So, I'm purchasing my first bike. Been lurking these forums for a bit, doing research and figuring out whats best for me. I still have a couple questions I hope to get answered (and I apologize for the long post ).

My first choice for a bike is a Cannondale CAAD9 5, but I'll also be trying a Specialized Allez Sport to see how they feel comparitively. Should I also look to try out a Jamis Ventura Race to see how it feels or should I stick with the first two?

I live in NYC so I don't think I'll be encountering enough ridiculous inclines to justify a triple crankset. As a beginner though, should I get a compact double for that 'what if' situation or should I just go with a double? And if i were to get a compact double, how difficult would it be switch to a double? I assume it'd be easier than switching from a triple...

I've decided to go with Look Keo Sprints...and this may be a stupid question. My LBS has them priced at $160. I found them online for $71 + $12 shipping.
https://bicyclerenaissance.com/itemde...fm?LibId=54760
https://www.xxcycle.com/php/boutique/...8&FROM=froogle
Before I order them, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something...some reason that they're priced at under half of what my LBS has them for

And lastly, I haven't seen many threads about shoes at all... what are some recommendations for less expensive (but not bottom of the barrel) road biking shoes to invest in to go with the Looks?

phew....that was long. Anywho, I appreciate any help and insight

Just my 2 cents...if I were getting my first bike I'd go get a deal off Craig's list, put a little money into it to get it fit and on the road, and then plan on riding as much as I could while sorting out fit, shoes, attire, and all the various things that go with it. There are advantages to being low-key while you are working into fitness, and advantages to keeping some money-in-pocket while getting familiar with what part of the realm you want to inhabit, so to speak.

Correction. I'm purchasing my first road bike, not my first bike.
I have an old MTB and moved to the city 2 years ago, and recently decided a road bike would be a good investment for NYC

If its your first bike, I would start with a less expensive bike, you are probably going to crash a bunch and taking care of maintenance is a pain in the ***** and it is necessary to do on a nice bike. You should also get a cheep bike so you can learn how to do the maintenance your self and not depend on the LBS.

OFC, if you can afford a nice bike and its like buying a quarter pounder from MCD's then by all means get the CAAD9.

Have fun and ride smart.

I still would start on a less expensive one, learn maintenance and stuff.

If you get a compact you can just get bigger chainrings down the line.

You can get up to 52/38, which should be big enough all you need is the rings and a new, longer chain.

...I think most people are good with a compact. Unless you're sprinter material or a big descender 50 teeth is good on the big chainring, and then on the small 34x27 or so is plenty for anything but serious mountains, I think. Swapping to a 53/39 is swapping a crank (larger BCD), but shifter and dérailleur stay the same.

Its hard to say about shoes like its hard to say about saddles. I'd say go shoe shopping and try on a bunch. If you find a brand and size you like but don't want to spend so much, then go buy them on Ebay for cheap. The pedals look like a good deal, and I don't think there's anything you're missing there.

Good luck

I would try a wide range and see which one you like, though you don't get a real sense of what a bike is like until you start riding in earnest; 30 minute test rides around Central Park will only point out things that are drastically wrong in regards to comfort. Are you planning on getting your bike through Bicycle Renaissance? They're a pretty good shop, Shane and Gus are pretty helpful so don't be shy with questions. As for pedals I'd go with the Sprints for $83, you're not going to find them that cheap at any shop. I like to support the LBS but if I can save over half off then I'm going for it.

You might want to opt for the caad9-6, it will save you betwwen $200 and $300, and you probably would not be able to tell the difference in components...

Buy the best bike you can afford. Then if you suck, you'll know it wasn't the bike.

Also, compact and triple cranks are no way to learn how to road ride. 52/42 , 53/39 are a better place to start. Plus , you'll always have the option of swapping out the rear cogs to accommodate your ability/terrain.