ggoodson

Hey guys,

First off, hello. This is my first post here. Pretty much what the topic says. I've always wanted to get into cycling, but always promised myself not to buy a bike into I could afford something nice. I've saved up a good amount, and I think I am ready (woohoo!).

Anyways, I was hoping this would be a good place to get advice and other tidbits of information on getting a road bike. First off, a little background about myself: I am 24 yrs old, 5'4 and 118 lbs (yeah... tiny) and have been an endurance runner the last 4 years, running about 27 marathons and ultramarathons w/ a PR in the marathon of 3:08, trail 50K of 4:49 and trail 100K of 15:36. I think I am in good shape, but I always feel I could be better.

I've always wanted a road bike that I could ride, and eventually, get somewhat competitive. Though I've never rode before, I've always been curious in century rides, and perhaps longer events. I'm naturally competitive, so whether I am playing cards, stickball, or running a race, I always gotta do my best

But seriously, last time I rode a bike was 3 years ago on vacation. The rental house had a crappy road bike, but I was fascinated and took it out for a few 20 mile rides a couple days in a row. I had a blast. As far as bike gear, I don't know that much. I have been saving up for a good year, and I have a $2K-$2.5K budget. From talking to some folks, they say you can get a great bike for that amount.

So I may do some shopping this weekend. I live near SLC, Utah, and may visit some stores and talk to some folks. So... any advice on where to begin?

I appreciate the help in advance - hope to post here more and more as I get into it.

- Greg

bikeride

You'll do good.

cadencesdad

Contender bicycles in Salt Lake City has a the best selection of bikes in Utah, and a VERY knowledgable staff. Visit them first, and probably last. I like the Orbea line. Don't forget to figure you'll also need to include shoes, clipless pedals, helmet, and probably cycling computer into your budget. Contender has everything you could want, and then some.

Oh ya, I don't work for them. I just dig their bike shop.

rizz

You won't be ready for a bike until you can run at least a 3:07.

ThinLine

You can get a very good bike for 2-2.5k, but be careful and take your time. Fit and comfort would be paramount, then components.
For the amount specified, your looking at at least all Shimano ultegra, all SRAM rival, Campy Centaur-ish.
Perhaps a dura-ace RD thrown in and some cool bling items.
Remember outfitting yourself with some decent clothing and shoes too.

Good Luck!

artifice

At your height you might want to put careful consideration into 650 versus 700 wheels, whether or not you will have toe overlap (don't want to insult your intelligence, but 700 wheels are larger) so when turning sharply, your toe may bump with the wheel. Some people do/don't mind it.

Go out to your LBS, get measured so you have a "starting point" for bike size, and test ride until you get a better idea what you want. In fact, I'd do that at a couple LBS's if you ahve them available, to compare what they tell you.

Happy shopping!

MONGO!

Budget for clothes, helmet, pedals and shoes before choosing your price point.

ggoodson

Thanks for the info guys - definitely keep it all in mind when I am looking.

I've heard Contender is a good bike shop, heard that from several folks at work. Perhaps I'll swing down there today.

Much appreciated!

- Greg

TeddyKGB

Be sure to post pictures after you buy the bike. We here at BF looovvveee pictures.

cadencesdad

If you do, make sure to check out their "show room". Lots of serious bike porn in there. Nothing I will ever be able to afford, but my god is it fun to look.

Geoff326

from the riders I meet on the road, it seems like past runners convert very well to cyclists. you should do great.

terzin1

you are very close to my build. Im 22, 5'4" but weigh 132 pounds (mostly that weight is muscle from the weight room). I ran sprints back in high school and didnt start serious biking until earlier this year. The 700 tires havent caused me much trouble with my feet hitting them or anything, in fact I cant think of a time that they have. my budget for a bike about a month and a half ago was $900 and I got what I like to think is an excellent bike for that money.

I have no idea how height affects biking though, if someone could enlighten me that would be great, that is if being taller is better than being shorter.

ericgu

My advice is to go around to some stores and see what sort of vibe you get from them, what they recommend, and how they respond to your trying to steer them up or down the scale (if they point you at a $800 bike, what do they do if you say you want to spend double that?).

I'd encourage you to look for a good but not a great bike - something more in the $1500 range - because you don't yet know what kind of bike is going to be most exciting for you.

Fit is paramount for enjoyment.

My other advice is to be gentle when you first start out. Your aerobic system can write checks that your leg muscles can't cash, and it's really easy to overdo it and be sore for a week

ericgu

Depends on what you're trying to do. If your in a discipline where power is important (a sprinter either on the road or the track), then having a little extra size (and having a body that puts on a lot of muscle) is an advantage. Same is generally true for time trials assuming they're mostly flat.

If you're on the road and climbing, being smaller is a big advantage. I'm 6'2" and about 170, and I do okay on the flat and can be pretty fast on long slow hills (say, 2 miles at 3%), but when we get above 7% the short guys ride past me.

Rober

^^^ yes, especially, and also everything everyone else said. Contender is a great shop, but not the only one in town. Check out a few of the more road/race-oriented shops (you can afford it) and test ride anything that even seems interesting to you. You will probably want another bike in a few years anyway (maybe sooner, once you get into it). The advice to get the feel of the bike shop is spot-on. Don't rush out an buy something just because someone tells you its the "only" bike you need to have. You be the judge of that. You will have lots of great riding ahead of you - enjoy and get strong!