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onyxcurrent 07-24-12 01:23 PM

Best first bike?
 
Hey I'm am looking for my first road bicycle. I'm looking to commute back and forth to work probably around 10-15 miles each way at the most.

What would be the best bike in the price range of 300-500?

SlimRider 07-24-12 01:32 PM


Originally Posted by onyxcurrent (Post 14522479)
Hey I'm am looking for my first road bicycle. I'm looking to commute back and forth to work probably around 10-15 miles each way at the most.

What would be the best bike in the price range of 300-500?

I'd recommend the following:

1) The Gravity Liberty 1 ~ $400
www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_1.htm

2) The Gravity Liberty 2 ~ $500
www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_2.htm

3) The Gravity Liberty CX ~ $400
www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_cx.htm

4) The Windsor Wellington 3 ~ $400
www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/wellington3_IX.htm

onyxcurrent 07-24-12 01:49 PM

Thanks man! I like the Gravity's. You think the original tires would be good for a while?

SlimRider 07-24-12 02:09 PM


Originally Posted by onyxcurrent (Post 14522616)
Thanks man! I like the Gravity's. You think the original tires would be good for a while?

Yes! The tires should be just fine...

rearviewbeer 07-24-12 02:42 PM

I got my wife the CX (in yellow) and it is a pretty solid bike overall. For the money, I was surprised at how smoothly it shifts, rides, etc. I also like the fact that it can be used on gravel rodes, or dirt trails. Or you can put road tires on it and it is a good road bike...

Good luck!

manutd 07-24-12 03:34 PM

Slimrider must work for BD or Jamis or whatever. Every thread I see you pushing those bikes......

Also consider a flat-bar style road bike if you're just using it to commute...might handle light paths better etc....

Specalized Sirrus is great (I have a 2006 with tiagra and I dig it) but Trek etc... all make comparable bikes that would be really nice for you

RahTx 07-24-12 03:44 PM


Originally Posted by manutd (Post 14523047)
Slimrider must work for BD or Jamis or whatever. Every thread I see you pushing those bikes......

Or maybe it could be because a ton of people come here looking for bikes in a price range that is unrealistic for a new big-name brand like Trek, Specialized, or what's the bandwagon everyone is on these days, Cannondale, is it? At least it's more helpful than the obvious "look for a good deal on CL" :p

As for myself, I have a carbon fiber Specialized Roubaix and a steel bike from BikesDirect as a commuter and one I loan to friends/family. They both serve their purposes just fine. In my mind there is nothing wrong with a BD bike if it means getting you into cycling within your budget.

onyxcurrent 07-24-12 04:02 PM


Originally Posted by manutd (Post 14523047)
Also consider a flat-bar style road bike if you're just using it to commute...might handle light paths better etc....

Specalized Sirrus is great (I have a 2006 with tiagra and I dig it) but Trek etc... all make comparable bikes that would be really nice for you

Thanks. Will have to consider that. I do prefer the bend handlebars because its new to me.

SlimRider 07-24-12 04:04 PM


Originally Posted by RahTx (Post 14523100)
Or maybe it could be because a ton of people come here looking for bikes in a price range that is unrealistic for a new big-name brand like Trek, Specialized, or what's the bandwagon everyone is on these days, Cannondale, is it? At least it's more helpful than the obvious "look for a good deal on CL" :p

As for myself, I have a carbon fiber Specialized Roubaix and a steel bike from BikesDirect as a commuter and one I loan to friends/family. They both serve their purposes just fine. In my mind there is nothing wrong with a BD bike if it means getting you into cycling within your budget.

Thank You, RahTx!

Finally, we get an unexpected voice of reason from the 41...

Perhaps it might snow or something near the end of July... :D

onyxcurrent 07-24-12 04:05 PM


Originally Posted by RahTx (Post 14523100)
As for myself, I have a carbon fiber Specialized Roubaix and a steel bike from BikesDirect as a commuter and one I loan to friends/family. They both serve their purposes just fine. In my mind there is nothing wrong with a BD bike if it means getting you into cycling within your budget.

Yeah. I'm thinking about getting one from BD. They have a pretty good selection on there for a good price.

Anybody else?

Chickenstrip 07-24-12 04:11 PM


Originally Posted by RahTx (Post 14523100)
Or maybe it could be because a ton of people come here looking for bikes in a price range that is unrealistic for a new big-name brand like Trek, Specialized, or what's the bandwagon everyone is on these days, Cannondale, is it? At least it's more helpful than the obvious "look for a good deal on CL" :p

As for myself, I have a carbon fiber Specialized Roubaix and a steel bike from BikesDirect as a commuter and one I loan to friends/family. They both serve their purposes just fine. In my mind there is nothing wrong with a BD bike if it means getting you into cycling within your budget.

