girlrider772

Just completed my first road tour, 100km on a Raleigh Venture with a big-ass pannier (don't laugh!). Was trying to see if I enjoyed the distance (I did) and was in good physical shape (I apparently am, as I dragged that thing up some decent hills w/o ever dismounting!). To the point where after the tour, several ppl separately told me I deserve a much better bike for what I can physically handle.

So here I am, looking for a bike. I'm a shade under 5'9" and long legs/short torso (wear petite tops, in fact). Budget is about $1500 max. Worried about adjusting to that "leaning over" form vs. upright, but no back issues - still, want to be as comfortable as possible.

Any of you able to suggest brands/models to start with. I plan on getting fit at a bike store, but am fairly lost as to what the good bikes are. I would use the new bike for long-distance tours, 30-60 miles or so. Any help appreciated -

Hamish200sx

30-60 miles aren't really considered tours. That is actually a pretty normal training ride for most road bikers.
As far as types of bikes are concerned it all depends on what you are looking to do. Are you looking to get into crits? Are you wanting to just ride for fitness, perhaps do charity rides? Are you actually looking to tour, as in multi-day rides where you have to bring camping gear?
There are different bikes made to fit each of these criteria. So it really comes down to what you plan on doing most.

thegunner

to be fair, most out of shape people also can't hop on bikes and bang out 60 miles in one go

since you said you're switching over from upright, and concerned about the change in posture, and also since you seem to be more about enjoyment/fitness rather than racing, i'd suggest something a bit more relaxed in geometry...

given your price range (you should be able to pick up a pretty nice bike for that), you can get something like the cannondale synapse carbon from 09 on closeout for around 1500 or something like the specialized roubaixs for a bit more.

girlrider772

yes gunner, you have it right. I really enjoy covering distance on the open road. I live in a hilly, mountainous area (western US). The 100km was for a charity event - at least they called it a "tour". Anyway, I am only thinking about day cycles, not multi-day events. Those are some interesting suggestions. I saw the synapse model at my local store - about 1400USD on closeout, 56cm. No idea if it's my size, but I will find out!

bretthammy

+1 on Synapse, test road one and very relaxed comfy ride.
Also check out the Felt Z series also test rode one and it was a very comfortable bike.

I ended up going with an Felt F75 since I liked the more racy geometry but those other 2 seem more what your looking for.

mtnroadie

In your price range the Cannondale Synapse might be what you're looking for. It has a comfortable geometry for those longer rides, and it also performs well. I would suggest getting fitted properly or you'll be uncomfortable regardless of what bike you choose.

NickDavid

Hi, welcome to BF. It's funny how everyone thinks they're in shape until they race.

*Patiently awaits Botto*

thegunner

can i add a vote for the six6 or six5? both have carbon rear triangles to help dampen vibrations

lesdunham

This is my vote for best value and fits your price range.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e/sprint_x.htm
Probably a 54 or 56 cm frame, but I would go to a bike shop and see what size frame on average fits best. If you are on the border between sizes go with the smaller of the 2 candidates.

I have the 6600 drive train on my Moto IF (3 years old w/10k miles now) and it is excellent. On this Sprint with alu. frame and carbon stays it will do you well for rides, racing, or whatever. Sometimes people change out the seat and maybe wheels for better quality eventually.

DScott

Please don't encourage people to use their local bike shop as a test-fit station for online purchases. Instead, encourage new riders to cultivate a good working relationship with knowledgeable people near to them, who can provide the help and support they need to really develop their interest in this sport.

kthxbai.

girlrider772

Yes, I would prefer to use my local store, as they were super fixing a flat on the Venture and the guys are really chill. All of your suggestions have been fantastic. As to fit, it is not so much I want to be upright, but my short torso makes it feel like I am going to fall off the bike when I lean forward. (I mean, my legs are longer than my dad's, and he is 6'1"!)

lesdunham

You will always support your lbs with immediate need purchases. Just remember if your budget is $1500 you will spend every penny they figure out you have. They are in fact sales people (maximizing profit).

You do have to figure out what kind of cycling you want to do. Get the right sized bike that fits your needs. Without satisfying these 2 your cycling will suffer and you will to. There are adjustments to make the position a little more upright but don't worry too much if you ride enough then the most efficient postion that is comfortable is where you will end up.

