oklahomanewbee

I have just recently started biking, and have plans to do the Freewheel Oklahoma next year. I am looking at 2 different bikes and not sure as to what I am looking at. The 2 I have chosen are the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Tiagra or the Trek 1.5. Any thoughts on these, or any suggestions on others. I would like to stay in the $1,000 to $1,200 price range.

mthayer

Welcome to the forums. Deciding on a bicycle is like deciding on a car, or a house. The best way for you to decide on a bicycle is to go and look at them, touch them, ride them, and then do it all over again. Goto as many LBSs as you can and test ride as many bikes as you can, different brands, models, and you will know when you found the bike for you.

As far as the Freewheel event, it does not look like it will require any special bike. Ride with what you comfortable on. If you were looking at doing loaded touring, then you would look more at steel touring bike.

Cyclebum

Fit is First! Visit the shops, get a proper fitting, and ride as much as they'll let you. Pay particular attention to top tube length and make sure that when riding, your sit bones connect with the saddle where they are suppose to. If you're young and limber, you'll probably prefer bars below the saddle. Older and stiffer, maybe bars at saddle height. This relates to where the steerer tube is cut. Ask about how much vertical bar adjustment is available.

Only with a lot of riding can you figure out all the finer points involved with a comfortable fit. Most problems can be corrected as long as the frame is sized right to start with. OTOH, maybe you'll be one of the lucky few who are proportioned to manufacturer's standards and can ride the stock bike with no adjustments.

Most serious cyclist have several bikes in the stable, so if cycling becomes your thing, expect to be adding to the collection.