slvoid

Hi.
I'm about to get my first road bike just for a year or so in the city before I move out and get a nice carbon frame with durace. After looking around with my <$700 budget, I've narrowed it down to a few choices.
I can get a tommaso capri with sora components for $400 online. Performance also has a Tirreno Razza 4 with a tiagra set for $650.
I can go on ebay and get something with slighter higher deore, tiagra or 105.
Or I can go to my LBS and the base specialized allez is $600 with sora components.
A lot of people say sora shifts horribly and requires constant adjustment. What should I do?

bianchi_rider

First of all, you are looking at the wrong type bike, You should be looking at BIANCHI....
If I was in the situation as you, I would go on ebay and find a much better bike (like Bianchi) for a lesser price.
Granted you wont have the LBS warrenty or support with out paying $$$.
But I have purchased numerous bikes from ebay and all have been in perfect condition and I have had no need for warrenty work. Yes I do take my bikes into the LBS for tune ups or any needs that may arrise, but as far as ebay goes I am always looking for a good Bianchi at a much lower price.
The sora is a good starter groupo. I purchased a bike with sora for my son and have had no problems what so ever. Good luck in whatever you choose.

khuon

If this is your first experience with road bikes, then I would definately recommend going to a LBS where you can try out different brands of bikes to see which fits better. Just because you're only looking to spend X number of dollars now before getting a more expensive ride later does not mean that the current bike shouldn't fit properly.

As far as Sora goes, it will shift and perform fine. It may not shift and perform as fine later on down the road several years from now as a higher end group though but as your first sentence indicated, that may not be a factour. The one big thing you will have to decide upon is whether you will be happy with having both thumb and finger shifting or do you prefer strictly finger shifting. The Sora shifters have thumb-actuated levers in place of the small lever found on the higher end Shimano shifters. The big lever is operated in the same fashion however in that you move the entire brake lever. Campy groups also have a similar arrangement although their main lever is a seperate one placed where the Shimano's higher end groups place their small lever and so moves independent of the brake lever. I like the Campy arrangement but am quite fine with the layout of my Dura-Ace shifters. That said, I did find the Sora thumb levers to be ill-placed for my hands and could not shift from the drops. This may or may not be a problem for you but does require you to try out the bike to be sure. And this underscores the suggestion to use an LBS rather than eBay. Another thing that may or may not be important to you is that Sora is limited to 8-speed. I'm not sure how tight or wide a cluster you want but again, test riding the bike in various terrain should give you a bit of an idea if it is lacking in that area. Once again... another point for going the LBS route.

Retro Grouch 

The two most important considerations are fit and budget. Fit affects your comfort and performance every single minute that you are on the bike. Nothing else has that great of an affect so that's obviously the most important thing. Budget drives everything else - brand, frame material, components, accessories, everything.

The nice thing about buying a bike from an averagely competant LBS is that they will help you to determine what size you need and help fit the bike to you. If you buy from a private party, there's usually only one bike so it's take it or leave it on size.

It sounds to me like you have pretty limited experience. If that's the case, I'd recommend that you buy this first bike from an LBS for the reasons indicated above. I wouldn't worry about buying a Sora equipped bike either. 1. Sora isn't as bad as the gear freaks will lead you to believe. 2. Even if it was, you spend way less than 1% of your riding time shifting. Size, on the other hand, is every minute you are on the bike. 3. You're only planning to use this as your main bike for a year. I'd take this opportunity to learn about what you need size-wise.

bianchi_rider

I am not saying go and buy just any bike. Of course go to your LBS and test ride, make sure you get the proper size.
But I definately wouldnt go and spend $600 for a new bike at my LBS when I can get a much better bike that retails for $800 - $1000 for a lot less $$$ on ebay.
You can definately find the size you need and in most cases find the type you want on ebay for a lot less.
Why drop a bundle $$ at your LBS if you arent even sure you will be riding this time next year..

zotma

I definitely say LBS
yeah, you may get more bang for your buck on e-bay
but it's been said already;
the guys at a good LBS are going to help you fit into the right bike.
at a good LBS, the months after buying the bike, they'll help you hone in on exactly the right feel.
they'll help you get outfitted with any part changes (saddle, stem, etc.) and gear you may need.
I just bought a bike in dec.
it took about a month and a half and several trips to the bike shop to get everything just right (like the 'break in' tune up and a stem change).
it was nice to have their expertise and support

travis200

Get your bike from a LBS you can buy the parts you want to upgrade later online but get the bike from a LBS. Easier to get warranty work if needed plus you have a receipt. I know! You can try the bike out and check for fit. Plus if you have a couple different LBS in your area try them all to see what pricing they offer you might swing a deal if you ask.

slvoid

Thanks for all the advice! The LBS does have a price matching feature and they're very friendly, free tune ups for life too.

As bianchi_rider points out, I could get one off ebay now, then when I'm ready to really drop some serious cash on it, go to the LBS for it? Or should I then go online when I'm ready to spend more $$ since by that time I'd know what I need?

