Brand New Member
 

Hi experts,

For Christmas I am going to ask for a road bike, not sure if I want to get an expensive one off the bat as i'm not sure how i'll like it.

I am 6 foot tall exactly, 155lbs, and I have no clue what size, can anyone tell me from these links which would be best for me.

Thanks for anyone helping, I am clueless!

http://www.target.com/GMC-700C-Denal..._qi_detaillink

http://www.target.com/Denali-Road-Bi..._qi_detaillink

http://www.target.com/GMC-Denali-Roa..._qi_detaillink


Thanks again for any advice!

If you're looking for an inexpensive road bike then get a used bike from a LBS. Yeah, you'll still pay more than from Target but you won't have to worry about the bike falling apart while you're goign 25 MPH down hill. And those department store bikes have histories of malfunctions, wheels going out of true, component failures, etc. They really aren't worth it.

Target is my favorite store for everything from toothpaste to toasters to t-shirts. But I would never buy a bike there because it will be assembled by a stockboy, not a bike mechanic. Do yourself a favor and check out a real bike shop.

The bike shop will also tell you what size you need.

Not a Wal-Mart bike either, while we're at it.

Has anybody mentioned how important a good fit is?

Agreed! And whatever you do, when you get yourself a good quality bike, don't ruin the aesthetics by putting stickers on it!

BTW, welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the insanity..... errr forums.

I'm the same height and weight, with a 32" inseam. That makes a 57cm a comfortable fit for me. A 56 is doable - I have both sizes - with a longer stem, but a 57 just seems to be a natural fit.

Those Denalis, the first one has a listed weight of 36 pounds and a 33.5" standover. So unless you plan to use it as a resistance workout tool and have an inseam of at least 33 1/2", you might want to look elsewhere. (I suspect that the 36 is a misprint.)

Try your local Craigslist and LBS's.

Shimano-equipped bikes are popular. IMO the price/performance sweet spot in their component lineup is the 105 group.

Everyone on this forum is incredibly fit, brutally good-looking, and filthy rich. You don't belong here.

You've been grossly misinformed.

But seriously, like others have said, used from a local bike shop (LBS) is the way to go. You'll be glad you did when you need service done.

Don't purchase a bike from a big box store.
LBS will fit you and get you
a good quality bike . Even a lower end model
will be better than a blankmart bike.

LBS stands for Local Bike Shop. Find one. Patronize them.

Look, not too many bike weenies ride as much as me or have been doing this for as long as I have. I know what I'm doing. I buy bikes over the web and mail order. But mostly I buy from my local bike shop, value my relationship with them, and enjoy their support and guidance. I don't need the guidance so much now, but I've been at this daily cycling thing for 20+ years now.

At any rate, you're FAR better off paying $2500 at the local bike shop and getting the right bike that fits than paying $1500 at a discounter and not having a clue.

And he lets us know this and the rest of his pearls of wisdom on a daily basis here.

you probably paid for glen's boat and his kid's education.

Hardly.

Welcome to BF. I would target buying a bike, but, I wouldn't buy a bike at Target.

get out while you can

A few years ago a friend bought a Specialized in a year end close out get what I think is a good deal. He bought a Roubix with 105 on it for less than $2,000 and he seems to be happy with it. There are probably other brands doing year end close outs as well.

you guys have now pushed him from a sub $200 bike to a great deal on a $2000 bike... Your LBS should have some lower end models from reputable bike makers that you can get into for $600(ish). They won't impress the bike snobs, but they will be a far cry better than a target bike. If you buy it used from your LBS you should be able to re-sell it for very little, if any loss because the good bikes hit a certain depreciation point and don't usually go any lower than that.

haha I am also a member of the Rolex Owners forum, you would get a long well with them....

thanks guys, ok ok ok ok I get it NO target bike lol, I will not get a target bike. But I will check out my LBS (which im sure I could have done first) *facepalm*

I look forward to getting a lot more good advice here, or just advice...

Only 24 pages in and he already understands 2 key ingredients for cycling satisfaction - that cheap isn't always good, and fit is crucial. With comprehension skills like that, I don't think he'll become a regular here.