To actually answer the question. I love my Schwinn Supersport GLX. I was going to buy the Trek 2200 but I found at a LBS that the Schwinn was priced (on sale) for the same amount as the Trek. And it fit me better. When I got on the Trek I found it stretched me out too much. But the Schwinn is perfect for me.

I promise if you get a Schwinn road bike you will see NO others. I have never seen another one. So at least you will be original.

Schwinn has done some reconfiguring and is not putting out the quality bikes that it was last year. They are still producing some MTBs that I have seen at my LBS but nothing in a new road bike. My bike shop still has the SS in stock and you can probably find it within in the $1,000-$1,200 range. (Last year it was priced at $1,499 or something like that.)

Here is the link:
http://store.schwinn.com/cgi-bin/nco...&cgrfnbr=49081

Cut and paste it. It work the specs are there too.

Good luck.

I just bought a Cannondale R400 for $750 and love it. If I had the extra cash I would have gotten an R700 it was $1,099. I test rode Trek, Cannondale and Specalized. The Cannondale is what I liked but thats just personal preference.

Myself, I found what I believe to be a Peugot UX-10 (PX-10LE with clinchers) at a flea market for US$ 50. Granted, it's not the best, but it weighs in at around 22 lbs, and it's just enough to get me going. I just really started getting into cycling, and soon I'm going to my 1st race. I don't intend to do great, I just want to be able to hold on to the back without getting dropped. My Peugot may not be the best racer, but the seat's comfy, and it's great for training.

Just a thought.

I bought a Devinci for $1100 Canadian (way cheaper in Canada cause they are domestic).

It has Sora/Tiagra and mavik components and an excellent alluminum frame. Very nice carbon fiber Look pedals, Ritchey handle, and a very comfortable Selle Italia saddle.

The whole thing is 21lbs.

This bike easily beats everything else hands down from other manufacturers (price relative in Canada). Sure, the components aren't all that fancy, but can be upgraded.

I have been riding it more than 200km (70% climbing) each week since I got it, and every week I'm adding on more and more milage to my routes.

This one time I met this really nice dude on the route on a classic steel Vitali. He actually stopped and let me catch up with him and we started talking.

He said he liked my bike. I told him the components are a little skimpy. He said it doesn't really matter.
His bike weighed 22 lbs overall and as we were chatting he listed all the climbs and time trials he had won on the Vitali going head to head with other riders with really high-end bikes.

I disagree with Velo when he says a more budget bike will actually discourage a rider as it has quality problems. Let me tell you that I rode my X-mart bike a lot and it never discourged me, heck, I even did a damn centry on that 50 lbs. thing.

If you think something as silly as having a Sora instead of a 105 or Ultegra is going to make the difference between you becoming a serious rider then congrats, you have become a consumer who*re.
Wether your bike is $1000 or $10,000 you still gonna have to pedal.

Most people new to road biking,me included ,have nothing to guage or reference to when it comes to a new (first)bike. I recently purchased a 2002 Allez 27 A1 Sport. From my perspective ,I realize it is an entry level bike,but since I have nothing to compare it to I am very satisfied. I also mountain bike. I realize after a couple of years that a newer upgraded bike will offer me more performance and better rides. That is a natural progression and I expect in a couple of years I will be ready to upgrade from the Allez.

WARNING

This thread was flagged as ap[ossible form of secret advertising/flame. However I will not delete.

I ask all to be very careful on what you read. I know from experience that many companies have 'workers' post either positive things about their products to advertise for free and pass what could be misinformation or worse as many do is to say bad things about other bikes (competitors).

Such posts are not allowed and end up many times costing companies money in misinformation passed by either people in the industry or personal epxereince from buyers that may not necessarily be your own.

It was that post pushing Peugeot PX10s wasn't it?

:D :D

:beer:

Overreacting a bit aren't we Xavior?

People may have biased opinions one way or another. Frankly I think it's rather silly that you threaten to delete a thread because you somehow think it's a source of mis-information.

Instead of accusation, try to instead counter-argue anything that may seem to obscene.

How do you figure you can be judge of people's opinion's anyways? I mean no offense, but I'm rather shocked by what you just posted.

So what now? We shouldn't talk about our personally preferred products because there is a chance we may be labled "emplyee's" of that company?

Looks like people giving their opinions to me.....

But you already deleted my post which had positive comments about the Giant OCR2 and Specialized Allez Sport. Let me assure you I DON'T work for either companies. I am just a satisfied consumer who does a lot of research/testing and who also uses common sense before buying stuff.

What kind of forum is this when people can't express their opinions on bikes?

Considering that Amir posted before, during and after buying his bike, and posted about the whole process of chosing his bike, I doubt he's a plant. Besides, I've met some of the Devinci people; they're really not the type to lower themselves to that kind of marketing. It's a class operation.

Hi. Condor here. New guy to forum. Live on Mississippi Gulf Coast an hour east of New Orleans.