+1 I started last year on a $400 BD bike. I currently ride a supersix ultegra. Is it nicer? Definately, but I'm glad I started on a $400 bike instead of the $3000 bike I have now.

a1penguin 07-25-12 01:44 AM

You can purchase a half way decent new, brand name hybrid for $400-500, but not a road bike. If someone is looking for a bike in that price range, I'm guessing they are not looking for a 13 lb race bike, but want a bike that is reliable. BD bikes pair brand name components (often last year's models) with no-name frames and other bits. If you are mechanically inclined and can assemble the bike (it's mostly assembled), BD is a good choice. Nothing wrong with that.

Slim often throws Jamis bikes in there, but at least he reads the post and recommends bikes that are reasonable choices in the price range the buyer provides.

manutd 07-25-12 05:48 AM


Originally Posted by a1penguin (Post 14524699)
You can purchase a half way decent new, brand name hybrid for $400-500, but not a road bike. If someone is looking for a bike in that price range, I'm guessing they are not looking for a 13 lb race bike, but want a bike that is reliable. BD bikes pair brand name components (often last year's models) with no-name frames and other bits. If you are mechanically inclined and can assemble the bike (it's mostly assembled), BD is a good choice. Nothing wrong with that.

Slim often throws Jamis bikes in there, but at least he reads the post and recommends bikes that are reasonable choices in the price range the buyer provides.

True but for shorterish commuter rides I think in the $400-600 price range a flatbar like a Sirrus or Trek FX series would be better

Big Lebowski 07-25-12 06:13 AM

Best first bike?
 
If you ever think you want a true "road bike", then get one, versus a comfort bike like the FX or the Sirrus. You can make a road bike a commuter. However, if you are looking for something to roll on the pavement and speed or weekend club rides are not important, then yeah, check out the Sirrus or FX. The entry level Sirrus is $500, but can probably be had for less with the 2013 bikes coming soon. Buying new at my LBS has gotten me free adjustments and advice. New gets warranty too.

SlimRider 07-25-12 11:19 AM


Originally Posted by a1penguin (Post 14524699)
You can purchase a half way decent new, brand name hybrid for $400-500, but not a road bike. If someone is looking for a bike in that price range, I'm guessing they are not looking for a 13 lb race bike, but want a bike that is reliable. BD bikes pair brand name components (often last year's models) with no-name frames and other bits. If you are mechanically inclined and can assemble the bike (it's mostly assembled), BD is a good choice. Nothing wrong with that.

Slim often throws Jamis bikes in there, but at least he reads the post and recommends bikes that are reasonable choices in the price range the buyer provides.

Thank You for another intelligent voice of reason, A1penguin! :thumb:

So the OP comes to the Road Cycling Forum, where he requests a road bike within the $300 - $500 range. I therefore, proceed to recommend road bikes well within that particular range, and for that, I get criticized...

That's like going to Ben & Jerry's and requesting a scoop of vanilla. When Ben scoops the vanilla out, some random witness screams out, "But that's not a Big Mac! Shame on you!".......Go figure!

fishymamba 07-25-12 11:23 AM


Originally Posted by SlimRider (Post 14526333)
That's like going to Ben & Jerry's and requesting a scoop of vanilla. When Ben scoops the vanilla out, some random witness screams out, "But that's not a Big Mac, shame on you!"...Go figure!

:roflmao2::roflmao2:

I agree with Slim, those three bikes will be great for you.

manutd 07-25-12 03:25 PM


Originally Posted by SlimRider (Post 14526333)
Thank You for another intelligent voice of reason, A1penguin! :thumb:

So the OP comes to the Road Cycling Forum, where he requests a road bike within the $300 - $500 range. I therefore, proceed to recommend road bikes well within that particular range, and for that, I get criticized...

That's like going to Ben & Jerry's and requesting a scoop of vanilla. When Ben scoops the vanilla out, some random witness screams out, "But that's not a Big Mac, shame on you!"...Go figure!

Maybe its because you post non-sensical stuff like this all the time.

Enjoy your crappy low end bikes all you want but don't push them in every thread pretending they are great.

I highly doubt your BD crap bikes are better than the Trek FX or specialized sirrus models.

RaleighSport 07-25-12 03:30 PM


Originally Posted by manutd (Post 14527608)
Maybe its because you post non-sensical stuff like this all the time.