Hamish200sx

I would not recommend a bikesdirect bike for a new rider. They require some assembly, the cables need to be adjusted, the brifters are usually too high on the bars and the rider has no idea how to fit them self on the bike. After taking it in to a shop and going through all of that, it isn't much of a value. Not to mention bike shops HATE working on bikesdirect bikes.

coffeecake

I would start looking at 54 cm bikes and go from there. I'm 5'8" and ride a 52" touring bike. It pays off to frequent your LBS (if you have a good one). I get free labour and 10% off everything now, from buying a bike and most of my accessories there.

genius1265

+2 because this is a lady. And second I recommend the bikesdirect.com bike that is the best bang for the buck. Or just go to your LBS and ask what size and they can hook you up, you wont get as good of components but youll have a name brand frame. Or Go to your local bike shop and just find out what size you need then order the bikes direct bike and take it back their and ask them to assemble it for a small fee.

genius1265

Bikes are really over priced and bikes direct proves that. If the shop does its job and can convince her to buy from them kudos to them but dont hate on online purchasing to save money, were not all loaded and we all deserve to ride good components. And in my opinion a $1500 dollar bike will buy her nice tiagra 105 mix. Where $1000 will buy her Ultegra on Bikes direct.

Keith99

Far and away the most important thing in a bike is fit. Unless you or someone you know is knowledgeable you will not get that online save by blind luck. Shop the local shops (yes plural) or even not so local. Give them a chance.

I would suggest telling the shop what you tod us about your experience. It sounds to me like you want ridability over bling. Oh and test ride! And give it at least a days thought even after you think yuo have the right bike. One I test rode was very very sweet, in a sports car sense. Handled great, stiff and responsive. It would have been a great race bike. In some ways I fell in love with it. But I was not going racing, recreational rides, and that bike would have been work to control. I went with a more relaxed bike and have been happy with it.

The Weak Link

Wow. A simple request for specific advice and we've seen a gratuitous insult and the thread degenerate into a BD flamewar.

Girlrider, welcome to the forum.

coffeecake

I'm not a big fan of buying bikes online. You may save money on your bike, but you'll still have to assemble it yourself, or pay someone to assemble it. If you have problems, you have to deal with a company that's far away, not one in your community. I'll save hundreds if not thousands of dollars over in the future from the discounts and consideration I receive at my LBS. For me, it's worth it to pay a bit more up front for that.

coffeecake

Also, girlrider, if you stick around for more than a month, you can get access to the Women's Forum. Female-specific topics, and they're a bit more polite

tsohg

Go to the LBS. Buying from BD for your first road bike is asking for trouble. You should be able to find some nice deals now (or soon).
My 2.3 has 105/Ultegra (RD) and cost $1400 at the LBS (on sale, talked them down a bit). On paper it will never match a BD deal but I knew what I was getting and I knew I would have support if something goes wrong.

The Weak Link

My 0.02 USD:

It sounds like you will enjoy the longer distance rides, so bike fit is critical. For this reason I would go with a LBS. Otherwise you could end up with all sorts of sore neck/back/etc. problems.

If you can afford it, the more carbon on your frame the better for mere mortal riders. I'd think dragging a heavier frame up the Rockies would be no fun at all.

As for your specific dimensions, I have no idea. That's what we pay the LBS the big bucks for.

Good luck!

urbanknight

Smartest newbie we have seen in a long time.


Although a general rule, that's not always accurate. I have to go with the larger of the two because of my odd proportions.

The OP is smart to go into a shop to be fitted, and it's obviously proper to at least consider buying a bike from that shop and bad form to get fitted just to buy online... unless you paid for the service. I have nothing against ordering over the internet, but it's only the best option for people who assemble their own bikes and do their own maintenance. For others, it will cost them more in the long run since they miss the discount on accessories most shops offer when you buy a new bike, when they have the bike assembled, when they need the 1 month tune-up, when they need any other maintenance, and if they need any warranty work.

helmut

My buddy has a Giant Defy 1 that he got for about $1300. It's a more relaxed geometry (read: comfy) and has good Shimano 105 components. They're probably even cheaper now, if you can find a closeout '09 model. Leaves you some breathing room for clipless pedals, shoes, helmet, gloves, repair supplies and pump.

MDcatV

hi girlrider - ignore all advice on this forum except that which tells you to go to a local bike shop, discuss with the owner/manager of said local bike shop your budget, what you're looking to buy, and why, and letting the local bike shop guide you through the process.

take your time and learn so that you can make the most informed decision, which isnt always the hot bike on "year end clearance" and is absolutely not an on line purchase.