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Entry level bikes for an entry level guy.

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Entry level bikes for an entry level guy.

Old 03-05-15, 10:15 AM
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The PX 10 is an "endurance" bike. The geometry changed over the years but old school racing bikes typically work pretty well as endurance bikes. The lack of a fork may be a bit of a plus since you can get an english threaded fork and not have to worry about the non-standard fittings for the headset, bar, and stem. There are people here who can guide you on how to rebuild that bike from the ground up. You'll learn a lot and end up with a darn good bike.

It's obviously your call but I'd post some pics on C&V forum and ask some questions about how best to build it up. That way you can get an idea of how much it would cost to to do this and compare that price to buying a new bike.
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Old 03-05-15, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Fischer
I really didn't plan to come this far. I had a beaten down 80' Peugeot(PX10 i think) that I was going to try and restore to call a commuter and be happy with it. The thing is it is only the frame, forks and handlebars. I can't see it being less than $400 to restore. I just don't think I will be happy with it for long in comparison with some of the entry level bikes I see.

So i believe the real question is how do I choose a road bike(and all the accessories) for under $1000 for everything that I will need. I really don't even know where to start. I went to my local bike shops but I'm still lost. I want to be sure why I am buying one bike over all the others. I also have nothing as regards to cycling. Is my budget reasonable?
Specialized Allez is the best value in the road bikes. $1000 will get you a nice, quality, entry level road bike.
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Old 03-05-15, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by bikemig
The PX 10 is an "endurance" bike. The geometry changed over the years but old school racing bikes typically work pretty well as endurance bikes.
That is just incorrect. An '80's PX10 would never be able to have big tires clear the calipers, they don't have tall headtubes or relaxed angles. They're racing bikes. I had one.
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Old 03-05-15, 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Lazyass
That is just incorrect. An '80's PX10 would never be able to have big tires clear the calipers, they don't have tall headtubes or relaxed angles. They're racing bikes. I had one.
No it's not. As I said the geometry changed over the years. For many years, it had reasonable clearance and geometry. The later ones became more race like. Pics help; it depends on which year model the OP has.

Will it take as fat a tire as a modern endurance bike? Nope. A lot depends on what the OP wants ultimately to do with the bike.

Last edited by bikemig; 03-05-15 at 10:39 AM.
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Old 03-05-15, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Fischer
This.
Plus the forks.

Needs new brakes system and shifter, sprocket, chain, cranks, pedals, wheelset, saddle. This versus that $650 bike on craigslist. Am I really saving money? Is it worth the effort?
Get the CL bike! Fixin' up that old Pew-jit will cost a lot more, and the finished project won't be as good. (And I say that as a fancier of vintage bikes, myself)

In the future, if you really want a PX10 or another vintage bike, keep your eyes open, and you'll likely come across one for $50-$200 which is complete and needs far less work than yours. Old bikes are a lot like old cars: Unless you already have all the parts, it's usually far cheaper to just buy one that needs little work, or which has already been restored, than to do it yourself from scratch.
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Old 03-05-15, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by lopek77
Specialized Allez is the best value in the road bikes. $1000 will get you a nice, quality, entry level road bike.
??? The OP mentioned an endurance bike, so IDK about an Allez. I can also think of several brands that are a better value.
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Old 03-05-15, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by dtrain
??? The OP mentioned an endurance bike, so IDK about an Allez. I can also think of several brands that are a better value.
That's what I read:

"Entry level bikes for an entry level guy.
I really didn't plan to come this far. I had a beaten down 80' Peugeot(PX10 i think) that I was going to try and restore to call a commuter and be happy with it. The thing is it is only the frame, forks and handlebars. I can't see it being less than $400 to restore. I just don't think I will be happy with it for long in comparison with some of the entry level bikes I see.

So i believe the real question is how do I choose a road bike(and all the accessories) for under $1000 for everything that I will need. I really don't even know where to start. I went to my local bike shops but I'm still lost. I want to be sure why I am buying one bike over all the others. I also have nothing as regards to cycling. Is my budget reasonable?"


My suggestion of Allez as the best value in entry level road bikes is based on several articles from well known and trusted cycling sources. Also terms like endurance or race was one of many marketing gimmicks. The difference between frames is minimal, and most probably won't even notice it. Making bike more comfortable is not just in the frame design. We now have more categories of bikes than ever, but if you ask majority of people to name it - they will be "wrong".

