost indestructible compared to carbon. My Merlin Agilis Ti frame is <3 lbs and I've seen complete bikes under $1k! Everyone wants carbon so even high end and very light Ti frames from a few years ago can be had cheap. Its crazy. Get yourself one with some clipless pedals, a set of older light aluminum wheels (hopefully already on the bike), learn how to click out of the pedals so you don't fall, and you'll be on your way! Light wheels make a huge difference in acceleration and hill climbing! And clipless pedals let you push and pull using both feet at the same time. Huge advantage to flat petals where you can only push. Good luck!
09-11-13, 05:39 AM
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If you were in the store, my next question would be, "Can you tell me about your budget?" Because I would not want to waste your time on some bikes, but just show you what fits your budget.
09-11-13, 06:07 AM
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Depends on the customer. We sometimes recommend a test ride on the "next level up" bike, if we feel they are looking at "too little" bike for their purpose. The dickish ones get sent out on the one I want to sell, with a little extra air in the tires...
09-11-13, 06:51 AM
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I don't alter the rideabiity of the bike, however. I have been tempted.
I do, however, mention that customers who are "new to the sport" tend to underbuy, because "they are not sure if they will like it"...fact is once the bike is set up properly, they are generally amazed at how comfortable road bikes are. And a few walk in a buy a nicer second bike a year later.
Personally, I don't care what they buy as long as it fits.
09-11-13, 07:27 AM
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It does....but in the context of this thread, that would be my focus.
I don't alter the rideabiity of the bike, however. I have been tempted.
I do, however, mention that customers who are "new to the sport" tend to underbuy, because "they are not sure if they will like it"...fact is once the bike is set up properly, they are generally amazed at how comfortable road bikes are. And a few walk in a buy a nicer second bike a year later.
Personally, I don't care what they buy as long as it fits.
I don't alter the rideabiity of the bike, however. I have been tempted.
I do, however, mention that customers who are "new to the sport" tend to underbuy, because "they are not sure if they will like it"...fact is once the bike is set up properly, they are generally amazed at how comfortable road bikes are. And a few walk in a buy a nicer second bike a year later.
Personally, I don't care what they buy as long as it fits.
The "context of this thread" is a guy who's bike has shrunk (I guess), and who is looking for a sub $1k bike that is "efficient and fast" (and climbs well), and who is looking to do long rides and centuries, but doesn't care about comfort, so where's that Joe Blow when I need it...
09-11-13, 08:56 AM
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Without a doubt, I know stereotypes are bad, but most folks fall into fairly common (and obvious) patterns of buying/riding.
The "context of this thread" is a guy who's bike has shrunk (I guess), and who is looking for a sub $1k bike that is "efficient and fast" (and climbs well), and who is looking to do long rides and centuries, but doesn't care about comfort, so where's that Joe Blow when I need it...
The "context of this thread" is a guy who's bike has shrunk (I guess), and who is looking for a sub $1k bike that is "efficient and fast" (and climbs well), and who is looking to do long rides and centuries, but doesn't care about comfort, so where's that Joe Blow when I need it...
I am laughing at your description, "Hi, I'd like a Ferrari, but I'd like to pay a Ford Escort price."
Under a grand the Defy frame is great. Also maybe a CAAD8. I like the Defy better.
And if you are doing long rides and centuries, as you well know, you will care a LOT about comfort...
09-11-13, 09:15 AM
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LOL...Giant Defy 5. If you can stand the steel fork and thumb button shifters. Defy 3 if you want to close in on a grandish, but probably after sales tax would be over a grand...get Sora with the paddles, much nicer setup.
I am laughing at your description, "Hi, I'd like a Ferrari, but I'd like to pay a Ford Escort price."
Under a grand the Defy frame is great. Also maybe a CAAD8. I like the Defy better.
And if you are doing long rides and centuries, as you well know, you will care a LOT about comfort...
