davegt101

Hello, I'm Dave.. current mountain biker who last summer drove across the country to bike colorado and moab. Now I'm looking into road cycling. I need a bike (something around $1,000), people to ride with, a list of rides in central New Jersey, and finally I am thinking of touring for the summer which I have off. My goal is to do some epic ride. I love climbs!

Any help would be appreciated.

lrzipris

I'm not sure exactly where "central NJ" is, but for rides, you might check out the Princeton Free Wheelers (princetonfreewheelers.com), Central Jersey Bicycle Club (www.cjbc.org), Morris Area Free Wheelers (www.mafw.org), Western Jerset Wheelemn (www.wjw.org), Shore Cycle Club (www.shorecycleclub.org), South Jersey Wheelmen (www.sjwheelmen.org).

As for buying a bike, there are several LBSs in that general region (Princeton, Lawrenceville, outside of Lambertville, Cherry Hill) that I know of only by name and general reputation.

Some nice riding down around South Jersey. Enjoy.

TCNJCyclist

Welcome. I have already replied to your thread about rides the Road Forum, but I do have some advice about a bike for <$1000.

As far as new bikes, you may still be able to get a 2005 model. If you can, it may be around 25% off (at least) what you would have paid during the spring/summer of 2005. I got my Cannondale in October and paid $950, instead of the usual $1200-$1300. Otherwise, you're probably looking at a pretty standard, entry level 2006 bike.

You could also look for a bike shop that sells (or at least could help you find) used bikes. If you could find a used bike that is in good condition and fits you, you could get better components for a price that is probably significantly less than the cost of a new bike.

davegt101

Thanks, but I'm not sure where to start. Maybe I will check out a bike store and see what they have, but would should I look for? Like I said.. I want to spend around $1,000, but if spending a few extra hundred will make a big difference I'm willing to do that.

I will check out those clubs, as far as central Jersey is concerned I am from Jackson. It is becoming a fairly busy area now and the roads are old country ones with little to no shoulder. This is the only reason I'm apprehensive about even buying a road bike. I want to be able to ride it and not have to worry about getting hit by cars all the time.

trmcgeehan

Dave: You just made a big mistake -- you admitted you are from New Jersey! I was born in New Jersey, but I don't like to admit it -- I just say I am from California. I will say one thing about New Jersey, it has a little known, but truly beautiful state song -- much more touching than the lyrics of My Old Kentucky Home.

New Jersey State Song

When I die
Bury Me Low
Where I can hear
The Petroleum flow.
The Sweetest Sound
I ever did know!
God bless the bums of New Joisey! ;-)

TCNJCyclist

Yeah, it's probably best to find some shops around you and ask about the bikes that they have, and the riding that can be done in your area. Also, local clubs might be able to help you find routes that take you away from traffic.

As for what to look for in a bike....searching the road forum should yield tons of threads about buying your first road bike. Those threads should be pretty good for comparing prices, components, frames, and so on. Fit is the most important part of buying a road bike. You'll definitely want in-person help at a shop for this. I don't mountain bike, but I'd imagine that a properly fitting road makes you feel a little more stretched out than a properly fitting mountain bike, but you get used to it.

For recreational riding, components shouldn't make a big difference (so spending the extra money to get better components on a 2006 bike isn't necessary), but like I said in my previous post, if a shop has 2005 (or older) models (or can order a 2005 for you), it's always nice to get better components and stay within your budget.