Newb
05-13-07, 04:36 PM
#1
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Newb
I'm in the market for a new road bike and my budget is $1800 after accessories (wheels, pedals, gloves, helmet, etc. and tax!). I've demoed a couple bikes but the Cdale Caad8 with 105 component and Raleigh Grand Prix with 105 component and Ultegra Rear really caught my liking. I'm 5'11" and fluctuate from 185 to 195. Couple questions:
1) Are these bikes too advanced for my level of riding?
2) I haven't caught the carbon bug and have been more attracted to the aluminum frames. I've heard that Cdale has the best aluminum frames so I'd rather have a quality alu frame than a lower end carbon. Am I thinking correctly?
3) What other bikes do you recommend in this price range?
4) Will the R550 and R500 be suitable for a rider my size. If not, what type of wheel would you suggest?
5) And tires... suitable? size? type?
All suggestions are helpful... thanks for the great info!
1) Are these bikes too advanced for my level of riding?
2) I haven't caught the carbon bug and have been more attracted to the aluminum frames. I've heard that Cdale has the best aluminum frames so I'd rather have a quality alu frame than a lower end carbon. Am I thinking correctly?
3) What other bikes do you recommend in this price range?
4) Will the R550 and R500 be suitable for a rider my size. If not, what type of wheel would you suggest?
5) And tires... suitable? size? type?
All suggestions are helpful... thanks for the great info!
05-13-07, 04:43 PM
#2
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You haven't told us anything about your fitness level, what bike you are riding now, and what kind of riding you are doing.
05-13-07, 04:49 PM
#3
Dirt-riding heretic
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
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Bikes: Lynskey R230/Red, Blue Triad SL/Red, Cannondale Scalpel 3/X9
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Originally Posted by boshak
I'm in the market for a new road bike and my budget is $1800 after accessories (wheels, pedals, gloves, helmet, etc. and tax!). I've demoed a couple bikes but the Cdale Caad8 with 105 component and Raleigh Grand Prix with 105 component and Ultegra Rear really caught my liking. I'm 5'11" and fluctuate from 185 to 195. Couple questions:
1) Are these bikes too advanced for my level of riding?
2) I haven't caught the carbon bug and have been more attracted to the aluminum frames. I've heard that Cdale has the best aluminum frames so I'd rather have a quality alu frame than a lower end carbon. Am I thinking correctly?
3) What other bikes do you recommend in this price range?
4) Will the R550 and R500 be suitable for a rider my size. If not, what type of wheel would you suggest?
5) And tires... suitable? size? type?
All suggestions are helpful... thanks for the great info!
1) Are these bikes too advanced for my level of riding?
2) I haven't caught the carbon bug and have been more attracted to the aluminum frames. I've heard that Cdale has the best aluminum frames so I'd rather have a quality alu frame than a lower end carbon. Am I thinking correctly?
3) What other bikes do you recommend in this price range?
4) Will the R550 and R500 be suitable for a rider my size. If not, what type of wheel would you suggest?
5) And tires... suitable? size? type?
All suggestions are helpful... thanks for the great info!
2) In general, AL frames are a great way to start. Bargain basement Al frames can be a little harsh to ride, but I'd agree that Cannondale makes a great Al frame.
3) Others to consider are Trek, Specialized, and Bianchi. All make nice bikes in the $1000-1500 range.
4) You're not quite into the big guy category with your weight, so I think the R500 series will be fine. Ride 'em till you break 'em and you'll probably want to upgrade by then anyway.
5) Totally depends on the type of riding you do, but for an absolutely kick-a$$ all purpose tire that'll last forever, go for Michelin Krylion Carbons.
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Last edited by DrPete; 05-13-07 at 04:58 PM.
05-13-07, 04:55 PM
#4
Ride First, Work Later!!!
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Birmingham, AL
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Originally Posted by DrPete
1) If the bike fits and you can afford it, there's nothing too advanced.
I would also recommend riding as many as possible for as long as possible to get a good feel of each one and pick from there! Good luck and let us know how it turns out...
