should I buy a road bike?
06-20-09, 08:38 PM
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should I buy a road bike?
While I want a road bike I am not sure if its the right bike for me, or I just want one because they look cool. I currently have an off road type bike that I bought new 20 years ago. It has flat handlebars that make one of my hands go numb and the bike is just too big. It's a 26" and I'm only 5'5". So I'd like to replace it and I'm thinking of a road bike. But I hesitate because I've read they are unstable and you have to watch for every little stone in the road, etc. I am not the most coordinated person so I am wondering if it might be too much bike for me. I mainly ride for the exercise, can't use it for work, although if I had a really nice bike I would probably use it more often, going places and maybe joining the local club and go on rides. Is there a type of bike that may not be quite as fast as a racing bike but still with drop handlebars?
I can't afford to spend a small fortune and checked out the bikes under 700. sticky but most of those are now over 700. I've checked bikesdirect (I know all about Motobecane and Dawes already) but that may be all I can afford. I've seen many nice bikes on craigslist in my area but they are all way big. I think I should be in the 46cm range so that is making it hard to find a used bike. Suggestions would be appreciated!
I can't afford to spend a small fortune and checked out the bikes under 700. sticky but most of those are now over 700. I've checked bikesdirect (I know all about Motobecane and Dawes already) but that may be all I can afford. I've seen many nice bikes on craigslist in my area but they are all way big. I think I should be in the 46cm range so that is making it hard to find a used bike. Suggestions would be appreciated!
06-20-09, 08:54 PM
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You are somewhere in the 50cm range for fit. At under $700 you are looking at used (you can get real nice road bikes for under 500 if you look around). Then go get fitted by a reputable fitter before spending any money on upgrades.
06-20-09, 08:57 PM
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Yes.
That answer is in response to the subject, not what you may have written above.
That answer is in response to the subject, not what you may have written above.
06-20-09, 11:18 PM
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You know I started with one and.....
Yes. You should buy a new bike. I would suggest a cyclocross bike. It has the drops, a little wider tires, and a road bike "stance." Several bike companies make them. Check them out. Make sure you ride 5-6 bikes before you buy and get it from a full-service local bike shop. You'll be glad you did.
Yes. You should buy a new bike. I would suggest a cyclocross bike. It has the drops, a little wider tires, and a road bike "stance." Several bike companies make them. Check them out. Make sure you ride 5-6 bikes before you buy and get it from a full-service local bike shop. You'll be glad you did.
06-21-09, 12:07 AM
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26" on your old bike most likely refers to tire size and not frame size. A 26" MTB frame would be gigantimous.
And no, it doesnt require any special balance or coordination to ride a road bike. If you can ride a MTB, you can ride a road bike. So (a) welcome to road riding, (b) HTFU and (c) get one.
V.
And no, it doesnt require any special balance or coordination to ride a road bike. If you can ride a MTB, you can ride a road bike. So (a) welcome to road riding, (b) HTFU and (c) get one.
V.
