I'm looking for my first road bike. At first at least, I'll be riding for fitness up my local hill (Lookout Mountain in Golden, CO) and I'm interested in the more relaxed "performance" geometry. I'm looking for something used off craiglist and I'm looking some recent carbon:


Trek Pilot
Specialized Roubaix
Cannondale Synapse
Felt Z series
Orbea Onix

Any suggestions to add to this list?

I'm also interested in vintage steel (looking at a Super Prestige this week). BUT, I have no idea how to tell if it has a more performance (vs. race) geometry like a (Nishiki International vs. a Nishiki Professional) unless I sit on it and/or measure. I know about the Nishikis at least. What about some other vintage European makes that have a more relaxed geometry?

Thanks in Advance.

Onix i have it and love it

Giant Defy

Jamis Endura

When in doubt, get a dale.

Scott CR1

If it's your first road bike, you won't be able to tell one geometry from another anyway. Any nice road bike is going to feel awesome. Just make sure you get the right size for you.

I'd also suggest checking local shops for used / trade-ins, and fleabay of course.

Thanks for your suggestions on the Giant, Jamis, and Scott.



I'd have to disagree - I can certainly tell a difference between my neighbor's Tarmac and his wife's Ruby (both 56 cm bikes), and it's the feel of the Ruby that I want. (I've been riding bikes all my life, but primarily mountain biking as an adult.)

But yeah, size is what I'm wrestling with. 58 is too big. 56 is probably the maximum at which I'm comfortable, and I haven't spent any time on a 54 yet. (I had a fitting done and was told 53-56 cm effective top tube, but my long lanky arms and legs set me up for a high seat and so I'm looking for a more "upright" performance style bike.

Anyhow, thanks all.