Hey guys,

Just joined the forum today and I'm about to buy my first road bike. First, I'm 6'3, a lean 245 (if thats possible; I think it's all in my head) and 28 years old. I've been researching bikes for 2 years now and I've settled on a Tarmac SL2 w/105 group set. I plan on buying on Thursday (3/17)! Anyways, I heard some things from the 3 different bike stores and they all had different opinions... of course. Please let me know if any of these claims are true, as far as you know. Or, feel free to share anecdotal incidents that may help me out. And last but not least, I know fit is number 1, but I felt a great fit on both the Tarmac and Madone 4.7... In your opinion, have I selected correctly? THanks!

1. I was told to stay away from the SRAM Rival group set b/c of my size. Apparently, the Shimano 105 is more proven for all riders and the Rival derailleurs aren't as reliable to stand up to force of larger riders?? Sounds like BS to me, but please let me know.

2. Trek doesn't invest as much in the engineering, technology, and R&D of their frames as Specialized and their bikes aren't worth the money at the $2600 price point. Trek would be more for the $4000 rider.

3. Same as above, but with GIANT. The salesmen weren't too high on Giant bikes in the $1500-$3k range. The TCR is only to be considered in the $3500 range.

4. FIT is all that matters and a test ride in the parking lot doesnt prove anything, and therefore, isnt really worth it. --To this last point, I was shocked. I thought for sure they would want me on the bke to allow me to fall in love.

There are many more, but I would love your opinion on the aforementioned 4 points. Service is a huge part of buying the bike for me and I'm a little skeptical of these guys. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Also, I apologize if I'm posting in the wrong place, this is my first post. Please direct me to the correct thread if need be.

Thanks!

They all make good bikes, I tend to agree on the giant, with the exception of I wouldnt buy any of them. Trek spends the time in the R and D but Im not a fan of where they seem to spend it.

Rival and 105 are fine for bigger riders, more than likely they want to sell you something on their floor vs ordering you something.


The Tarmac is a great bike and you cant go wrong, if you like it go with it. Fit is much more important that a parking lot ride. invest in a good fit.

The initial adjustment they give you is not a fit, its an adjustment and a get it close, spend the 200 or more on the BG fit if they offer it.

Fit IS important and, in the position of the salesman, I don't think that I'd want you to put to much stock in a test ride, either. The way I see it, it's not too likely that they'll have the correct size (friggin' big) bike just laying around for you to test. If that's the case, you could very well be turned off of a great bike because of an opinion based upon a poor fit.

Wow.

1-3 they are completely full of crap.

#4, I actually agree with them, but I agree with you too. You'd think they would want you to test it and fall in love, it's neither here nor there though.

All of those bikes are going to rock your world. 105 is awesome. Rival is awesome. Get the one you feel is right for you and go from there. The last thing I'd trust these guys with is them fitting you to a bike. I'd be inclined to think they tell you that you fit great on one because they want it out of the door, and I bet your ass it's going to be a Tarmac, with 105 on it. I would imagine because it's marginally more expensive (or in stock).

1-BS I would put Rival ahead of 105 and pretty close to Ultegra. I can't imagine that any would be more or less durable than the other.

2,3 Both BS- Most name brand bikes in the same price range will be pretty much equal in build quality. Differences in ride quality will be mainly in geometry.

4- For an experienced cyclist a test ride may not be important. Most could look at the geometry specs and have a pretty good idea how it will ride. A new cyclist should test ride several different bikes in ranges of sizes that may fit. No one can look at you and say you need a certain size and always be correct. Try some that may seem small and then go the other way and try one that may be too big until you find out for yourself what is your correct size.

Whoever told you this is an idiot. You have more than 100 lbs on me, but I assure you that when I pull the levers, it would put no less strain on the cables, RD, and the like than when you do. Rival is good stuff.

Fit is extremely important, but the ride varies quite a bit. The geometry is not the same on all bikes, nor do they come equipped the same way. Get the bike you like.

They should be willing to let you take the bike for a real test ride. I've taken bikes as far as 20 miles on test rides before. The stuff they told you about the brands is nonsense.

Trust your Spidey sense, and this does not sound like a great place to get service. I'd check out some other shops.

Unless you are an elite pro...what you ride does not matter much

You could buy a 300 dollar bike and functionally it would be the same, (shocking isnt it) Expensive bikes really are more of a bling factor.

All those companies make great bikes. If you spend more than a thousand dollars you will be very satisfied...for awhile, and no matter how much you spend you will soon find yourself lusting after another bike, another component, another piece, better wheels

just trust me, all those bikes are just fine

Very good, thanks so much guys! Exactly as I suspected on many of the points. I actually fell in love with the Rival hoods and shifting but this guy just kept selling me on the Shimano, and now that I think of it, the 105 was sitting right there and the Rival was most likely an order. I'm glad so many said this, b/c I was trying to figure out what incentive there would be for him to push me off onto a bike if he wasn't getting commission.

