Originally Posted by
drovert
Thanks for this thread--very helpful. I've been lurking here for a while. Like others, I've been in a lather trying to decide what to buy as a first bike. I live in a remote area, so test riding bikes is not easy. I've been riding a friends steel bike since last summer--but it's way too big--so I have to get something that fits this spring. I have tried a variety of bikes--and I'm leaning towards buying something less expensive 1000-1300 and just riding it a lot. Question--online and magazine bike reviews seem targeted at a road racing audience and all say the same stuff like "stiff back end paired with shock absorbing characteristics....etc." which isn't very helpful. How firm is the ride? How much road noise is absorbed. Does any site or magazine do any quantifiable consumer-reports type testing?
Anyway, picking three bikes mentioned already, generally, what are the differences (if any) in ride characteristics between a Caad 10.5, BMC SR01 and Giant Defy 1? If I could ride them side-by-side I would, but it's really not feasible. Thanks!
I'm in the same boat as you are- no real bicycle shops ("LBS's") within a 120 mile radius; and virtually no used market....so no test rides for me.
If you're new to riding (as an adult), any bike will feel weird at first. But you'll get used to it, and what you get used to, you'll come to regard as normal and likable. If could have test-ridden 100 bikes before buying, I don't think it would have mattered much. My mail-order bike rode nice when I got it...and is even more comfy now. Like I say....it depends what you get used to.
Start with a cheap basic bike...and you'll learn exactly what you want in the future. You could buy a $5K bike...but as a beginner, it would still likely just end up being a bike that would help you learn what you really want in a bike. I went into it with that attitude...bought a $300(new!) bike, -but the funny thing is, after a year/3000 miles, I still find this bike to be perfectly acceptable...and I've learned that most of the differences offered on better bikes, would be meaningless to me as a recreational rider who has no interest in racing.
And that's the trouble with those magazines, and the mindset of many cyclists in general: Everything is geared around racing. Someone will obsess over a bike being a few pounds lighter (or even a few OUNCES!), or some wheels being better...or a set of shifters being lighter, etc. but if you're not racing, where a few seconds over the course of 40 miles might make a difference, all that stuff is absolutely meaningless.....but to those who don't realize that, it means big money being spent. Ditto all the talk of stiffness, etc. You and I wouldn't notice the difference. Lance Armstrong pedaling up a mountain at 25 MPH...maybe.
We might develop certain preferences as to what characteristics we come to like in a bike...but right now, they aren't real important...and will likely be swayed but what we ride and get used to.
I've never ridden any of the bikes you mention, so I couldn't offer a factual opinion....but if I were wanting a carbon bike...and willing to spend in the $1300 range for it, I'd seriously consider the BMC that the poster above mentions...pretty much can't go wrong with it- and I've heard nothing but good things about them- I think they're a lot of bike for the price...and you can't lose with that return policy. Sweet!
Just get a bike while there are still somke good winter deals around...I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get- anything above a walmart bike. And get out there and ride!
Best of luck to you, and ENJOY!