You're looking for a new bike in the $1000-$1500 range?

I was just in Dallas and bought a Fuji Roubaix-Pro at Jack Johnston Bicycles for $1345.

First they almost talked me into buying a Cannondale CAD (CAAD) 5 or 6 or whatever, supposedly a $3500 bike for "only" $2600. And it probably WAS an unbelievable deal, but it wasn' t the bike for me. I felt ridiculous riding it.

Then Jack Johnston himself (older gent, ex-racer) stepped in and recommended a Fuji Team. I almost bought that, too, but the Roubaix-Pro caught my eye at the last minute.

It has a Reynolds 853 steel frame and Ritchey and Shimano 105 components. It is an understated bike, a real sleeper, that rides like a dream. Johnston said the frame was better than the components and could be upgraded later.

I like the bike because of its solid virtues, not because the bike is screaming "COOL!" and "LOOK AT ME!"

Now if I can just sort out the issue of shoes. I have trouble finding comfortable ones. Trying out a pair of Carnac Legends at the moment.

Peace,

Condor

Seeing that lately my Pugeot UX-10 seems hell-bent to destroy either me or itself (The freewheel started coming apart as I was riding it), I was looking at a LeMond at my LBS. It has a tiagra front end with a 105 rear, and it's only $1000 (w/o a team discount I may recieve). After chatting with some LeMond owners at the weekly training criterium, everybody who owns a LeMond frame at least likes it, and I believe for the price, it's better than anything else I can find in the area (Giant and Trek). I've had some doubts about the whole s/m/l thing on the Giant, and the Trek... I dunno. It doesn't call to me, sweetly whispering "Sell your mother to buy me," like the LeMond does.:p

In other words, is the LeMond trying to cheat me out of a mother, or is it worth the absense of clean clothing?

Lemonds are generally nice bikes. I'm not sure which model you're looking at, since I don't think Lemond actually has a bike with that component spec -- maybe it's an up-specced Tourmalet?

Take the bike for a ride before you buy it! Lemonds have ratehr different geometries than most other American-made road bikes. They have more relaxed seat tube and head tubes and slightly longer top tubes. It's actually a nice geometry for long, fast rides, similar in many ways to a touring geometry.

But if you're used to the straight-over-the-front-hub feel of a frame optimized for criteriums I'm not, and I think crit geometry is a crime in most road bikes], the Lemond might take some getting used to.

I have found this forum to be somewhat helpful in that I am looking to spend as little as humanly possible on a road bike for recreational riding. No competitions in my future, but perhaps a few century rides within the next 8-12 months...

I found a 2002 Motobecane Record for $525.00. Any thoughts? And yes I know it has low end components, but my bank account is low-end as well...:beer:

From what I've seen (not in person yet, though) these new Asian Motos are about as good a way to get onto a brand new bike as there is. You can buy more used but if you want the convenience of a new bike at that money I don't see how you can do better. Iron Horse has an inexpensive starter too if you can find a dealer.

:beer:

God...I *had* to read this thread

I was almost ready to plunge about $1500 cdn for a Giant OCR1. I'm going to be working at a bike shop this summer and I'll be able to get some very nice discounts (probably for $1000 after tax).

The comments from velo make the OCR line seem like crap :/

I need a good bike - a bike that I'll be riding everyday for progressively longer distances (I enjoy pushing myself) - I had already made my mind up about the Giant but now I'm having second thoughts...hmm...

Everyone... My comments on the OCR line were based on my observations of the 2001 bikes. I have not seen the 2002 models, but I understand they have some major spec upgrades. Moreover, although I'm not a big fan of the frame across the line -- I think it's a heavy frame and I don't like the 3-sizes-fit-all approach -- my main beef was with the 2001 OCR3 [which I do think is crap] and, to some extent, the OCR2.

My advice for anyone buying a bike is to go out and try as many bikes as you possibly can, regardless of frame material and brand name. You may only SEE Giant, but you might find one of last year's Univegas at a great price [a better value IMO], or a great deal from a smaller company like Marinoni, Devinci or whatever local bike companies you might have nearby.

If the OCR1 fits you and you like how it rides, go for it... But try some other bikes, both from different manufacturers and at different price points, so you can make an informed choice. If this is your first roadie, you probably don't know what you want, or what features are imporant to you. That's why you have to take your time and see what's out there.

All I will tell you is that virtually EVERYONE Ive talked to has thought the OCR2 was a fantastic bike...excellent bang for the buck. Ive had mine for about three weeks and over the weekend I just took it out on a 50 mile ride....It felt great. Mine weighs in at 19 pounds (22 lbs. stock) with a changed out stem and crankset/cassete upgrade to 105. Its a great sport/ training bike. The frame weighs 3 pounds and is butted ALUXX aluminum. If someone thinks thats heavy then I have to disagree. Giants TCR series which are about the lightest on the market have frames that weigh in at about 2.5 pounds. If I put a carbon fork on the bike I could cut weight even more.
Dont rule out any bike based on one persons opinon. Go and check out Cycling Plus (the message board) they have some very positive things to say about the bike there. That, and go ride one. Then make your choice. There will always be people who dont agree with your choice.

yep..I know :)
I'm starting work tomorrow at a local bike shop...I plan to take all their nice road bikes out for a spin around the neighbourhood hehe.