Any recommendations for a good value ~6-700 roadie?

geneman

Get this bike from Getawaybikes.com

link here

Set aside ~$50 to be fit by your LBS.

They are a pleasure to deal with and have bent over backward to help me fit my bike, from 1000 miles away. I swaped out for a larger handlbar at the time of purchase and most recently swaped out for a shorter stem. Great people to work with (no, I'm not being paid for this endorsement). Haggle for price on that bike. Get them to throw in shipping and a pro-tune. Good luck!

-mark

auricpoe

Your could get both bikes at your LBS.....much easier to get a bike from a face to face interaction and to be able to touch and test the fit of the bike before you get one...online is very benign...you never know what you going to get....you could get screwed....I'd check the LBS, and use that as your resourse.

BTW...I have a Trek 1000 that I got for 600, with sora and i have no problems....its a nice starter.....Good luck

bianchi_rider

Your LBS does have its pos points, but if it was me I would get a great bike for less money until I was absolutely sure this is what i really wanted to do.
Tune ups arent expensive and a good used bike from ebay would give you more for the buck $$$ Then in a year or two you when you decide this is what you really want then you could upgrade at your LBS.
The guys at the LBS are concerned about one thing and thats their pay check (read forums about LBS, I have seen a bunch where riders werent happy because of add ons and such, thus the pay check is all that is in interest). Beleive me my opinion is to get one off of ebay, chances are someone got the bike new at their LBS and spent a lot of $$$ on it and decided it wasnt for them, thats why they are getting rid of it. But then again, my opinion is just that, an opinion like every one elses.
I got my first road bike (bianchi) at the LBS and wish i would have gotten a used one first, only due to the fact after I got married to my first wife I wasnt able to ride and the bike sat there for years, I lost a lot of money on it, situations vary, people lose interest, or spouses, or jobs etc... anyways good luck and remember one word "BIANCHI"

pdxcyclist

I'd also vote for the LBS. Learn from them, and your first ride, so you know from experience what "more" is if you buy Ebay later on.

Another option is Novara bikes from REI for an inexpensive road bike. Year-end models can have significant mark-downs, and the components can sometimes be a full level above comparable bikes. I picked up a pair of Randonnes many years ago with full LX drive trains that held up wonderfully, and they were about $550 year end.

Still, don't buy a bike for the components-- make certain the test ride is the winning issue. The frame and fit is what's important in both the short and long run, and if you don't really know the "Ebay" bike already, it'll be a guess.

slvoid

Around the same time I got my mtb, I fitted myself on full and compact road frames at 2 bike shops so I have some idea of what my sizing and fit is. I looked some bikes over and here's what I've found:

Tommaso Capri: $379
-Al frame w/cromoly fork
-Sora/Sora Front/Sora Rear
-8 Speed

Iron Horse Triumph: $412
-Al frame w/carbon fork
-Sora/Sora Front/Sora Rear
-8 Speed

Specialized Allez: $620
-Al frame w/ carbon fork
-Sora/Sora Front/Tiagra Rear
-8 Speed

Giant OCR3: $650
-Al frame w/ carbon fork
-Sora/Sora Front/Sora Rear
-8 Speed

Tommaso ACF1: $700
-Al frame w/carbon seat stay & fork
-105/105 Front/105 Rear
-9 Speed

Any ideas on those choices?

pdxcyclist

Thinking ahead to a possible resell, the Specialized or Giant might be easier to move. The 105 on the Tommaso would be nice, but again it's more about how the bikes feel when you test ride them. Also, different frames are designed for different purposes, and matching the frame to your needs is a big deal. Variations in top tube length alone could make you happy or sad in the long run. Visiting several LBSs and asking for recommendations and doing test rides should help on this score.

Also, it's interesting that they're all Al frames. Some people prefere AL over Steel, and others the opposite. Test riding a steel frame or two for comparision could be a good idea.

wlevey

Lots of oppinions!!

Heres Mine -

Go with the LBS for your first bike! FIT is essential if you are going to ride at all!

You will hate yourself everytime you ride if you come back in pain!!

Once you know what size & geomitry you like (and likes you) you can always research stuff and find it on the web. The other consideration is that unless YOU know how to assemble a bike you will have to take it to someone to get it set up! They will charge you for this if you didn't get it there. Also, all the little fit adjustments will all be on you to figure out and do. Nothing beats being FITTED for a bike so it FITS YOU!!

Just my opinion...Bill

slvoid

Though buying online does sound tempting, I'm literally getting a bike in a whole other class for the same price, I think getting fitted along with the service for a first timer would be worth it. However, in both shops that I've been in, I asked them "next time I need to adjust my deraillers, what can I do at home? What do these adjustment screws do?" they both said a) they didn't know and b) if there's a problem, it's best just to bring it in so their mechanics can take care of it.

