Looking to purchase first Road Bike
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Looking to purchase first Road Bike
I started cyling last year. Started out around 283lbs now at 251. I am 6'2" lift wieghts and run also so for 251 I am pretty solid (former college football player so I have that type of build)
I purchased a Specialized crosstrail last year and have really enjoyed this form of fitness! I was a bit unsure of what type of terrain i would most enjoy riding so i purchased the crosstrail. Since then I have swapped out the tires for a more road friendly version and have been strictly a road rider. My rides are around the 20-25 mile range but looking to increase those numbers on the weekends. It is very hilly where I live and I am looking to purchase a road bike for $900-$1200 range.
Since I am familiar with Specialized I have looked at the Allez Triple (I am thinking of a triple because of the hills in my area) Also I found a new 2008 Speciallized Roubiax Tripple for $1299 I have considered.
Any other suggestions or thoughts on these bikes?
Thanks!
I purchased a Specialized crosstrail last year and have really enjoyed this form of fitness! I was a bit unsure of what type of terrain i would most enjoy riding so i purchased the crosstrail. Since then I have swapped out the tires for a more road friendly version and have been strictly a road rider. My rides are around the 20-25 mile range but looking to increase those numbers on the weekends. It is very hilly where I live and I am looking to purchase a road bike for $900-$1200 range.
Since I am familiar with Specialized I have looked at the Allez Triple (I am thinking of a triple because of the hills in my area) Also I found a new 2008 Speciallized Roubiax Tripple for $1299 I have considered.
Any other suggestions or thoughts on these bikes?
Thanks!
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Any bike in your price range will work. There are no concerns with frame durability, but wheel selection is a small consideration.
As far as the two bikes you listed I would go the extra mile for the Roubaix, but I have had an appreciation for them for a while since they have a bit more relaxed geometry than a race geometry. Another thing about the Roubaix being an 08 is that it will probably come with a higher level component group than a 2010 model.
There are a lot of brands out there in your price range. One that often gets over looked is Felt, and of course the house bike over in the Roadie forum is the CAAD9, which is a great bike, even for racing.
Look around, test ride as many as you can, and buy the one that makes your heart go pitter patter.
As far as the two bikes you listed I would go the extra mile for the Roubaix, but I have had an appreciation for them for a while since they have a bit more relaxed geometry than a race geometry. Another thing about the Roubaix being an 08 is that it will probably come with a higher level component group than a 2010 model.
There are a lot of brands out there in your price range. One that often gets over looked is Felt, and of course the house bike over in the Roadie forum is the CAAD9, which is a great bike, even for racing.
Look around, test ride as many as you can, and buy the one that makes your heart go pitter patter.
Last edited by txvintage; 08-25-09 at 12:35 PM.
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I am 296lbs and rode an allez triple after riding ALOT of other under $1,000 bikes and it was the best feeling for me. I couldnt find a standout buy in the under 1K price range among the big brands. The Allez will do everything you want and it will be alot faster versus the hybrid. Good Luck on your choice, safe riding!
p.s. the CXP22 wheels on forged hubs seemed stiff on the Allez that I rode, I think they would hold up for you for a while at least(but I am new to this game too!)
p.s. the CXP22 wheels on forged hubs seemed stiff on the Allez that I rode, I think they would hold up for you for a while at least(but I am new to this game too!)
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p.s. the CXP22 wheels on forged hubs seemed stiff on the Allez that I rode, I think they would hold up for you for a while at least(but I am new to this game too!)
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There are some CAAD9 owners in the forum, but most are not at the "1st" road bike stage. The Caad is set up for an aggressive posture which is probably why you felt cramped. The aggressive geometry and stiff frame is what makes it so good for racing.
To not feel cramped on the 9 you really need some seat to bar drop which is a challenge for most of us. The virtual top tube approach also creates a compact feel and allows a racer/rider to ride a smaller and lighter frame than a traditional frame. It's an absolutely great frame set and something a rider can upgrade and keep for years if it fills the niche a rider is looking for.
There are so many bikes in the OP's price range that one could spend weeks test riding and researching if you have a dealer that sells them in your area. Many riders get caught up in the big 4 of Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, and Giant. It's understandable given their market share. There are many many other quality options out there though. It all comes down to finding the one that feels and fits right and causes your pulse to race just a bit when you look at it.
To not feel cramped on the 9 you really need some seat to bar drop which is a challenge for most of us. The virtual top tube approach also creates a compact feel and allows a racer/rider to ride a smaller and lighter frame than a traditional frame. It's an absolutely great frame set and something a rider can upgrade and keep for years if it fills the niche a rider is looking for.
There are so many bikes in the OP's price range that one could spend weeks test riding and researching if you have a dealer that sells them in your area. Many riders get caught up in the big 4 of Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, and Giant. It's understandable given their market share. There are many many other quality options out there though. It all comes down to finding the one that feels and fits right and causes your pulse to race just a bit when you look at it.
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Thanks. How does the geometry of the CAAD9 compare to Trek/Giant/Masi? I know there's a lot of talk about carbon vs. aluminum vs. steel, but my Giant is aluminum with a carbon fork and I'm comfortable on it. I want something a bit more agressive, but I'm not necessarily looking to race either. Carbon seat stays make me nervous about hitting a pothole/crack/dip/etc., and I worry about it breaking under my weight as it is over the back moreso than the front. I guess that's why I've started to go back to considering the Cannondale. It seems like it's one of the few available options I have in my area with an all aluminum frame with decent components. Even the 2010's seem to have carbon steer tubes.
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Thanks. How does the geometry of the CAAD9 compare to Trek/Giant/Masi? I know there's a lot of talk about carbon vs. aluminum vs. steel, but my Giant is aluminum with a carbon fork and I'm comfortable on it. I want something a bit more agressive, but I'm not necessarily looking to race either. Carbon seat stays make me nervous about hitting a pothole/crack/dip/etc., and I worry about it breaking under my weight as it is over the back moreso than the front. I guess that's why I've started to go back to considering the Cannondale. It seems like it's one of the few available options I have in my area with an all aluminum frame with decent components. Even the 2010's seem to have carbon steer tubes.
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Don't worry about the carbon seat stays, they aren't going to fold underneath you!!! The carbon seat stays are kind of a gimmick but they are strong enough and they've been making them for years. I have a five year old Specialized Allez Pro that has held up extremely well. My son just took it to College.
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Keep feeling better, they're fine too. It's kind of funny, Giant is now making a Carbon bike with steel chainstays! It's all a bit of a gimmick but they are structurally sound.
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I had a 2006 Allez triple, it was a great bike! However I personally dislike road bike handle bars, so I sold it as I never use the drops (hurts my stomach, queezy feeling). But other than that, it was a fantastic bike, fast smooth and just fun. I will make a reccommendation, whichever bike you get, look at Michelin Krylion Carbon tires. I had them on the Allez and they were the best addition to the bike. Ran right over lots of sharp rocks and glass never a flat, all 225lbs of me.
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Yeah...wheels and tires almost seem to be inconsequential when making a decision on what bike to look at. I've resorted myself to the fact that I'm probably going to have to upgrade them before too long...but I'll try to get as much out of them as I can anyway!