nuerostar

Hi,

After few years and lots of thinking, I have decided to pursue cycling as a hobby seriously. I am not trying to jump in and buy any bike, I feel fit. I am looking to get a cheap road bike for now. I have to get my body and mind in shape. I want to work on my basics first.

I am kinda overwhelmed on what just goes on road bikes. I initially thought - 2 wheels, pedal, gears, basic cycle frame...and low and behold those are walmart bikes....but these road bikes - there is whole science devoted to it.

I would definitely like to seek some guidance on this on how to approach this venue. I am told that I should go to a store get measured or something...and I feel if i go to a store, I probably will get ripped off b/c of all the terminology they will use to sell me their product....that is the worst case scenario..I know...

I know when my friends go to computer store, they don't know jack on what to get, and the salesperson use all the market works/trends - 1 GIG of ram etc and a person who is just going to use a computer for basic uses like word does not need 1 gig of ram, that is an overkill. I am sure there are computer users in here...but I am speaking from a practical sense..the key is know your product. Just like there are car people, computer people and bike people.

Well I am trying to learn the bikes....I honestly don't know what to get. I am 6 feet 2 inches...and I want to know what is the deal with bikes with 52cm, 57cm etc. I would like if someone can tell me what bike to go for - it would be great if I can buy from ebay, craigslist or website. I really do not want to spent $500 ...on ebay I saw things for $200. This is a bike which I want to get trained with for a while, and learn about bikes in general - repair etc - basic stuff and then I will want to move to better bikes.

So could you guide me (if you can also tell me model numbers etc that I can look up on ebay or other sources) to buy that would be great. And I need these bikes to have the option to install a stand in the house, if I can't ride the bike in bad weather....I have no idea what that stand is called. And hopefully, the tires can pop up for easy transport in car and airplane (I do fly for work at times).

I really appreciate it.

Thanks,

nuerostar

PS - I am from the Atlanta area.

Mark77

There is nothing quite like going to a bike store and asking questions and looking and riding. Go to as many of them as you can bear and you may find something that clicks for you but you will be learning through this process. Don't feel uncomfortable with any perceived sales pressure. Just chat it up and enjoy the process. I think your pricing is too low, and I know you can find deals on craigslist and the like but you don't know enough to be buying from the sources. Check out this month's Bicycling Magazine and read about the new bikes.

alraicercsu

Go to your LBS, they are good people, and will do just about anything to get you on a bike that fits you well and meets your budget and what have you.

dfw

To get any type of decent road bike, you would need to spend at least $400, even if you go used. And even then, you'll be at the extreme low end of the spectrum.

If you're on a low budget, you might consider buying a hybrid. You can get into a decent new one for about $300 at just about any LBS (even less if you can find last year's model). Some bike shops have good trade up policies, so you can get some time in the saddle on a hybrid while you save up for something better. By the time you have a few bucks socked away, you'll have a much better idea for what you'll need.

Also ask around with people you know. You'd be suprised at how many people have older road bikes in their garage gathering spider webs.

Butch

I feel your pain. Do not buy a 52cm bike. I am 5'4" and I use a 52 cm bike. You should be looking for a larger bike, say a 58 cm or larger. If the bike is too large you will be uncomfortable. If it is too small (likely) you will feel cramped. Be more specific about your needs and we will all support you.

Serpico

either spend $300 or $1500+, the $300 bike you can sell in a year or two for $150-200, the $1500+ plus bike you can have for 5-7+ years.

the 500-800$ bike you will want to upgrade and be stuck with

theopowers

Ok, here are some basics off the top of my head.

1. To give yourself a general idea about fit, use the worksheet on the coloradocyclist.com website.

1a. Be aware that not all makers measure their bikes the same way, so you need to know your "size" in various systems.

2. In general, bikes with a steeper seat tube angle and shorter wheelbase are for "performance", and may tend to be less comfortable on looong rides, while bikes with less-steep seat tubes and a wider wheelbase will tend to be more comfortable for the long haul.

3. There are two main component (shifters, brakes, gears, etc) companies - Shimano and Campagnolo. Both are excellent companies and make great stuff. Shimano's product lines, from cheapest to most expensive are: Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace. Campy's are Mirage, Veloce, Centaur, Chorus, Record. The benefits of more expensive are lighter weight and aesthetics. As a beginner, you shouldn't worry too much about which level you get. All of them are fine, and the high-end stuff really only benefits racers.

4. Aluminum tends to have a harsher ride than other materials, but it does not rust, can be inexpensive, is light, and is stiff for performance. Steel tends to have a plusher ride, but it tends to be a tad heavier and can rust if not properly cared for. Carbon is renowned for its ability to be light and soak up bumps, but it can be pricey (though this year prices seem to be coming down). Titanium is a boutique metal and tends to be quite expensive.

All of these are just generalizations, though. Ultimately you have to ride a bike to see how it feels.

5. Carbon forks are nearly always worth it in my opinion. Make the ride much nicer. Carbon seat stays are probably good for comfort, too, though results may vary.

6. Clipless pedals are not necessary when you first start out, but if you're serious about riding they are worth investing in as soon as possible.

7. Lightweight is good in general, but there is sometimes a trade-off between lightness and durability, especially as you move from midrange to high-end.

8. Used bikes are great if you can find the right one for you, but doing so can be difficult and time-consuming.

9. Quality wheels can improve the ride of a bike significantly, so consider this when buying or upgrading.

There, now you should have a solid base to head down to your bike shop and not get duped.

bigskymacadam

i'd agree with all the posts here. in my experience ...

last year when i asked a co-worker what it would cost to get in, she said $2,000.00. honestly, by the time i added computer, trainer, work stand, clothing, tools, fenders, cleats, books, water bottles, gloves -- she was right.

keep up the research. you may find that starting this endeavor will cost more than you think because if you're serious about this hobby you'll want quality and convenience so that you aren't fighting with your gear and can concentrate on riding and building your base mileage ... so adjust for those factors.

buyer beware on used bikes if you don't know what you're looking for. however, i'm confident you'll have enough research done in advance to ask the right question(s). these boards are full of the exact information you're requesting if you dig around a little. you're on the right track ...

here's an article i found that offers sound advice.
https://home.comcast.net/~jeffnapier/...uyingabike.htm

here's a trainer that's moderately priced and got good reviews:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4120

once you start visting the local shop you'll be able to compare, compare, compare.

an add'l piece of advice ... once you've found something. research. then, sleep on it. there's nothing like buyer's remorse on a rushed purchase.