wattersr20

Hi everyone I was thinking of buying a road bike from bikesdirect.com and wanted some advice on which one seemed like the best deal based on its components and overall looks. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ington3_IX.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...alaxy_tour.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../avenue_fb.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._al_xi_sc2.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...y/avenue_c.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...gesport_xi.htm

Those are the ones I've been considering I'm just wanting some expert opinion. The guy at the bike shop recommended I start on something not so expensive to try out cycling before I know if I'm actually going to want to get more serious. I really would like to keep the price under $450. Thanks again!

IcySmooth52

Seriously, a LBS. Now's the time of year to get one because of all last years bikes on sale. If you're just starting the sport, you don't know what size you need or how to fit yourself to the right one. Most of those bikes are only half-way to a bike-shop worthy bike. (AKA, a Dick's Sporting Goods bike.)

JayGK927

Absolutely LBS! BD seems a bit cheaper on the surface but striking up a relationship with your local bike shop will pay for itself with the relationship, knowledge, and service you will receive from an LBS. Think of it this way if you buy a BD bike you need to build it yourself or bring it to a shop for a build - usually the same cost as a full tune around 100 dollars...then after some riding all bikes need another tune to keep them crisp most lbs' provide a complementary tune with purchase if you go BD add another 40-55 for tune in another few months. It's totally worth saving a few extra hundred now and getting something at a shop.

seymour1910

OP...the above advice is what you will commonly get here and it is decent advice of you have a grand or more to spend but you clearly gave your budget, I would be whiling to bet you won't find ANYTHING in a bike shop for under $450 unless you're shopping for shoes and a helmet. I think you should try craigslist personally.

Pibber

+1


OP, get fitted at your LBS, if you do anything there, before buying a bike. do you know what size bike you need? how tall are you? long arms? longer torso than legs? longer legs than torso? how's your weight, as that will affect your flexibility on a road bike. some things to consider, is all.

welcome!

99Klein 

All good advice. Now is the time to get a deal but you'll still probably spend $700 at your lbs (unless their average bike sales are low end. ) Craigslist is probably your best bet, a Fuji closeout would be another option as their dealers (around here anyway) seem to carry low and mid range bikes and Fuji makes some nice bikes.

floridamtb

Recently with a brand new road bike I was having issues with excessive flats on the rear. The LBS changed about 3 tires and twice as many tubes and re-taped the wheel 3 times. Had I had to pay for that it would exceed any savings from an online bike retailer. Plus the LBS gives me free adjustments for the first year.

wattersr20

Well I actually did go to an LBS to get fitted for a road bike and got my measurements. The guy there said my max size was 54 cm. After telling the guy at the bike shop that I had never really ridden bikes consistently before he actually deterred me from buying a bike there and suggested I buy one cheaper online first to see if I am even going to like the sport or stick with it.

MingusDew

Have you tried Craigslist? I find more bikes in larger cities, and if you're willing to drive you can save a bunch vs. buying a new bike. This way you can also ride the bike for a few months, and then turn around and sell it on Craigslist if you decide you want something else

eja_ bottecchia

That was great advice.

Of the bikes that you listed I like the Windsor better.

Buy the Windsor, find out if you really like riding and then buy a better bike from the LBS that gave you the good advice.

Good luck.

Ride safely.

rufvelo

A couple of reasonable choices are:
1) Costco bike (if you really aren't sure) $300
2) Local Bike Shop bike (an inexpensive bike with some minimal fitting and maintenance thrown in the deal) $500

wattersr20

Well guys I decided to go ahead and get me a Fuji 1.5 at the LBS. It was on sale from $489 for $399 and I think it will fulfill my needs until I decide if I like the sport and maybe want to get a nice road bike. It also as 700c tires so their a little skinnier than normal mountain bike tires. It also gives me some diversity. Thanks for the advice.