Enjoy your crappy low end bikes all you want but don't push them in every thread pretending they are great.

I highly doubt your BD crap bikes are better than the Trek FX or specialized sirrus models.

Could you elaborate as to what would make those bikes better other then a brand name that snobs like more?

Big Lebowski 07-25-12 03:46 PM


Originally Posted by manutd (Post 14527608)

Originally Posted by SlimRider (Post 14526333)
Thank You for another intelligent voice of reason, A1penguin! :thumb:

So the OP comes to the Road Cycling Forum, where he requests a road bike within the $300 - $500 range. I therefore, proceed to recommend road bikes well within that particular range, and for that, I get criticized...

That's like going to Ben & Jerry's and requesting a scoop of vanilla. When Ben scoops the vanilla out, some random witness screams out, "But that's not a Big Mac, shame on you!"...Go figure!

Maybe its because you post non-sensical stuff like this all the time.

Enjoy your crappy low end bikes all you want but don't push them in every thread pretending they are great.

I highly doubt your BD crap bikes are better than the Trek FX or specialized sirrus models.

There are multiple posts in this thread and throughout the forum about how some are happy with what they purchased at BD. Trek and Specialized do not offer a "road bike " at these price points. Not the 1.1 from Trek, not the Allez or Secteur from Specialized. They are both well over $600. BD does.

I do think the Sirrus and FX are fine bikes, but they are not true road bikes.

And, yeah, Slim gives the same advice, but the same questions keep coming up. He thinks BD is a good value and he loves true cro-mo steel. I've read it countless times too, but his opinion is still valid.

I don't think he ever said these were "great", either.

manutd 07-25-12 03:50 PM


Originally Posted by RaleighSport (Post 14527625)
Could you elaborate as to what would make those bikes better other then a brand name that snobs like more?

I guess you value nondescript Chinese made bikes with no R&D behind them over companies that put millions into R&D and set the bar for all other companies to raise themselves to.

perhaps thats why people prefer BMWs over KIAs

RaleighSport 07-25-12 03:54 PM


Originally Posted by manutd (Post 14527710)
I guess you value nondescript Chinese made bikes with no R&D behind them over companies that put millions into R&D and set the bar for all other companies to raise themselves to.

perhaps thats why people prefer BMWs over KIAs

And you're familiar with their R&D or lack thereof how exactly? BMW's to Kia's huh... I think it'd be more like acura to BMW... but neither of those analogies actually works/fits this situation and I hope you know that. :/ I'm not trying to cause an incident here and I was looking to see if you're just prejudiced or can back your opinion up... and I'm just seeing an opinion on your part spouting things it sounds like you don't know for yourself, at least it sounds that way to me. So can you persuade me without resorting to vague statements or brand prejudice that you're right?

manutd 07-25-12 03:59 PM


Originally Posted by RaleighSport (Post 14527722)
And you're familiar with their R&D or lack thereof how exactly? BMW's to Kia's huh... I think it'd be more like acura to BMW... but neither of those analogies actually works/fits this situation and I hope you know that. :/ I'm not trying to cause an incident here and I was looking to see if you're just prejudiced or can back your opinion up... and I'm just seeing an opinion on your part spouting things it sounds like you don't know for yourself, at least it sounds that way to me. So can you persuade me without resorting to vague statements or brand prejudice that you're right?

no offence but based on the bikes in your signature you are not in the know about modern bikes at all

If you don't think that Trek and Specialized put some of the (if not the) most R&D into their bikes then you are certainly not worth the time I'm spending to type this.

Like I said, enjoy your KIAs....I'll keep riding the BMWs

RaleighSport 07-25-12 04:11 PM


Originally Posted by manutd (Post 14527736)
no offence but based on the bikes in your signature you are not in the know about modern bikes at all

If you don't think that Trek and Specialized put some of the (if not the) most R&D into their bikes then you are certainly not worth the time I'm spending to type this.

Like I said, enjoy your KIAs....I'll keep riding the BMWs

Clarify something for me, unless I'm on CF with a price tag over 2k and a brand name you like I'm riding a Kia in your opinion?

rearviewbeer 07-26-12 09:40 AM

Canadian arrogance never ceases to amaze me! I would love to meet manturd on the road with my "crappy" BD bike...

cvall91 07-26-12 09:41 AM

Well the OP is looking for a "Kia" in this awful analogy. So he can't afford a BMW. Lots of people would like to have a BMW but can't afford it. So they go out looking for something in their price range like a Kia. Considering the amount of positive reviews from BD, that is probably the best option in his price range. And a good option at that.


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