Help buying first bikes
 

I'm new to the biking world and am looking at purchasing my first road bike.

I plan on using the bike mainly for commuting to work (~10 miles one way) and was looking for suggestions. I also plan on using the bike for general leisure and fitness.

My only real experience I have with bikes is a standard, old trek I had in high school - nothing new or fancy. I've been looking at a few bikes and opinions are desired.

Trek 2&1 Series, specifically the 1.1, 1.2 or even 1.5 Trek 520

Additionally, my fiancee is thinking about joining me in the fun (at least on the weekends for leisure and fitness) and we were looking at the Trek Lexa ($730 model).

Any opinions on these bikes or suggestions for others?

We'd like to say under $2000 for the pair + equipment if at all possible.

Thanks!

If you want a bike for commuting, and you're fine with (or prefer) straight bars, you're in luck. Just about every bike maker has something for you. I wouldn't do disc brakes (I'm not convinced on discs for road use). Here are some good suggestions, but you should also be able to just walk into your LBS and try out all kinds of things. Then, take note of the bikes you liked in the shops and look them up online while you make your final choice. Your budget is perfect. $800 a bike should do you just fine, with money left over for fenders and racks.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...name=Multi+Use

This one has min-v brakes, so it may be tough to mount fenders. Not sure though:
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-30-usa3

And of course all those Trek bikes, though, they do get stollen a whole lot. Sorry, I was going to look up a whole bunch more, but I ran out of time. haha

Of the bikes you mentioned, I would recommend the 520. As long as racing is not in your future, touring bikes make excellent commuters and weekend leisure cruisers.

For a 10 mile commute, you are getting to the distance where you might want more hand positions (which drop bars are ideal for) and definitely where a rack is preferable to a backpack. The 520 is designed to be comfortable over long distances and to carry a load with ease.

With that said, test ride as many bikes as you can. Make the shop fit the bike to you (seat position at the very least) BEFORE you test ride.

Can you still get a Trek 520. I would prefer a touring or cross bike too. Seems more versatile. You can put wider tires on as well as fenders. Plus the ride is more comfort oriented.

The Trek 1,1 looks interesting. You should check see if it will accept fenders if you plan on wet weather commuting.

Thanks for the quick replies! I think I just need to go to my local bike shop and demo some bikes.

Any input on the Trek Lexa for my fiancée?

I agree that a touring bike is a great way to go. However, those bar-end shifters could be annoying in the stop and go of city commuting. And if you do a cross bike or a touring bike, it's gonna have cantilever brakes, which are always just terrible. Some people will disagree with me, but they just are. If you go the cross or touring route, have the shop put mini-v brakes on for you.

Can someone give some input on these two bikes?

Trek 1.5
and
Trek Lexa SL

Are the tiagra shifters better than the shimano 2300?

Will they be good beginner bikes?

Yes, Tiagra is much better than 2300 and both of those Treks are excellent entry level bikes.

If it was me, I'd grab that 520 right away, if at all possible!

PS.

What bicycle shops are in your area?

If you have a Jamis dealership nearby, I'd very seriously consider the Jamis Satellite Comp models. They even have one especially for women.

The Jamis Satellite Comp ~ $1000
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/satellite/12_satellitecomp.html

I'm actually not really familiar with the local bike shops. I live in the Twin Cities (MN) and was just planning on finding someplace with good reviews on Google Maps.

I like the 520, but my only concern, as someone pointed out, is the shifters at the end of the bar. They seem cumbersome to use.

Is it "wrong" to buy a road bike and add fenders and a bike rack?

I don't think that too many road bikes will have the mounts or eyelets for fenders and racks. For that, you'd most likely be looking at a cyclocross bike or a hybrid. Since you're only traveling 20 miles RT, if much of the commute is within an urban setting, then just go for a hybrid which is typically equipped to take on both rack and fenders, anyway.

The Schwinn Sporterra Comp ~ $660
www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/hybrid/2012-sporterra-comp-mens-14564/

The Jamis Coda Comp ~ $775
www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codacomp.html

Both Schwinn and Jamis have femme models to match.

* You always get more bang for the buck with hybrids!

Thanks for the input people. We just got back from our local bike store and after trying out the listed bikes, we decided on the Trek Lexa SL for my fiancee and the Trek 1.5 for me (they seem to be almost identical, just one is designed for women). We got to test them out and the staff was very helpful in the decision making process.


Edit: They both accept fenders and bike racks.

Very well then...I stand corrected on the fenders and racks, as they relate to road bikes.

Glad to see that you guys have landed two very excellent road bikes. I hope that they bring you much joy, health, and happiness! :thumb:

Excellent choices! Road bikes with drop bars aren't uncomfortable. They just take a while for your back to adjust to different riding position. I really like that I have three different hand positions. Another benefit is when riding city streets that require more shifting and slowing down, you can ride with your hands on the hoods and shift and slow down without having to move your hands. I can't say the same for the hybrid I recently purchased. I think you made great choice and will get lots of happy miles on your bikes!