Originally Posted by
Alligator
I've been commuting, running errands, and generally having fun with a number of bikes for a number of years, but I've never ridden a road bike. I think it's about time. I'm 170 pounds, 6 feet tall, and in good shape. I feel like I know enough about bikes to know what I like, but I also feel like I know very little about road bikes.
I've read a number of articles, and will be visiting a bike store tomorrow. If I spend $2-3k, is that enough and what can I expect for that price?
Recommendations are always appreciated. I tend to favor high-quality but lesser known brands.
Finally, how do I get started in the road bike community?
Thanks!
One thing I haven't seen mentioned (I haven't read the thread carefully after it deteriorated into off-topic arguments) is a newer style of comfort/performance bike. I rode road from birth until the mid '90s and took up mtb and weight gain, so when I decided recently to rejoin the lycra crowd I decided to go this route. They're often referred to as "endurance," "sportive," or "gran fondo." Cannondale Synapse, Giant Defy, Trek Domane or Specialized Roubaix or Allez are the most common I've seen. I had my eye on a BMC, too, but my Cannondale was discounted better.
The only negative (IMesHO) is that they're going to more disc brakes, and the couple of bikes I rode with disks were pretty weak in the braking department. Another thing, just about every shop I went to looking for a sportive bike I'd get steered over to a CX-style bike with gravel tires and a 25-lb. frame.
Here's a link to some bikes on a UK site
Buyer's guide: 2016 sportive and endurance road bikes + 19 great choices | road.cc