Good Luck on your bike hunt.
I m going for a ride after work!


:beer:

What do you all think of the the 2000 model litespeed classic, campy chorus, look carbon fork, cane creek/ITM, selle italia,1 xtra cassette, pump, water bottles for $1700.00 Perfect condition. Thanks from a former lurker. :)

If it fits you, buy it. Buy it now.

If it doesn't fit you and it's a 50cm, I'll buy it.

hahaha :p Yeah...what size is it, and where is it?? :D

If your inseam is 2 inches shorter then you likely have short legs for your height, which also means that you have a longer than average torso for your height. Thus the best choice for you is a compact frame. This way you can buy the size which has the right length top tube (the most important measurement) and not have to worry about stand over height. I know that some people on this site are opposed to compacts but for people like you and me, with shorter legs and longer torsos they are perfect. There are many compact frames about now, obviously Giant is good value but you need to ensure that they make a size that fits you. Another good option is Specialized, they make compact frames in 11(?) sizes.

Who cares. Just get one and ride. It's all fun.

I spent $1,100 on a Raleigh R700. Do I need a bike like that - NO.

I ride couple of time a month and average only 40 mile per ride. I got two small kids that take up most of my time.

I got what I could afford.

Get what you like and enjoy it.

Choosing a bike is a very personal experience. I have never been able to test ride a bike long enough to be absolutely sure that is was the bike for me, but I have also never had a bike that I haven't learned to love.

I bought a 2002 Giant OCR 1 in March for $940 American and have enjoyed it very much. I imediately replaced the Hutcheonson tires with Conti Ultra 2000's and the pedals with a pair of Looks. The bike is a little heavy, but I am riding for mental health and to burn calories, so the extra pound or two does not bother me for now. I think that a lot of that weight is in the stock wheels, so they will be my first major upgrade. I also happen to be very happy with the adjustable stem, which was necessary to get the right fit with only three frame sizes. From what I had read in advance, I expected it to have a lot of flex, but have found none. And I find that the 175 mm cranks (as opposed to the 170's that were on my old Cannondale I raced for 5 years) were an easy adjustment because that is what I have on my mt. bike, and they give me more leverage when climbing.

I went for a hard 35 mile ride today with a friend riding a custom frame with Dura Ace. I had no trouble keeping up. As I used to remind the high school team I coached, "Once you reach a certain level of quality, it's not the bike, it's the engine."

If I were racing, I would not recomment the OCR1, but if you aren't racing, I think it will meet the needs of most riders from fast recreational rides, to commuters to century riders.

All:

Regarding the Giant OCR controversy:
I recently had the opportunity to try a Giant OCR 1 ($999 USD)
and a TCR2 ($1300 USD).

All I can say is: It's amazing what $300 more can do for you
when it comes to buying a road bike. And the OCR isn't a
terrible bike by any means. But it wouldn't be my first choice
in a shootout of $1,000 road bikes.

I first rode the TCR2 then I rode the OCR. The OCR would be
a nice entry level roadie for someone planning to do recreational
riding. It was definetely heavier with a different feel than the
TCR.

But if you're obsessed with riding instead of treating it as an
occasional hobby, commute, or race the TCR was hands down
better.

The TCR 2 was (1) full 105 [drivetrain, brakes, hubs] double,
(2) lighter TCR frame [same frame as Team Once rides in
the Tour deFrance], (3) carbon fork+seatpost+stem+steerer
(4) Selle Italia Prolink saddle with carbon frame (5) Cinelli
Altera bar + Cinelli cork tape (6) and Mavic CXP21 wheelset
with (7) Hutchinson Carbon Comp tires.

All of that carbon really smoothes out the harshness of the road
without removing the feel of the road altogether and it's a quick
nimble bike well suited for long rides. I've already put 145+ miles
on it since I got it 22 days ago.

I was considering an OCR as well but am glad I sprung for the
TCR. If you have to save to get one, do it. You won't regret it.

The best thing about it is that the bike is definetely something
you can upgrade to the highest end parts available - the TCR1
is the same frame, fork, seatpost, stem and bar with Ultegra.
The TCR0 is the same with Ksyriums and Dura Ace. And the TCR
team is the Team ONCE bike with Campy.

Whoa, what's the problem with Coda components?? I really want to get the Cannondale, but I haven't heard many positive comments on them in general. ??

Coda is the Cannondale in-house brand for components.

Not known for their excellence. But their bike framesets
are top notch.