Best first bike?
07-24-12, 01:23 PM
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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?
What would be the best bike in the price range of 300-500?
07-24-12, 01:32 PM
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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
Last edited by SlimRider; 07-24-12 at 02:07 PM.
07-24-12, 02:09 PM
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07-24-12, 02:42 PM
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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!
Good luck!
07-24-12, 03:34 PM
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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
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
07-24-12, 03:44 PM
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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.
07-24-12, 04:02 PM
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Thanks. Will have to consider that. I do prefer the bend handlebars because its new to me.
07-24-12, 04:04 PM
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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"
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.
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.
Finally, we get an unexpected voice of reason from the 41...
Perhaps it might snow or something near the end of July...
Last edited by SlimRider; 07-24-12 at 04:07 PM.
07-24-12, 04:05 PM
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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.
Anybody else?
07-24-12, 04:11 PM
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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"
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.
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.
07-25-12, 01:44 AM
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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.
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.
07-25-12, 05:48 AM
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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.
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.
07-25-12, 06:13 AM
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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.
07-25-12, 11:19 AM
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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.
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.
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!
Last edited by SlimRider; 07-26-12 at 11:36 AM.
07-25-12, 03:25 PM
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Thank You for another intelligent voice of reason, A1penguin!
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!
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!
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.
07-25-12, 03:30 PM
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Could you elaborate as to what would make those bikes better other then a brand name that snobs like more?
07-25-12, 03:46 PM
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Thank You for another intelligent voice of reason, A1penguin!
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!
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!
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.
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.
07-25-12, 03:50 PM
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perhaps thats why people prefer BMWs over KIAs
07-25-12, 03:54 PM
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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?
07-25-12, 03:59 PM
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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?
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
07-25-12, 04:11 PM
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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
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
07-26-12, 09:40 AM
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Canadian arrogance never ceases to amaze me! I would love to meet manturd on the road with my "crappy" BD bike...
07-26-12, 09:41 AM
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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.