I am laughing at your description, "Hi, I'd like a Ferrari, but I'd like to pay a Ford Escort price."
Under a grand the Defy frame is great. Also maybe a CAAD8. I like the Defy better.
And if you are doing long rides and centuries, as you well know, you will care a LOT about comfort...
09-11-13, 09:32 AM
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Read.
There is some great info out there on reviews of "budget" bikes
If you are not looking to race, or do something like time trials, then you want to look for a relaxed geometry frame, like the Trek 1.5, or Giant Defy 2, Scott Speedster S30, here is a good start:
https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/...vel-road-bikes
At that price point, for a new bike, you are looking mainly at an Aluminum frame with Shimano Tiagra components.
Which for all intensive purposes would serve you well.
If it was me, I would look for a new, 2012 model, on sale, with possibly Shimano 105 components.
I am going to save a few more $ and work on getting a Trek Domane 4 series which is a Carbon frame.
One suggestion I would make is you will be much happier if you can get a bike from your LBS, as there is always some tweaking that needs done, you might also ask if they have some gently used models, as some shops take trade ins. My experience with Craigslist is you get what you pay for, and unfortunately there are some very dishonest people that make their living selling crap on CL.
Good luck.
There is some great info out there on reviews of "budget" bikes
If you are not looking to race, or do something like time trials, then you want to look for a relaxed geometry frame, like the Trek 1.5, or Giant Defy 2, Scott Speedster S30, here is a good start:
https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/...vel-road-bikes
At that price point, for a new bike, you are looking mainly at an Aluminum frame with Shimano Tiagra components.
Which for all intensive purposes would serve you well.
If it was me, I would look for a new, 2012 model, on sale, with possibly Shimano 105 components.
I am going to save a few more $ and work on getting a Trek Domane 4 series which is a Carbon frame.
One suggestion I would make is you will be much happier if you can get a bike from your LBS, as there is always some tweaking that needs done, you might also ask if they have some gently used models, as some shops take trade ins. My experience with Craigslist is you get what you pay for, and unfortunately there are some very dishonest people that make their living selling crap on CL.
Good luck.
09-11-13, 09:37 AM
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The weight of the bike should be your last concern. Get something that fits and is durable. Used is a great option if you know your size. If you're going new, look for Aan alloy frame and Tiagra components. Maybe a Cannondale Synapse alloy or something. The Jamis Icon Pro is also great if a little racier. Both on sale will be about a grand.
09-11-13, 01:17 PM
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LOL...Giant Defy 5. If you can stand the steel fork and thumb button shifters. Defy 3 if you want to close in on a grandish, but probably after sales tax would be over a grand...get Sora with the paddles, much nicer setup.
I am laughing at your description, "Hi, I'd like a Ferrari, but I'd like to pay a Ford Escort price."
Under a grand the Defy frame is great. Also maybe a CAAD8. I like the Defy better.
And if you are doing long rides and centuries, as you well know, you will care a LOT about comfort...
I am laughing at your description, "Hi, I'd like a Ferrari, but I'd like to pay a Ford Escort price."
Under a grand the Defy frame is great. Also maybe a CAAD8. I like the Defy better.
And if you are doing long rides and centuries, as you well know, you will care a LOT about comfort...
09-11-13, 01:19 PM
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09-11-13, 01:40 PM
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Without a doubt, I know stereotypes are bad, but most folks fall into fairly common (and obvious) patterns of buying/riding.
The "context of this thread" is a guy who's bike has shrunk (I guess), and who is looking for a sub $1k bike that is "efficient and fast" (and climbs well), and who is looking to do long rides and centuries, but doesn't care about comfort, so where's that Joe Blow when I need it...
The "context of this thread" is a guy who's bike has shrunk (I guess), and who is looking for a sub $1k bike that is "efficient and fast" (and climbs well), and who is looking to do long rides and centuries, but doesn't care about comfort, so where's that Joe Blow when I need it...