Multi-use, Dual-sport, Flat bar road bike, Hybrid, Sport hybrid, Comfort hybrid, AT hybrid, Road hybrid...what's next? Marketing is a powerful thing. It's meant to fit as many peoples needs/dreams as possible.
I love endurance cycling, and it's probably half of all my rides. I don't need a bike that some manufacturer called "endurance", to be able to do it and be happy doing it...I ride my HEAVY hybrid with front suspension during century or double century rides. I always choose comfort over being fancy and a few miles faster. But that's just me.

I have the same access to Google as anyone else...it's not really that hard to do some quick research before agreeing or disagreeing with any statement posted here on BF.
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Old 03-05-15, 11:53 AM
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I think they are all overpriced, BUT the Trek 1.1 is probably the closest to being a fair price. There is no way that it weighs 15 pounds. Not 25 pounds either. Probably closer to 20-21 pounds. Ideally, $400 is what I would shoot for, IF the bike fits, and the condition is good. Go see the Trek, and make sure it fits before making an opening bid of $350, and see what the Seller says. Don't try grinding him down without bothering to show up and look at it first. The Seller may claim that it's practically new, but it doesn't take long to do expensive damage to a bike.

I have my doubts about how long low spoke count wheels would last in an everyday commuter situation on city streets, so I would not even consider the other two bikes.

Last edited by RoadGuy; 03-05-15 at 11:57 AM.
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Old 03-05-15, 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by lopek77
I have the same access to Google as anyone else...it's not really that hard to do some quick research before agreeing or disagreeing with any statement posted here on BF.
Okay, so source your statement (and maybe qualify it). Something like: 'some articles I've reviewed suggest an Allez is a top value and worth checking out as an entry level bike'. An Allez is a fair suggestion (though Secteur would have made more sense based on follow-up posts where the OP mentions endurance style bikes). But if you think an Allez is the best value, I believe you are being mislead by marketing and Google results. And, yes, most of those review articles are more marketing than factual.

Carry on.
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Last edited by dtrain; 03-05-15 at 12:21 PM.
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Old 03-05-15, 12:14 PM
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With the Trek seller claiming that the bike wrighs "15 lbs.", I would take anything he says with a grain of salt. He's either totally clueless or a crook. When I see ads like that, I tend to ignore them. I mean, what's the point in dealing with someone who makes ridiculous claims before you even speak to him?
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Old 03-05-15, 02:49 PM
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How about something like this?

trek early road bike

1980s Trek 1400 (bonded aluminum frame and fork) with Shimano 105 for an asking price of $150. Frame looks like it's a 56cm. Also looks like it needs some TLC (tires and tubes, saddle, and bar tape), but it has good bones. I would also change the brakes to modern dual pivot calipers for improved braking. Weight should be somewhere around 21.5-23 pounds.

Offer $100, and be willing to pay a little more. Replace the expendables and go riding. At that price you cannot get hurt, no matter how long or how short you keep it, you will not lose money.

Last edited by RoadGuy; 03-05-15 at 02:55 PM.
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Old 03-05-15, 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Fischer
This.
Plus the forks.

Needs new brakes system and shifter, sprocket, chain, cranks, pedals, wheelset, saddle. This versus that $650 bike on craigslist. Am I really saving money? Is it worth the effort?
$650 can buy new 5800 105 11 speed group, cheap but acceptable 11 speed wheelset and saddle. If you can do the work or if you have a coop where you can get help and tools, you can have a nice bike with latest and greatest components for a reasonable investment. If you need to pay an LBS , add another $150 or so
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Old 03-05-15, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by RoadGuy
How about something like this?

trek early road bike

1980s Trek 1400 (bonded aluminum frame and fork) with Shimano 105 for an asking price of $150. Frame looks like it's a 56cm. Also looks like it needs some TLC (tires and tubes, saddle, and bar tape), but it has good bones. I would also change the brakes to modern dual pivot calipers for improved braking. Weight should be somewhere around 21.5-23 pounds.

Offer $100, and be willing to pay a little more. Replace the expendables and go riding. At that price you cannot get hurt, no matter how long or how short you keep it, you will not lose money.
^This!

