dashsoul92

So I've been lurking BikeForums for some time now, but haven't really posted anything yet. I had the opportunity to try out my brother-in-laws road bike a little while ago and I was blown away by how different the ride was compared to my old mountain bike. I'm wanting to get into road biking, but I don't really know what the best entry level bike at $400 price range would be. I'm thinking about either getting the Windsor Wellington 3.0 or 4.0. I've also been looking on my local classifieds and thought about picking an older (early 90's?) Trek 1200 for $350. What would you guys recommend for someone with my budget?

TrojanHorse

I would prefer the used route if possible and if it fits. You'll be getting older components but generally higher quality. If you really get into it some day you can start looking at higher priced bikes - $400 is a pretty limited budget for a road bike.

Also also wik, don't forget the accessories you'll need - helmet, pump, spare tubes etc. Those aren't terribly cheap either.

kbarch

At that price point, your best bet is used, and the internet is not your friend (if it ever is). Have someone you trust look at your options with you, in person. Issues of condition and fit will reveal themselves immediately, and you wont have to wait for dubious feedback from catty strangers on the forum here.
As long as you're looking at it as something to have fun with, not an "investment," just get whatever presents itself as reasonable. Don't worry about what else might be out there, because "the grass is always greener...." Maybe you'll find a treasure, or maybe your first road bike will be a piece of garbage. But if it's fun, who cares? Live and learn.

Da Reef

Honestly, at that price I’d find a friend to loan me a bike and spend the money on a good kit.

DWrek

Bikesdirect has Motobecanes with Shimano groupos in that price range. More than capable first bike.

Maelochs

I thinkt eh Windsor is from BikeDirect, no? I found it on Road Bikes | WINDSOR WELLINGTON 4.0 | WELLINGTON 4.0 | SHIMANO 21sp ALUMINUM ROAD BIKE w/ CARBON | BikeShopWarehouse.com | The new <b>Windsor Wellington 4. also. Same price as BieksDirect.

Looks decent for the money. I got a Dawes for about that much with about the same components a few years back that I still ride some. I did some upgrades because the frame and fork were good enough not to be wasting money on better parts when the old stuff wore out.

Biggest issue is fit. You really need to be sure you are getting the right size. If you can sit on a couple bikes to get a feel for what you need, that's a plus. The Wellington comes with the maximum load of spacers (which is safe with an alloy steerer), but you could buy a new stem or seat post for $15-$20 to change the fit quite a bit ... still getting it right the first time is the best way.

Buying used is less convenient, because you actually have to go look at bikes which might have issues, might not fit, might not be what the seller described ... and when you get there if you don't know your stuff you won't know if what is there is something you want. Also, if you cannot tell if there is a mechanical issue ...


But if you can find a good used bike you will get twice the bike for the money.

Sy Reene

Why are used bike shops not a thing? I know they do exist, but pretty rare.

San Pedro

Because they charge 80% the price of new for something that is heavily used and want to buy at 15% of value.

Just the experience I've had at the one in my town, the only one I've ever seen dedicated to bikes.

FeltF2Tarmac

I have one near me but it’s hours are crazy. Only open certain days and an appointment is necessary. Way over priced as well.

Maelochs

Have to figure the used market offers less markup than new, simply because if the prices get too high, people can justify buying new, and people can buy and sell used bikes really easily on Craigslist, so if the local used bike shop lowballs, you ... CL the thing.

wphamilton

best entry level (road) bike at $400 price range

I don't think there is a best, since they'll all have about the same level of components, generic aluminum frame and low end wheels. So they're all pretty good IMO, and you can choose freely without worrying that about inadvertently picking a relative lemon.

I'd personally never go used in that situation, where I wasn't confident about selecting between entry level bikes and had a $400 or so budget. If you pick something from Bikes Direct, Nashbar, Bikes Island or other online retailers (maybe not Amazon, though it's a legitimate choice) then you're going to get a decent new bike for the budget. Going used you may wind up with a problem, or overpay.