What to buy a good riding bike
 

Need some guidance on buying a new buy. I would like a road bike... but also thought about taking it along on plane travel. Does anyone have a good source on how to get the correct rating for bikes.... and what is good? I was looking at a Schwinn Fastback Pro X-small 2005 (new at the store)...was $1,899.00... discounted now to $999.00. The sell person said it had good equipment on it (next highest gears from the top). I was also looking at a folding bike... from Bike Friday. I am not an expert but I have done 40 mile rides....so, I wanted something good for the $$$$..... but I am not a pro. Any suggestions???? Is it the best way to buy a full Carbon Fiber Road Bike...or what?

Thanks,
Gina

Hello Gina, most of the various forums have 'stickies' at the top of the page dealing with just those questions.

If you review those, and still have questions, you probably want to ask in that specific forum. Your questions will generate more responses in say, the road bike forum, than here in Introductions.

Welcome to BF!

And enjoy riding whatever bike you do get :) .

East Hill

Gina,

You're looking at two fine bikes.

I have a Bike Friday. It's a great bike that folds up and fits in a suitcase. It travels as regular luggage on any airline. You can find out more in the Folding Forum below. Or at www.bikefriday.com

The Schwinn Fastback pro is very nicely equipped and an excellent deal for $1000 The components (Shimano Ultegra) are outstanding. It is a great bike that would likely last you many, many years. And the one I saw was a yummy orange color. How can you beat that? :D

Ratings are pretty subjective. You can find some at www.roadbikereview.com but bear in mind people are generally biased in favor of whatever decision he or she made.

BTW, carbon fiber can be great. It's very light and a lot of people seem to like its ride qualities. BUT plenty of people ride long distances on other frame materials--and do so quite happily. Steel and aluminum have their advocates, that's for sure. The most important thing is to find a bike that fits you comfortably. Bottom line: For many of us on BF, the quest for the perfect bike is like the quest for the holy grail or the perfect mate, endless and elusive. However, in my opinion either the two bikes you mentioned above would likely give you many years of riding enjoyment.

Carbon fibre is a great material - light, strong, dampens vibrations from road surface. However damage to it can lead to catastrophic (sudden) failure, so is not a good choice if the bike is likely to get knocked about. For travelling you can get a cardboard bike box that the shops have their bikes delivered in. Ask the shop to show you how to pack your bike in it. I would love to have that Schwinn if it fitted me.