iDevourPie

Hi everybody. I have yet to get a bike, but I have looked at a few models in my price range that look good. My problem is that I don't exactly know if there's a difference I should be aware of (yes, I know about the whole "there's not much difference until you get to the expensive bikes" thing).

First, the bikes that I've looked at:
Specialized Allez: https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...=39253&eid=115

Giant TCR ('08, going to try finding a closeout): https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/...llections_id=3

C'dale CAAD9 5 (give fair comparison please): https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...el-8RA95D.html

Felt F85: https://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog...es/09-f85.aspx

I'm planning to use the bike for group rides, commuting, and just general exercise in place of running, but plan to try some competitive stuff later. I live in a fairly flat place with good pavement, but there are some good hills closeby.

I could use any wisdom that you guys have on stuff like best value, best performance, etc. I'm a complete newbie to bikes, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

ridethecliche

CAAD9 or TCR with preference for CAAD9.

I wouldn't really want to commute on these bikes though. Not meant to be loaded up with anything. If you have a backpack, maybe.

furiousferret

They're all 'serviceable' bike and there's not going to be much difference, test them all and buy which one 'feels' the best.

iDevourPie

Yes, I will be using a backpack (4 mile trip to school).

So it all boils down to feel...gotcha. Thanks

MONGO!

Not a bad bike in there, ride them all and pick the one you like.

Hammer02

Agreed...for a first bike any of them will make an excellent choice.

Get a shop to fit you and you'll be good to go.

Exit.

You could probably get something better for the same price if you buy used. Check your local craigslist.

BarracksSi

If you can keep your bike safe at school, go for any of them. I ride my CAAD8 to work almost all the time, but I can keep it safe inside, too. I wouldn't put it on a rack next to abused *-Mart specials, though.

peiffer83

Well, I really like my 07 TCR A1. I put over 1800 miles on it this summer, and no problems. The wheels that it come with are heavy, that is about it. I rode the CAAD8 and CAAD9, but didnt like how it was super stiff and I could feel every bump. The TCR since it is part Carbon in the frame, it was more forgiving. I say go with the giant, its a great bike! I liked the feel.

iDevourPie

Ah, thank you. I've seen so little about Giant bikes in this forum even after lurking for weeks that I was slightly hesitant. Also, thanks for telling me about the wheels, though maybe they're different on the 08. I'll need to check.

Is there a reason to keep them away from the Wallmart bikes, like risk of dents and stuff? I'll probably be chaining the bike to a pole or keeping it in a room. It should be safe since my school's a very small private school

Yeah, probably. The problem that I have is that I have no idea what to look for in a used bike, especially since I don't know my fit. Also, I've noticed that what few good bikes are in my general area are too far away from my house for me to go and check on them....not that I know what to check for anyways. Thanks though.

BarracksSi

That's the idea -- the kids with the cheap bikes won't care so much (maybe their parents bought it for them, so they care even less) and wouldn't give a second though to leaving yours tipped off a rack.

But, I'm also thinking of large state schools (which is the only place I've had my bike stolen -- and, besides here, the only place I've had my car messed with while parked). Yours might actually be pretty good.... but don't let me jinx ya!

droptop

go through a bike shop for your first bike. even if you think you know everything there is to know about bikes, there is still much to learn. by getting a new bike from a shop, you have somewhere to go, and if there are any problems with the setup you have someone to talk to about it. if you buy a used bike and it happens to have a bent deraileur hanger, and it ends up going into the spokes the first time you shift down all the way, your rear derailer is toast, as well as a good chance you bent the deraileur hanger and maybe even a few spokes. now, was it you who bent the hanger, or was it the previous owner? and you are out at least $100. (don't ask how i bent mine, thank god it wasn't on a new bike...).

my uncle has an OCR and loves it. he lives where the roads are flat and smooth. I know a few people with felts and they love them, seems to be a lot of bike for your money. everyone seems to love their cannondales. I have no first hand experience with any beyond a parking lot spin.

all the bikes are fine. just get a good u-lock and cable lock or security skewers for your bike and it should be fine on campus, but expect it to get a little beat up. it just happens. its life. it sucks when you get that first scratch, but you will get over it. its part of using a bike.