I understand the bling factor, but sometimes you just give in to the marketing. For the most part, I'm interested in the allure and comfort of the CF frame and I love the look of the 2011 SL2's. From the brief test rides, I also felt more confident on the stiffer Specialized than the Madone when turning with my hands in the drops. Both were responsive under strong acceleration and to be honest, the rest is just above my head. All I know is that I've been looking at bikes since college and lusting after certain models. I've been wanting to get into the sport for literally years, and I think the time has come - the entry point: The Tarmac. As Bart Scott would say, "CAN'T WAIT!"

Thanks Again, everyone!

I respectfully disagree.

1-3 are so full of BS like others have said

the markets are extremely competitive and no one makes a **** bike in a given price range

giant no longer makes an aluminum/carbon model but the carbon model sell for almost the same as I paid for 2008 Giant now with 105

decide what you want.. sounds like it is a tarmac

ask around as to who does good fits and find the right bike for you

if you go to https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...20Fit%20Dealer this lists all the authorized BG fit dealers for specialized if you have decided a tarmac is for you

You will love the tarmac....I have one with 105, but at similar price points, drivetrains are mainly preference. I worked at a shop selling specialized and they make a good product. Good luck with it

1 = BS
2 = BS
3 = BS
4 = Correct, in my opinion but it will be a good idea to sit on it on a trainer to get things set up.

Edit,
Also at 245# make sure you get a good set of wheels that have plenty of spokes in the back wheel 28+ is a good idea.

+1

$300? Really? I agree there is a point of diminishing returns. $300 isn't that point.

I can't answer for 1-3. On 4 I agree Fit is very important. Test rides around parking lots have never told me much, but they're better than not riding the bike at all. See if they'll let you take a longer ride. Also, unless you're a really unusual body build, a proper size frame can be adjusted (seat height, stem length, etc.) to make the bike fit you. I'd say find a shop that will work with you the most - test ride, spend time fitting it to you, making adjustments; one you'll want to come back to later on for more purchases or mechanical work. Through the years I've found that there are some really good shops out there, but I've also noticed that if I'd just walk into three different shops that didn't know me, and ask a somewhat detailed or technical question, I'd get three completely different answers. Also, beware the shop where they treat you like an idiot. I've frequently had that happen anyplace that doesn't know me. The best example of this is the time I walked into a shop with my tire and rim and asked for a tube that would fit. The clerk insisted that I couldn't use that tire on the rim, that it was too loose fitting, that the tire would blow off the rim, etc. I just quietly nodded and said Oh. I figured that there wasn't any point in telling her that I'd had that tire on that rim for the last 4 years with no problems, and that I had any identical front wheel tire/rim combination also which had had no problems. Find a good shop, get to know them, and let them get to know you.

Yes, it's all in your head. Unless you are solid muscle, you are not lean, not overweight, you are OBESE. Stay at that weight for 5-10 years and you'll be well on the path to diabetes.

This is exactly what I'm looking for: a great shop with excellent customer service that also offers access to their community rides, etc. Here's the problem.. I feel disrespected at the only shop in town that carries Specialized. There is a bike store called 'Fat Frogs' next to my house that's awesome. Friendly as can be staff that will answer anything you ask without ever getting frustrated. Treats everyone the same, etc. But they only carry Scott and Felt. I'm not impressed with either bike in my price point. I wish they carried Specialized. If they did, I would have bought yesterday. So I guess I have to just settle for subpar service.... idk

Haha... Doohickie:

Nowhere near obese. If you are referring to the 1980's chart of suggested BMI that considers one body type and considers everyone obese that doesn't fit Clavin Klein skinny jeans, than perhaps. However, I run 4 miles every morning, weight train 3-4 times/week and no one ever guesses that I'm a pound over 215 (which is still "Obese" by your standards). By "in my head" I meant the weight, as in, I have a big head. But thanks for your condescending input and congrats on your petite frame.

Then go out of town...I know its a pain in the ass but sometimes ya gotta..I end up driving 60 miles round trip to get something from my Bikeshop but it was worth it..

CFX, I think I am. I'm in VA Beach and now looking at the Richmond area. I have family in DC and the road bike scene is huge in Northern VA/DC. May have to make a trip. Thanks.

I think he was mostly joking. Or maybe not. Probably...

Anyway, I agree that fit is important, but I also think riding the bike is important. This doesn't really sound like a shop that I'd like to support.

Actually, 215 is Overweight per the BMIs and that is what I was looking at. And maybe you are fairly muscular; sounds like it from all the activities you do.

Yes, I will admit that I have a "petite frame." However, at 6-2, 220, I am solidly overweight. My frame actually matches up almost exactly with the BMI charts. When I get over 236, I feel obese and unhealthy. When I get below 194 (which I did a few years back) I feel a lot healthier.

Besides... you did ask for comments.....

I was trying to make a point. I myself got into cycling with a $1000 bike. I think it is bike enough for me. Am I someday going to buy a nice bike? Yes of course! If you have the money go for it.

This is just complete crap. Yes , perhaps a 300 dollar bike would go forward when you pedal it but come on dude.

Believe me when I say...he is not petite.

Sorry for the above 2 posts, I responded without seeing the follow up comments which make my comments look pretty stupid...nothing new in that I suppose.