Icemanmcq

I'm going to start riding again after 20 years, I want to train for the MS 150 this year and participate next year (2006). I don't want to spend alot of money, but I need a good bike that will make the trip, can y'all help. MS 150 Houston to Austin so there will be alot of hills. I think i'll need about 60 gears..lol..
Thanks, everyone
Icemanmcq
newbie to the site and I like it!!!!

moxfyre

Hmm... what did you ride before, and did you like that bike? What's your budget and would you be willing to buy a used bike?

At first glance, I'd suggest a touring bike for a long ride like this, and all-around versatility, but you'll have to give more details to get good advice!

Icemanmcq

I road a bianchi about 20 years ago and don't remember the specifics, I would like to spend from 500 to 700 maybe a little more, I loved the bianchi,, but the parts on bikes have changed tremdously over the past 20 years. I've been reading everything on the web, I'm thinking about a tirreno razza or lemond nevada...new.... I'm 6ft and about 185.. I need a bike for the 181 miles ms 150
Houston to Austin. A good steel frame or aluminum, alot of gears to handle the hills and distance.. a road bike sounds like a good choice..
Any suggestions??

moxfyre

If you like Bianchi, the Volpe gets rave reviews for $850, http://www.bianchiusa.com/570.html
Search the forums for some threads on it, or read this one.

A coworker of mine has a Volpe and loves it. The Tirrenos look like a good deal too, maybe not as comfortable for long rides since it's more of a racing rathe rthan touring style road bike. I would probably try to buy a used touring bike in good shape, many new ones are priced at around $800-1200, which means you'd be able to get a really good used one for $500-700.