wall

Howdy,

extremely amateur biker here.

old 98 Dyno Tandem in my garage
2006 hybrid Trek that Ive been using to train on lately


My bike riding has really kicked it up a notch as Ive cut alot of weight and have entered a sports event later this year with aspirations for more.

So Ive decided the hybrid just aint gonna work for what I'd like to do.

Ive search 3 LBS for the deals and whats available. Its transition time up north here. We're between models and not to many bikes in my size are available. Ive been fitted for a 62cm...about a 110-100mm stem IIRC.

So far this is what Ive found:
- an 07 Trek 2.0 for about $1100, a 2.1 for $1350
- I found a used Raleigh supercourse in my size for $950 (it did sell a day or two after I looked at it)
- currently having (what I'm told) is the last 2008 Raleigh Grand Prix in my size shipped to the LBS for me to test ride. price $1140

Ive been putting about 250 miles a month on my hybrid and am getting sick of being passed by roadies and their pretty shirts. Its my turn to catch up.


Roughly $1100 has been my top end budget.

Ive learned alot about components and quality in my price range. I think I'm comfortable with the Grand Prix based on the 105 Shimano's. Even more so than the SuperCourse...but oh man was that a nice ride.

Ive searched but dont see too many reviews of that Raleigh?? Comments?

sfcrossrider

Great bike for the money. You'll feel like you grew wings.

ShadowGray

Grand Prix.

Don't do Trek!

ragboy

leave some $ left for a pretty shirt.

arterture

Yes a pretty shirt is a must!

wall

thats what i'm expecting

Thank you for that.

wall

If I buy yellow do I get extra rube cred?

Hickeydog

Try to keep the bike around $900 and spend the rest of your dough on jerseys and shorts and gloves and shoes and everything that you need. You can get a Trek 1500 (aluminum frame, carbon seatpost and fork, full 105) for under $1000.

And when you do get the bike, take your monthly mileage and make that your weekly mileage.

arterture

Nah, go Gyro style and get a full on pink jersey.

spry

Your in the right place.
I gurantee most of these imposters in here ride their sisters old hybrid with streamers.
They simply paste up photo ads and say,"look at my new steed".
Have you ever seen a sales receipt in here?

wall

Tonight I went and got fitted for the Raleigh Grand Prix. Its in house at the LBS now and I went through the process of lining up the seat, stem, bar height...chose pedals, shoes and a helmet.

Got 2 free Raliegh water bottles for the effort. Spent prob 2 hours doing all that. Must say I'm rather impressed by the level of detail the shop is spending on me to make sure I leave riding in a good position.

Chose a Look Keo Classic pedal and a Sidi Zeta shoe

That bike sure is nice...

Hope to take it for a ride tomorrow night...or definately Sat morning

ragboy

Pic of the bike and your new pretty shirt?

daoswald

Now ride.

The rest is up to you.

wall

Unfortunately I havnet picked one out yet.

Ill still be looking like the country mouse for awhile.

wall