Looking to purchase
01-14-08, 10:55 AM
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Looking to purchase
I’m 42 and in decent shape for my age. Up until last year, I got my exercise from running and I never had really rode bikes that much, but my knees have began giving me a little soreness. So, last year I started riding my Trek hybrid down the beach road and have found it really more enjoyable than running ever was for me.
So much so that I’m now looking to purchase a road bicycle but I’m not sure what offers the best value for my budget ($600) to spend. I know Trek has a beginner bike for around that price range, as does Canondale. Those are the two locally distributed lines, but I know there are more out there.
I would be appreciative of any help/advice anyone has on this subject, including directions to other sites that may help in this decision
So much so that I’m now looking to purchase a road bicycle but I’m not sure what offers the best value for my budget ($600) to spend. I know Trek has a beginner bike for around that price range, as does Canondale. Those are the two locally distributed lines, but I know there are more out there.
I would be appreciative of any help/advice anyone has on this subject, including directions to other sites that may help in this decision
01-14-08, 01:18 PM
#3
Time for a change.
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If buying new- $600 will not get you very much but a few discounted 07 models still to be had in some of the shops. I started with one of the recognised cheap bikes- A giant OCR3. Basic bike but it works. It has its faults bu the only bit I had to change were the wheels and tyres. Rode it for a year before it did get too low spec for me and in that year it Climbed Mt. Ventoux- so the bike is capable- even if the rider wasn't.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...ad/1243/29271/
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...ad/1243/29271/
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01-14-08, 01:36 PM
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There are any number of road bikes out there with entry level components in that price range. A common saying in the bike industry is you can have it strong, light and cheap, pick two. At that price you will likely get a steel or aluminum frame with mainly house brand components and the bike will weigh several pounds more than one many of the folks on this forum ride. Since you have been out of the road bike arena for a while, spend some time to educate yourself before you buy. I've got a few suggestions for you.
This will likely not be your last bike. don't obsess over it, buy something and ride. If you find you want something else later, you can always sell it and get something else.
bike fit- this is most important aspect of your selection. If you get a frame that is too small or too large, you will be uncomfortable. Go online and do a search (colorado cyclist has one on its site) for bicycle fit and go thru the routines to determine your frame size. Understand there is no 'absolute' answer but you will get a relative range based upon your measurements. Making things feel good and seem efficient after that will be up to your individual preferences for comfort and riding style.
Go to a local bicycle shop. Look around and ask other riders what shop they use. Ask the local bike club members. Ask and find a local racing team and talk to a few guys. After all that input, make some visits to local shops and tell them what you are looking for. Test ride what they have, make your notes, see if their service and style fits your personality. Look for a shop where you deal with a knowledgable principal who rides, not a part time sales person. Make sure they will work with you to fit the bike, change out stem, lower or raise the bars, swap saddles if you prefer one over another. Most shops will make those adjustments for a happy customer as long as it is a one for one. See if they will measure you up and confirm your sizing, and then help set up the bike for your measurements (some will do a quick fit, other shops see this service as a profit center and will charge you for it.....most shops offer some limited fitting for free if you are buying a bike).
At that price point you will be buying a bike with Sora or Tiagra components by Shimano. You may be getting an 8 sp. bike (meaning that the rear cogs will have 8 gears). Don't worry about it. More gears won't make you faster or enjoy things any more. You won't be into the upper tier of components (105/Centaur) till somewhere around double your budget, but again, don't worry about it. The lower level stuff works great and won't hold you back. It is all about your legs and the engine and not the bike. I know, the marketing folks want us to think we can buy speed and endurance but don't believe it. Every new rider I know (with one exception of a world class duathlete) that has gotten into riding road bikes and wants to ride fast has taken 6 mos to a year to build up their legs and the bike wasn't holding them back a bit.
Most shops don't have enough margin in the bike price to haggle over price, but they will discount last year's model, closeouts, demo bikes and the like. Most shops however have policies where they will discount accessories bought at the time of the bike purchase. Ask about it. Put enough money in your budget to buy some good shorts with a good chamois and a pair of shoes and clipless pedals (assuming the bike doesn't come with clipless pedals which it probably won't at that price range). These things will make your experience infinitely more pleasurable.
Some brands are known for good value. I'd suggest Raleigh/diamondback, Jamis, Fuji. both have good products and service will depend on the shop. You will likely get less value from a Trek or Giant or Cannondale concept store than from an independent bike dealer that carries what they want, not what their franchisor tells them. Not that there is anything wrong with those major brands, just an issue of value.
Get out and ride and enjoy. Good luck.
B
This will likely not be your last bike. don't obsess over it, buy something and ride. If you find you want something else later, you can always sell it and get something else.
bike fit- this is most important aspect of your selection. If you get a frame that is too small or too large, you will be uncomfortable. Go online and do a search (colorado cyclist has one on its site) for bicycle fit and go thru the routines to determine your frame size. Understand there is no 'absolute' answer but you will get a relative range based upon your measurements. Making things feel good and seem efficient after that will be up to your individual preferences for comfort and riding style.
Go to a local bicycle shop. Look around and ask other riders what shop they use. Ask the local bike club members. Ask and find a local racing team and talk to a few guys. After all that input, make some visits to local shops and tell them what you are looking for. Test ride what they have, make your notes, see if their service and style fits your personality. Look for a shop where you deal with a knowledgable principal who rides, not a part time sales person. Make sure they will work with you to fit the bike, change out stem, lower or raise the bars, swap saddles if you prefer one over another. Most shops will make those adjustments for a happy customer as long as it is a one for one. See if they will measure you up and confirm your sizing, and then help set up the bike for your measurements (some will do a quick fit, other shops see this service as a profit center and will charge you for it.....most shops offer some limited fitting for free if you are buying a bike).
At that price point you will be buying a bike with Sora or Tiagra components by Shimano. You may be getting an 8 sp. bike (meaning that the rear cogs will have 8 gears). Don't worry about it. More gears won't make you faster or enjoy things any more. You won't be into the upper tier of components (105/Centaur) till somewhere around double your budget, but again, don't worry about it. The lower level stuff works great and won't hold you back. It is all about your legs and the engine and not the bike. I know, the marketing folks want us to think we can buy speed and endurance but don't believe it. Every new rider I know (with one exception of a world class duathlete) that has gotten into riding road bikes and wants to ride fast has taken 6 mos to a year to build up their legs and the bike wasn't holding them back a bit.
Most shops don't have enough margin in the bike price to haggle over price, but they will discount last year's model, closeouts, demo bikes and the like. Most shops however have policies where they will discount accessories bought at the time of the bike purchase. Ask about it. Put enough money in your budget to buy some good shorts with a good chamois and a pair of shoes and clipless pedals (assuming the bike doesn't come with clipless pedals which it probably won't at that price range). These things will make your experience infinitely more pleasurable.
Some brands are known for good value. I'd suggest Raleigh/diamondback, Jamis, Fuji. both have good products and service will depend on the shop. You will likely get less value from a Trek or Giant or Cannondale concept store than from an independent bike dealer that carries what they want, not what their franchisor tells them. Not that there is anything wrong with those major brands, just an issue of value.
Get out and ride and enjoy. Good luck.
B
