fungirl

Although I bought a MTB two years ago (considered road bike for a while) I still feel attracted to get a road bike. Not the best time of the year (LOL) but any suggestions what kind of bike to start. Am totally new! Maybe better wait till spring?

old and new

Might be a good time to buy though. Just before Christmas isn't so good and in the spring the stores are busy. You might find a sale now, not in a month but now.

What's your target price, do want used or new and how tall are you. I'd rather minimize verbage. And have you ever ridden a road bike.

helmut

Start with these threads that got hidden in the second sticky:

How To Buy A Good Bike
Bikes Under $700

Now if you're a seasoned MTBer, you know that you get what you pay for, and CL is great if you know what to look for. For pointers, I would suggest a name brand bike with 10-speed 105 components, and with preference to Mavic or Shimano wheels to start with, instead of cheaper wheels like Alex. Under $1500, the Giant Defy 1, Cannondale CAAD9-5, or the Specialized Allez are great options that won't let you down.

ptle

It may be a good time to buy bikes as LBS are having sales on last year's models. Check around and you may find some good deals.

ocho

+1 on looking now. I never planned to buy anything but just bought a left over 2009 Scott CX Team for a unbelievable price at my LBS. About 45% off the normal price. Throw a number at 'em, you never know.

I just scored a new Kona frame for a third of it's new price. Deals are there and if you are serious dealers listen.

fungirl

I did try out a road bike and I totally loved it! Then I bought a MTB because my husband and I liked to to go together on trails. Now it turns out he is not that enthusiastic I am leaning to this road bike again. Yes, I will look if there are sales on now (bought MTBs around September 2007, also in fall). One more thing, what about the cyclocross bikes??

Raiden

With road cycling out for a few months, cyclocross 'season' is going on right now- I wouldnt expect any great deals (I don't see CX bikes discounted as much or as often as road bikes, either).

However, if you want a bike that you can ride equally well on both roads and dirt path, a cyclocross bike is a great option.

X-LinkedRider

Well, overall that is awesome. MTB and Road biking are two completely different animals with a similar power source. The crossover only makes MTB more fun as broadening the spectrum of interest always increases the interests you already had.

It is almost like Swimming and Diving. They both use a pool but totally different. However (aside from Phelps and some amazing Olympians) the athletes who choose to do both usually fair better in both because they have a broader understanding of discipline and enjoyment altogether.

As someone who rides for MTB, Road cycling, and Touring I also Ski, Backpack, Rock climb, Kayak, and a multitude of other things. I think doing each one of these things allows me to love and understand each of the other things a little bit better.

Get that road bike. If you believe you will be serious about it and have the passion you think you will have for it get a decent entry level road bike. Specialized Allez Dolce (women), Giant FCR1 or lowend OCR/TCR, Trek equivalent, are all decent options without destroying your bank.

If you are not sure and you are just thinking about it, you might want to look for something used and maybe older. Just to ride around on and see if a further investment of a real bike is worth it.

Welcome to the bigger cousin of MTB, Road Biking. Whatever you do, smile while your doing it.

Raiden

Yeah, when I'm on the road, I think about riding my MTB, and when I'm MTBing, I curse and swear and wish I was back on the road bike. Its self-perpetuating