Shiftopher

I'd like to buy a road bike and explore different areas.

First, I hit CL with a budget of $200. The bikes were 30+ years old. They looked and felt clunky. They probably would require another few hundred bucks in maintenance costs. And what if I want to replace or upgrade a part on it -- will it be compatible with modern parts? Abort.

Research time. Learned the lingo. Learned the brands. Learned that fit is paramount. Learned that tires are more expensive than I thought, same with wheels, same with handlebars. Learned that cycling is expensive. Increased my budget to $500-$900.

Went to an LBS, REI, and Cannondale Sports. Kind of got wooed by the Cannondale (I'm a sucker for those elitist brand names that have great marketing), but didn't pull the trigger on anything. Also was forwarded an offer for a used Iron Horse with 105 and other accessories.

So, my choices are:
-New Cannondale Synapse or CAAD 8/10 with Claris (~$900)
-New Giant, Trek, Specialized, Diamondback, etc. with Claris, Sora
-New BD bike with Claris, Sora, Tiagra, or 105 (~$800)
-Used Iron Horse with 105 and other upgrades (~$730)

It blew my mind to find out that there's a few common groupsets that are shared among bike brands. So, for the same price, why would I choose a Cannondale with Claris over another brand with 105? You might say, "because of the frame." And I understand an enthusiast saying that -- they want a light, aerodynamic, snazzy frame. But as a novice, I don't care about that. Should I care about that? I just want a bike that's fun to ride and doesn't break. Cannondale offered a lifetime warranty on the frame. Do aluminum/alloy frames ever crack? Should the warranty mean anything to me?

Is the frame the only difference between the bikes? What about wheels, brakes, handlebars, seats? Are these better quality on certain brands over others?

datlas 

Everything you listed is reasonable. Of course there will be differences with wheels (rims AND hubs), tires, and other components.

Most will advise you try to get Sora or Tiagra and not Claris.

Fit is indeed paramount, try to do some test rides.

I suspect you will do fine on whatever you get, so don't over-analyze things. Buy from bike shop if you are not comfortable with fit, setup, adjustments etc.

Don't forget to budget for floor pump, helmet, clipless pedals, a couple pair of shorts/bibs, and basic tools to fix flats etc.

senseiturtle

I believe so.
Why? Because the frame is the "look", the "soul", and the biggest piece of the bike.
Most bike riders look at the frame first. Most bike riders would be impressed by a venge, foil, or other "high-end" bike, even if it came with 105's.
A Huffy with dura-ace is... well.. a huffy, and an odd match.

Pick a bike that moves your soul. You'll be spending 10,000+ miles and many, many hours on it.
I would hate for your to spend $500 on a bike, and lust over the $900 bike every night.

Warranty does matter somewhat - just a little security blanket.
Cannondales are legendary in their aluminum quality, often compared to base carbon bikes.
Aluminum frames can and do crack - but it's much more rare than you think. By the time you've "worn out" the frame, your expectations, skill, and athleticism will almost demand something else.

For the most part, base level bikes come with base level components.
Even medium-level bikes come with base handlebars and wheels.
It's quite an experience to learn how to wrench and care for your bike - first trading out the wheels, then the handlebars or seat- then after saving, getting an LBS to do a groupset.
...


If you left it up to me - I'd get the CAAD 8 or 10.
After a few months of saving, get the LBS to put a set of 105's if you feel shifting really needs help. If you're fine with the shifting, get a wheel upgrade. I put a set of $680 Boyd Altamonts on my wife's bike, and she loves them. It's a huge leap above the alexrims that were on there.

rms13

If OP were going to plan on dropping another $500 + labor a few months after buying a bike, it would be in his best interest to increase his budget now and get the bike he wants. If OP is true novice, I think he will be happy with any entry level bike with claris, sora or tiagra and ride it for 1-2 years and then upgrade to a completely new bike.

senseiturtle

I think that's fair.
I forgot to mention that upgrading components after the fact is much more expensive than getting it as a "package" with a new bike.

a1penguin

REI Novara brand bikes are 20% off this weekend with the July 4th sale. Also if there is a Performance Bike near you, they have sales every other weekend and Fuji bikes are good value for the price.

Obviously the higher grade group sets will cost more, but the question is what is the minimum you should shoot for. I read plenty of posts where people are happy with modern Sora. Perhaps that would be a good minimum if it fits into your price range. Patience in addition to your research should net you a pretty nice bike!

dvdslw

I am by no means an expert on what bike to buy but have been riding mtb's since the early 90's and a road bike for the last few years and have learned that when buying a new bike you must ride each model you are considering a few times before pulling the trigger. You might go into the purchase thinking you know what you want on paper but until you get on that seat and actually feel what your body wants, you don't know anything. When I went shopping for my new bike I was convinced that I wanted some kind of Carbon bike like a Roubaix, Madone, Cr1, Super Six, etc... so I rode them all several times and couldn't decide but after a salesman asked me to take out a Caad10 I knew right then and there the Caad10 was the one for me. I'm not saying buy a Caad10 because you might not find them to your liking but get out there and ride a few different bikes to get an idea of what fits you. Like others have said, take your time and keep looking around because a deal will pop up before you know it. Good Luck!

12strings

I'm in a similar boat, similar budget. I have test-ridden a Synapse (with sora, bike shop had it for about 900). Don't discount the difference in frame shape between a Synapse and Caad (other brands have similar lines). For me, there's no question I want the slightly more relaxed position and smoothness of the synapse, or something similar (endurance geometry vs race geometry).

A used bike with 105 will of course be a better all-around bike for the money...BUT ONLY IF it is still in good shape, and functions like a new bike. If it needs new cables, cassette, & chainrings, and needs bearings worked on, you'll be spending another few hundred.

I looked at Bikes Direct, and while one can get a bike with Sora for around $400, There are a lot of unknowns about it in general. Most people say their bikes are fine, and you don't have any kind of free service/adjustments like a local shop.

For now, I'm pretty sure I can get the bike I want at a LBS for 700-800...with a year of free check-ups and adjustments, fit advice, and just a guy I feel good about asking questions to. For me, that's worth a few hundred dollars more.

(Problem is, I have about $150 set aside for a bike right now, so I'll have to wait a few more months).

MZilliox

I understand your position here, but think that if you carry the same attention to detail into a transaction, your dollar in the used market goes a lot further. 750 in the used market buys a hell of a bike. new tiagra is fine if not a bit chunky. but old ultegra is superior.

wvridgerider

Bike fit is the most important issue. So make sure you ride the bike and if it doesnt feel right ask the shop to work with you on the fit, stem saddle and so forth. If they say you will get used to it walk away. I wouldnt worry about the name on the bike at the prices you are looking at, if you look they are all coming from China or Tiawan.

CoachManny

Great job of doing your research before buying!

I'm a fan of the 105 and when I upgrade my current bike I will upgrade to a bike with 105 components.

The biggest thing I would be sure of is bike fit. Take careful time in deciding how a bike fits for the long rides.

I'm a fan of style so I would say base some of your purchase on style. Road bikes (IMO) are a "cool" looking. Everything about it is cool!

When I was young I didn't like the style of a road bike. Boy has times change in my mind. I LOVE THE ROAD!

Manny