They have real nice service here though so I'd hate to stiff them out of a sale.
Overall, would I save more money in the future when I'm getting a new bike that's more expensive compared to the one I'm getting now? Saving $200 off a $600 bike on ebay is one thing, saving $1000 off a $3000 bike's another. In other words, would it make more sense to buy my beginner bike at the LBS then later on get something with durace on sale online? Or would there be some kind of guilt in not going to the LBS for that one either

geneman

Unless you're abusing the hospitality at your LBS, then I think guilt has NOTHING to do with it. They've won your loyalty already. Use them for fitting, adjustments, tune-ups and spare parts, but buy online.

-mark

Twofer

Buy from eBay!

Though not exact, figure out your size using one of the good on-line fit calculators. Test ride friend's bikes to get a feel for the best size for you. Buy the best bike within your budget on eBay. Then fine tune the fitment as you spend time on the bike buying your components from your LBS.

In the end, you'll gain lots of bike sizing knowledge and experience so that when you spring for your dream bike, you'll know exactly what your are doing. Plus, you'll be able to buy one or two grades higher on eBay because of the cost savings.

Just my $0.02.

--Twofer

JoeTown244GL

My vote is the LBS just for the warranty protection. I've been screwed more times on eBay that I care to recall.

We'll all regret it when the Internet or Wal-Mart run the LBS's into the dust bin of history.

slvoid

Whoa... bike companies don't offer warranty for stuff bought online?

khuon

IMHO, LBSes (and comic book shops) are one of the last bastions of what was once a community-oriented services industry. Nowadays we all hear about people being nostalgic for that "home town community" but what do they do? They typically frequent big chain shops or buy their stuff online/mail-order/TV. And to be honest, it's not all their fault either. Many shops (including some bikeshops) have become less personal but for the most part, I've come to find that LBSes tend to think about their clientele. They see themselves as providing a much needed and warranted support for their surrounding community. I know my FBS looks out for me. They've become my friends and some of freebies and things they've passed along to me just because I'm loyal to them and they're loyal to me by far surpasses any amount of savings I would have gotten by buying online. By my estimate, I have received an average of around $300 worth of free stuff annually from my FBS and I'm not talking intangible items like advice. I'm talking hard merchandise and services. For instance, I have never had to pay to ride the STP because each time, my FBS has given me a free ticket worth $70. Actually another shop I frequent often offerred to do the same but the first shop got to me first. I am thinking of suggesting my FBS start making up some jerseys with their store logo on them. I'd buy one to ride on the next STP which I believe they already have a ticket reserved for me. Even with the purchase of a jersey, I'd still come out ahead.

bianchi_rider

I still stand bu what I said in the begining.. Tho one person said they have been stiffed by ebay, I have heard others including myself say the item bought on ebay was awsome. I have never been stiffed and I have bought 4 or more bikes, not to mention all my boxing gear and other things.
I would figure out what kind of bike I want, find a LBS that carries that brand, and test ride, ride the size you need, look up the brand you want on ebay but upgraded and size, Buy the one on ebay for less, have your LBS service and fit the bike for you, you can still keep your loyalty to the LBS by buying the services from them. About warrenty, well depending on the brand you buy, doesnt matter where you buy it, depends on the year of the bike and warrenty on the bike. (tho I have NEVER needed any warrenty work on any of my BIANCHI'S) Even at your LBS you will get a run around on your warrenty, countt on it, you may even be with out your bike for a good long time... But none the less, to each his own, I personally would go ebay, get a better, nicer bike for less money and not have to worry about upgrading for a few years. maybe I have been punched in the head a few to many times according to some of these posts, but I like my money and will save a buck when I can, not to mention all the LBS that i have visited have not impressed me at all, and I have been to quite a few, its all too commercial now a days.

khuon

If you do this then please be courteous and honest with your LBS about your intents and don't make them waste their time by giving you service when you don't intend to buy that particular item from them.

outashape

I have been in cycling for 3 years. I could not live without my LBS. I am going in there all the time for adjustments. They teach me how to work on my bike. I went in last year and told the guy I wanted to have my husband, who is a non-biker measured so I could buy him a used bike on E-Bay. I explained that I would be willing to pay a "fitting fee". He measured him and told me that he had a bike he was selling. So I made payments to the "wrench" for a 1 year old frame with all new components and lifetime "free adjustments" for about 1/2 the price of new. Many times, the mechanics get their bikes for cost and then want to buy a new one the following year. You could just get lucky like I did.

bianchi_rider

agreed, but assure them that you will be frequenting their shoppe for service and needs , accessories and what not.
but again my point is made, they just care about the pay check and not you, because there is more to a sale than just selling a bike. service goeas far and beyond the sale of a bike, it goes to the point of answering questions with complete honesty, to servicing the bike, to selling you gear, tires, tubes, servicing the bike no matter where you buy it and so on. like I said its too commercial and the guy at the LBS wont remember you next month from a guy who came in yesturday. He wont even remember you when he is cashing that pay check, I know too many guys that work at LBS and car lots and all sorts of other sales, and once you come in complaining they remember you then and run the next time they see you....
again, good luck in your choice.