Hello all. I am a forty-five year old relative newbie to bicycles living in the Chicago 'burbs. I have had motorcycles before (BMWs: F650, R1100RT, K1200RS), but am now down to one non-motorized two-wheeler (besides the two four-wheel vehicles). My bike is a Kona Cinder Cone upgraded with XT and Hayes 9 that is currently stuck on a CycleOps magnetic trainer. Some Serfas Drifters reduce the noise. A just arrived Brooks B17 saddle replaces the painful gel saddle I had the LBS install on purchase. What did I know? I had not read Sheldon Brown yet. Now, I am reading and learning all I can and am thinking of getting a road bike. I am not interested in racing, but would like a bike that is relatively quick that I could build myself up to doing a century on (more easily than on an MTB). I have read through quite a few of the threads on the first thirty-five pages of the Long Distance Forum and have found many choices. The Neuvation F100, Cannondale Synapse 5, Salsa Casseroll, a couple of Surlys (Cross Check and Pacer), and even some of the BikesDirect bikes are interesting. But, I am still trying to figure out what geometry I want and what bikes might meet that. Depending on what stuff I can sell, my budget will probably be somewhere between $1k and $2k. Value and comfort are more important than flash or speed. Didn't the Casseroll use to be a triple with fenders? The updated web site shows a double without fenders. I am not sure if that is an improvement or not. I like the Neuvation value, but am not sure if I can get a relaxed fit on it or if it is only an aggressive fit; still learning about geometry. I will likely ask John when I get more serious about a purchase. Now, I will go back to doing what I will do most here, lurkin' and learnin'.

Dimensions: 5'10" @ 205lbs (down from 237 lbs; looking to get to 150lbs)

What do mean by this:but would like something relatively quick that I could build myself up to doing a century "

You want a bike real soon or you want a fast riding bike?

Thanks

Thanks for the feedback. I edited to clarify. The bike should be relatively quick. The stuff sell-off preceding acquisition may take a while. That might be a good thing as it will provide time for research.

Welcome to Bike Forums.
Your first bike will not be your last bike.

Thanks. I'm counting on that.

I would get a road bike that would take 700 x 28 tires for better comfort and security for road hazards.
I have 22,000 miles on this one.

Felt F-85



I also have a touring bike with road gearing. It is slower but has larger tires and is more comfortable

Nice bikes, especially the Felt, though that one doesn't appear on their web site. It only shows F75 and F95. I agree on tire sizing. I was thinking of 700 x 25 or 28.

The Felt is a 2008 model. Your first bike is Learning Experience.
I bought used for my first one, rode it 1500 miles then got the Felt.

All the New Bikes are fun. You need to decide what you want.

True. I'll probably go with new. Part of that is that I just don't know enough yet to be able to evaluate used bike pricing. The other part is that if I go LBS, I can expect more in terms of time/service. I may not get it, but I can expect it. Or, I can go for price on the internet. I'm still trying to figure it out. There's no rush yet, though.

My first bike $15 from Craigslist.

A bike shop can help you fit the bike, plus a warranty is nice to have.

I saw some vintage (Vicount & Firenze) for around $100 in the Chicago craigslist. But, if anything needs replacing, I'm not sure I could get something to fit. A warranty is especially good for a newbie like me.

Just to post an update to the forum, I went ahead and bought a used bike to learn on instead of a new one. Thanks, Fred, for that sensible nudge in the right direction. I went to look at a $100 Miyata 110 and went home with a $300 Bianchi Limited (S/N: CS26791). Compared with the Miyata, the Bianchi looked nicer, rode nicer, fit better, was lighter, and had new Michelin Dynamic 700x28 tires/tubes. It's blue, has a "B" on the fork along with an Ishiwata stamp (cro-moly steel). There are stickers for "022", "Piaagio", and "Made in Japan". It's in good condition, no dings, but some small scratches. I think I'll put the Brooks B17 on it instead of the MTB. Once I get my updates on it, I'll post a picture to the C&V forum. It's time to start my next phase of learning.

You can ride a century on any bike in working order!! I rode my first century (from downtown Chicago to Starved Rock State Park) on a million pound 1970's Schwinn Caliente. In the cold, cold rain. while having my feminine, er, issues. It was glorious. I was so tired I went to bed as soon as we made it to the camp site even though it was only 5 pm and my boyfriend wanted to explore the park. No matter what bike you ride, you will always treasure your century rides.

I did swap my bike out soon thereafter for a sweet '80s touring bike. Your bianchi sounds like an great find. and with a brooks b17 it will be even better! A bike you love will do pretty much everything you want.

Yes, I agree that any bike could be made to work. Make sure that you try several out. When I started riding again, all that I had used previously were made from steel. Not knowing better, I bought an aluminum frame and discovered that I hate aluminum and searched out another steel frame. Now I am up to 9 bikes.

My steel 80's Fuji America is my preferred century bike.