New to cycling with FAQ, basic questions...
02-12-12 | 12:11 PM
#26
moth -----> flame
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,919
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 18 Tarmac SL6, 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon
Others have mentioned going with the Defy. This is what I did (went with the Defy 3). I'd like to add that the guy at my LBS said that the frames on the Defy's are pretty much identical (all high-quality), and that you're paying for upgraded components if you go with a higher-end model vs. lower-end Defy (e.g., I think the Defy 2 has Tiagra, compared to the Defy 3's Sora components). The take-away message I got was that I could get the Defy 3 as my entry-level bike, become acclimated to road cycling and, if I really get into it, can always upgrade the components later (that is, if I don't go for an all new bike). Regardless, I'm very happy with my Defy 3.
My $0.02
My $0.02
__________________
BF, in a nutshell
BF, in a nutshell
02-12-12 | 12:13 PM
#27
well hello there
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,488
Likes: 388
From: Point Loma, CA
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
At your stage, you should focus most on getting the best fit and comfort, rather than whether you should spend more money.
__________________
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
02-12-12 | 12:26 PM
#28
Pointy Helmet Tribe
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 629
From: Offthebackistan
Bikes: R5, Allez Sprint, Shiv
To actually answer the OP's question:
What spending $1200-1500 will give you is better, crisper shifting, lighter frame & overall better components. You'll also go from 9-speed to 10-speed, which means upgrading various components becomes easier. None of this will make you faster, but it will improve the tactile experience of riding a bike.
Also, at your budget, you might want to consider ponying $150-200 locally to get fit for a bike, and then buying a bike from bikesdirect.com (in the $700 budget) or one of Competitive Cyclist's sale bikes if you decide to up your budget to $1500.
What spending $1200-1500 will give you is better, crisper shifting, lighter frame & overall better components. You'll also go from 9-speed to 10-speed, which means upgrading various components becomes easier. None of this will make you faster, but it will improve the tactile experience of riding a bike.
Also, at your budget, you might want to consider ponying $150-200 locally to get fit for a bike, and then buying a bike from bikesdirect.com (in the $700 budget) or one of Competitive Cyclist's sale bikes if you decide to up your budget to $1500.
02-12-12 | 12:26 PM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,726
Likes: 9,738
From: TC, MN
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
02-12-12 | 01:14 PM
#30
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the replies, great advice to take in. cant wait to get started...
thats exactly the info i was looking for... very helpful, thanks a ton!
To actually answer the OP's question:
What spending $1200-1500 will give you is better, crisper shifting, lighter frame & overall better components. You'll also go from 9-speed to 10-speed, which means upgrading various components becomes easier. None of this will make you faster, but it will improve the tactile experience of riding a bike.
Also, at your budget, you might want to consider ponying $150-200 locally to get fit for a bike, and then buying a bike from bikesdirect.com (in the $700 budget) or one of Competitive Cyclist's sale bikes if you decide to up your budget to $1500.
What spending $1200-1500 will give you is better, crisper shifting, lighter frame & overall better components. You'll also go from 9-speed to 10-speed, which means upgrading various components becomes easier. None of this will make you faster, but it will improve the tactile experience of riding a bike.
Also, at your budget, you might want to consider ponying $150-200 locally to get fit for a bike, and then buying a bike from bikesdirect.com (in the $700 budget) or one of Competitive Cyclist's sale bikes if you decide to up your budget to $1500.
02-13-12 | 05:14 AM
#32
Pointy Helmet Tribe
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 629
From: Offthebackistan
Bikes: R5, Allez Sprint, Shiv
Happy to help. Forgot to add: if the extra money isn't a big deal, then by all means get the nicer bike. However, if you are on a budget, a $700 bike goes a long way: ride the hell out of it for a year or two, and then upgrade to a nice, higher-end bike. You'll also know better by then what attributes you prefer in a bike in terms of stiffness/comfort/handling/preferred riding type.
