Newwbiker

Hi guys! I just joined this forum and this is my first post!

So my boyfriend and I are thinking about getting into cycling and we have no idea where to start. I have done some research suggesting Cannondale and Specialized are good brands for road bikes. We both have a budget of $700-$1000 for each bike. Any recommendations or help will be extremely appreciated!!

FYI, both of us have biked before in the past but neither of us have biked for many years nor have we ever used road bikes. Also, we both live in Seattle and we hope to bike all around the area. Thanks!

timmbo

toss Trek into your search, now is a good time to look with 2015's coming out you can find a deal on a 2013 or 2014 model. With Trek I would look for a closeout special on either a 1.5 or 2.1 for him. For her the Lexa SL or Lexa SLX is a great women's specific design. Cool thing about these models is they are a slightly more relaxed position (H2 for him, H3 for her). Any way you do it, stretch your dollar and get a 2013 model if possible! Good luck!

rms13

I would suggest visiting an LBS (local bike shop) in your area. I'm sure there are many to chose from in the Seattle area. Both of the brands you mentioned are good but there are dozens of brands that all make equal bikes in the same price range. You'll find that in your price range every bike will come with the same components (Shimano Claris, Sora or Tiagra) and the frames from different manufacturers will be comparable. Different shops specialize in different brands so I would find a shop that has a good reputation and go see what they have in your price range. As a newb, getting a bike that fits properly is the most important thing and if you don't know how to fit yourself that is where the LBS comes in. I am a fan of used bikes since you will get more bang for the buck. Might be worth perusing craigslist but if you buy something that doesn't fit right you'll be unhappy and be selling it in a few months and buying something else

seymour1910

There is a performance bike in seattle. I would go by and check them out. You guys will be able to find something within your budget there.

bruce19

My gf just bought a Domane (women's version) at a huge discount. Excellent bike. It has been replaced by the Silque, also a women specific model. I'd definitely check them out.

timmbo

The Silque is a WSD carbon Domane, the Lexa is WSD aluminum Domane. To stay within budget Lexa would be the way to go for her.

mlander

+1. I got an exceptional value at PB. I would add that you should wait for a double (or triple) points weekend to buy. Then you can get a bunch of accessories for free.

ckFoxTrot

Remember to factor in other bike gear to your budget as well, like pedals, shoes, helmets, jersey and shorts, etc. It's great you are getting into cycling together. Try out some different bikes to narrow down what size you both should be looking at and what frames/brands you like, then go about getting the best component set you can for your money (and make sure your LBS properly fits you too)!

wingtipsdown

Giant Defy 3

roccobike

In addition to the two brands you mentioned plus Trek and Giant that were mentioned here I'd add Raleigh, Fuji and Felt to the mix. Buy the bikes that 1) you like the best and 2) offer the best components for the price. At your price point I would insist on a carbon fork and avoid any bike with an "alloy" (aluminum) fork. It makes a considerable difference in you comfort on long rides. Otherwise, I'd look for better components and a bike shop willing to fit you to the bike. BTW, the two brand you mentioned are excellent.

metz1295

after buying a specialized flatbar for my son last summer, i quickly became specialized bias. this spring i bought a specialized road bike for myself. the bike bought fits right in your wheelhouse. it's a quality commuter and still has a minor racing stance for weekend road warrior stints. the base model comes with a carbon fork and the components are pretty decent. the price is right in your budget also.

Specialized Bicycle Components

that being said. shop around. there are a lot of quality brands out there. try to develop a relationship with your local bike shop. if they're worth their salt, they will help you a lot. most usually carry a high end brand and a budget brand. in return, continue to use them for accessories and service. side note: perfomance and rei are not local bike shops.

don't forget costs for helmets, shoes, gloves and whatever other accessories you think you'll want/need. it all adds up fast.

kcollier5

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet, but I would highly recommend buying used for your first bike. Especially if you have a friend who knows what to look for and can go with you to view the bike. That way when you decide what you REALLY want, you can sell it for about what you paid for it and not take the hit financially. Just a great way to get in… I bought a Trek 1.5 on CL for around $500 and rode that for a while before deciding I was going to stick with the sport and then bought another used bike - A Felt F2, much nicer bike with nicer components that sold new for around $5,000 and bought it with several accessories for $1,300, including an almost new pair of carbon road shoes that I'm still using several years later...

Anyway, look into a good condition slightly used road bike. There are SO many out there because people go in and buy a shiny new one and then use it a time or two and have great intention but never really use it. Wish you the best!

wingtipsdown

I do agree with this, and you can even buy something cheap just to see if you like it first. I purchased a schwinn off craigslist for $150 and now I'm getting what I want 5 weeks later. Without the schwinn - I would have had no idea what I really wanted. I also have a spare bike just in case. You can get older bikes for 150-200. just my 2 cents.

rms13

I am a big supporter of buying used but if it's two people that no next to nothing about bikes they can easily get ripped off or overspend. If you have a friend that knows something about bikes take them with you. Or at least post ads here and get people opinion here