Beginners road bike (is there such a thing?)
05-15-14, 03:37 AM
#26
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Thanks for all the great replies, everyone! 
I am going to check out Performance Bike this weekend, along with a bunch of other bike shops in town. Hopefully someone will have something nice, possibly used, maybe a closeout from last year or the year before, for a decent price.
I am going to check out Performance Bike this weekend, along with a bunch of other bike shops in town. Hopefully someone will have something nice, possibly used, maybe a closeout from last year or the year before, for a decent price.
05-15-14, 04:53 AM
#27
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I got a $600 Korean entry level bike. Running 2300 (replaced by claris this year). Rode her 6000km in 4 months and I have to say she is a fine little rider. I don't like the gaps in the 8 speed cassette much but other than that I have few complaints. Done brevets, 200km rides on steep hills, handles it all. Seat was a torture device though.
There she be, along with my nice mtb I use for off road and touring. For the price a fine bike
There she be, along with my nice mtb I use for off road and touring. For the price a fine bike
Last edited by krobinson103; 05-15-14 at 04:56 AM.
05-15-14, 11:59 AM
#28
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Beginners road bike (is there such a thing?)
Denali?
05-15-14, 12:21 PM
#29
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If you get a bike at Performance, consider joining the club. You get 10% credit on all purchases which helps with things you might need - helmet, pump, spare tube, levers, pouch, gloves, chain lube, etc.
05-15-14, 03:56 PM
#30
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^^ Definitely. Spend $700 on a bike today and get $70 off your consumables tomorrow. It's a great deal.
05-16-14, 01:16 AM
#32
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Most of the major brands have an entry level bike around $700-800, and you can often get a nice deal on last model year's closeouts. Even Specialized's entry level Allez is MSRP of $770. I was looking for an inexpensive bike for my gf to ride with me and test rode the Specialized Allez and a Giant Avail (women's version of the Giant Defy), and both are quite nice bikes and a good deal at $700-800.
Since this forum is frequented by road cycling enthusiasts, many here would advise against the low end Shimano Claris equipped bikes, but IMHO, it rides just fine for what most people want to do with their bikes.
I'd go with the recommendation above about visiting some of your local bike shops and telling them what kind of riding you're looking to do and what your budget is. A good bike store can put you on a bike that works well for your purposes. Good luck and see you on the roads!
Since this forum is frequented by road cycling enthusiasts, many here would advise against the low end Shimano Claris equipped bikes, but IMHO, it rides just fine for what most people want to do with their bikes.
I'd go with the recommendation above about visiting some of your local bike shops and telling them what kind of riding you're looking to do and what your budget is. A good bike store can put you on a bike that works well for your purposes. Good luck and see you on the roads!
05-16-14, 02:20 AM
#33
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+1. I bought the base Allez last year and I rode the hell out of it before school started. Now I may ride once every two or three weeks when I have time. Regardless, I love my bike despite of what most people may think of the Claris group set. it works fine for what I'm using it for. If I'm still into cycling a few years from now, I may invest in a bike with a tiagra or 105 set and carbon fork / frame.
Claris works fine. The gaps in the 8 speed cassette are annoying but what can you expect? Its 8 speed. You can have wide range or a tight group but not both.