Originally Posted by rms13
$650 can buy new 5800 105 11 speed group, cheap but acceptable 11 speed wheelset and saddle. If you can do the work or if you have a coop where you can get help and tools, you can have a nice bike with latest and greatest components for a reasonable investment. If you need to pay an LBS , add another $150 or so
Why would chickens have bike tools and be able to offer help?
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Old 03-05-15, 09:54 PM
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It really depends on what your ultimate goal is.

My best advice is buy a bike you will grow into not a bike you will grow out off. If you're going to ride moderately or more seriously you'll grow out of an entry level bike and regret getting on in the first place. $1,500-$1,800 with like 105/Rival instead of Tiagra/Apex will be a bike you'll grow into and can even competitively ride on.
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Old 03-24-15, 12:36 PM
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Giant TCR C3 Road Race Bike. Large Frame. Like New. Under 100 Miles.

I know this thread has been dead a while but this bike looks like what others have been describing. 105's and all. How much better is this than the other bikes that have been posted. Also any ideas on what I should offer if it is a good option.

Last edited by Fischer; 03-24-15 at 12:48 PM.
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Old 03-24-15, 12:40 PM
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Old 03-24-15, 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Fischer
Giant TCR C3 Road Race Bike. Large Frame. Like New. Under 100 Miles.

I know this thread has been dead a while but this bike looks like what others have been describing. 105's and all. How much better is this than the other bikes that have been posted. Also any ideas on what I should offer if it is a good option.
What dahell with laying the bike on the ground for pics?



s
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Old 03-24-15, 02:33 PM
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OP, if you can afford $900 for a used bike, could you stretch the budget and get this bike? It's carbon with 105 (10 speed)
Nashbar has 21% off today so the bike is $1278 in the cart.

Mekk Poggio 2.5 Carbon Road Bike

Or this Nashbar Carbon Tiagra/105 bike for $804

Nashbar Carbon Road Bike

Nashbar Carbon 105 $1041

Nashbar Carbon 105 Road Bike

Nashbar Aluminum with 105 for $725

Nashbar 105 Road Bike
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Old 03-24-15, 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by seymour1910
OP, if you can afford $900 for a used bike, could you stretch the budget and get this bike? It's carbon with 105 (10 speed)
Nashbar has 21% off today so the bike is $1278 in the cart.

Mekk Poggio 2.5 Carbon Road Bike

Or this Nashbar Carbon Tiagra/105 bike for $804

Nashbar Carbon Road Bike

Nashbar Carbon 105 $1041

Nashbar Carbon 105 Road Bike

Nashbar Aluminum with 105 for $725

Nashbar 105 Road Bike
I'm going to try and jump on one of these. Thank you!
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Old 03-24-15, 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by seymour1910
OP, if you can afford $900 for a used bike, could you stretch the budget and get this bike? It's carbon with 105 (10 speed)
Nashbar has 21% off today so the bike is $1278 in the cart.

Mekk Poggio 2.5 Carbon Road Bike

Or this Nashbar Carbon Tiagra/105 bike for $804

Nashbar Carbon Road Bike

Nashbar Carbon 105 $1041

Nashbar Carbon 105 Road Bike

Nashbar Aluminum with 105 for $725

Nashbar 105 Road Bike
why isn't there a 56cm
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Old 03-24-15, 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ussprinceton
why isn't there a 56cm
which bike are you looking at? The nashbar carbon 105 there is a 56, also there is a 56 in the Mekk.
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Old 03-24-15, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by seymour1910
which bike are you looking at? The nashbar carbon 105 there is a 56, also there is a 56 in the Mekk.
this: Nashbar 105 Road Bike
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Old 03-24-15, 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by ussprinceton
I would say look at the size chart and compare to the geometry of what you have now. I ride a 56 Cannondale but I think the size 54 and 57 would work for me on this bike with the right length stem.
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Old 03-24-15, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by lopek77
Specialized Allez is the best value in the road bikes. $1000 will get you a nice, quality, entry level road bike.
Really? This?
the OP asked for advice not narrow single focused opinions. There are many quality entry level bikes.
the Allez is one of many.
Felt Z95
cannondale Caad
Trek domane
giant defy
Fuji Robiaux
Ridley Fenix
jamis something

There are certainly others but this would be a good place to start. Try several and you should find one that suits your needs. Your budget is fine and should net you a good bike.
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