Debating between a few road bikes on a budget
06-04-13, 10:08 PM
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Debating between a few road bikes on a budget
So I'm going to be purchasing a road bike this week. I'll be using it as an exercise bike as well as a commuter bike to and from school. My budget is $400. Anyway, I narrowed my choices down to two bikes:
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rage_steel.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...s/mirage_s.htm
I really love the first bike as I prefer how steel rides over aluminium. Also, I like the "cleaner" look to it. It doesn't look as flashy or expensive so it is less prone to being stolen. Especially if I change the tires.
My main question is this: Parts wise, how do the two bikes compare? What about the weight of the two bikes? I know one is steel and the other is aluminium, but don't they need to use more aluminium to make the bike stronger since it is a more malleable metal?
Also, are there any other bikes you guys would recommend in this price range? I'd prefer purchasing new. Also, I really love the inline shifters on the first bike. That is another reason I am thinking about getting that one.
Thanks!
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rage_steel.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...s/mirage_s.htm
I really love the first bike as I prefer how steel rides over aluminium. Also, I like the "cleaner" look to it. It doesn't look as flashy or expensive so it is less prone to being stolen. Especially if I change the tires.
My main question is this: Parts wise, how do the two bikes compare? What about the weight of the two bikes? I know one is steel and the other is aluminium, but don't they need to use more aluminium to make the bike stronger since it is a more malleable metal?
Also, are there any other bikes you guys would recommend in this price range? I'd prefer purchasing new. Also, I really love the inline shifters on the first bike. That is another reason I am thinking about getting that one.
Thanks!
06-04-13, 10:22 PM
#2
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In this price range I would go with the Steel frame 
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rage_steel.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rage_steel.htm
06-04-13, 10:24 PM
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Excellent! As much as people have told me NOT to judge a bike by it's looks, I absolutely LOVE the way this bike looks. Absolutely beautiful. If there aren't any other contenders I'll place my order on Friday so I can have it next Friday when I get home for the summer from college.
I guess I won't make a new thread, but anyone know of any decent 700x25 BLACK tires that are good for commuting? In Davis it rains a lot during the winter if that matters but summers are dry.
I guess I won't make a new thread, but anyone know of any decent 700x25 BLACK tires that are good for commuting? In Davis it rains a lot during the winter if that matters but summers are dry.
06-04-13, 10:37 PM
#4
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Excellent! As much as people have told me NOT to judge a bike by it's looks, I absolutely LOVE the way this bike looks. Absolutely beautiful. If there aren't any other contenders I'll place my order on Friday so I can have it next Friday when I get home for the summer from college.
I guess I won't make a new thread, but anyone know of any decent 700x25 BLACK tires that are good for commuting? In Davis it rains a lot during the winter if that matters but summers are dry.
I guess I won't make a new thread, but anyone know of any decent 700x25 BLACK tires that are good for commuting? In Davis it rains a lot during the winter if that matters but summers are dry.
06-04-13, 10:40 PM
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06-04-13, 10:46 PM
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Quite a while. If you must have new tires, this is the place to go
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...mic-sport-tire
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...mic-sport-tire
06-04-13, 10:51 PM
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Quite a while. If you must have new tires, this is the place to go
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...mic-sport-tire
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...mic-sport-tire
But if Sharpie works that well I'll use that instead of buying new tires.
06-05-13, 01:51 AM
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Also, I actually measured everything just to make sure. I am 5 feet 9.5 inches, and my inseam is 32.8 inches. What size of the Super Mirage should I order?
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rage_steel.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rage_steel.htm
06-05-13, 02:07 AM
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56-58 cm frame. I'm 5'9 about 32" inseam and ride a 56cm comfortably but i can ride a 58cm. It's a bit close to the boys but workable. Go to your LBS and try a similar 56 and 58 to see which you prefer. Just remember that the mirage will be a different fit and their measure of a 56 or 58 might be slightly different.
06-05-13, 08:06 AM
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Your budget is too high for a bike you'll be riding to a College campus. Bikes get stolen regularly there. So you want to buy the cheapest piece of **** that still is rideable. It reduces the chance that it will get stolen because the thief will take another bike from the rack that looks better, and if it does get stolen you're not out much.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
06-05-13, 08:44 AM
#12
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I realize that you "want" new and that's probably what you'll buy, but I wouldn't recommend it. Especially considering the truth of the last comment. It is likely to get stolen. There are a ton of nice looking (with good components) used road bikes that will serve you just as well or better on CL. You'll likely spend about the same amount for a bike with much better component group, so maybe you just want new, but you should at least look and see what's out there. I spent about $350 on my wife's bike on CL and my brother bought a nice Cannondale with 105's for less than $400. So it's very doable esp in your area. Just consider it...
