New to biking...looking for advice
Hello everyone,
I'm relatively new to recreational biking and am looking to purchase my first entry-level road bike (although I've been riding a cheap single-speed road bike for 5 years to commute about 5 miles to and from work). I'm just south of 6 feet and weight 195 lbs (and slimming). I plan to use the bike for recreation and commute averaging between 50 and 70 miles/week (to start). I've looked around at several LBS and narrowed it down to four bikes: Trek 1.1 ($750) with Al frame/Carbon fork, Shimano Claris components, 16 speed Cannondale CAAD8 ($800) with Al frame/Carbon fork, Shimano Claris components, 16 speed Specialized Allez ($800) with Al frame/Carbon fork, Shimano Claris components, 16 speed Scott Speedster 50 ($700) with Al frame/Carbon-alloy fork, Sora components, 24 speed If all else equal, which bike would you guys buy and for what reasons? I know comfort and fit are critical, but I find all four to be about the same. It appears the top three compare most favorably and are generally well praised, however the speedster has better components and is cheaper, but I'm finding less reviews. Is that a bad sign? |
I've owned a Specialized Tarmac and wasn't impressed with it. Sold it after 9 months.
Trek and Scott are good but I have to recommend the Cannondale. I bought a CAAD 10 today. The ride is awesome. The CAAD 8 is basically the same frame with slightly lower quality components. Get it and I think you'll be very happy. Let us know which one you get an post pics. |
Unsolicited advice: It's CYCLING. You're not a biker unless it's motorized :)
But, you're always allowed to be both, just not at the same time. |
I must be out of the loop. Where does Claris fit into the grand scheme of Shimano road components?
The Cannondales always have the gorgeous aluminum frames, but I might go with the Scott because everyone already has a Trek and I'm still mad at Specialized over trying to sue their former employees into the ground. |
I'd go with the cheapest (Scott), since if you're like most people, if you get into it you'll want to upgrade within the year. If you don't get into it, then why spend more than you must?
I bought a used Giant Defy, and 7 months later upgraded to a Propel with Di2. No matter the brand of bike, the electronic shifting is fantastic, and if you progress you should at least try it. |
I gotta vote for the CAAD8. I have a CAAD8 frame and I put Campy groupset on it. It's a great bike for the money, and you can upgrade components before you out-upgrade the frame. I think Cannondale makes some of the best AL frames ever.
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Originally Posted by RonH
(Post 16738185)
I bought a CAAD 10 today.
That's awesome Ron. I'm jealous! |
Originally Posted by bigbenaugust
(Post 16738832)
I must be out of the loop. Where does Claris fit into the grand scheme of Shimano road components?
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I'm typically a bargain shopper, so I find a LOT of value buying used (paid $600 for my mint S20 with full 105). Another strategy could be if you are buying the bike new at a shop, go with the shop that has the best customer service, since you will likely be dealing with them in the future frequently (tune up, wheel truing, accessories). I say this because many bikes at the same price points tend to be very similar.
Also, take them all for a spin, and see which one feels the best. I know there is a difference between the Scott S20 and S50, but I absolutely love my speedster. It's incredibly responsive and comfortable. I've done a century and 200k on it and love it. |
Originally Posted by JBerman
(Post 16743092)
2300/claris/sora/tiagra/105/ultegra/dura ace
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Triple or double is the choice I see. If you are located in an area with hills, mountain or piedmont the Scott would be the choice as it has a triple to better deal with hills.
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Originally Posted by sedges
(Post 16746015)
Triple or double is the choice I see. If you are located in an area with hills, mountain or piedmont the Scott would be the choice as it has a triple to better deal with hills.
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I wouldn't buy a bike just for a triple. I run a 50/34 and I have yet to be in the smaller chainring. With my 11/28, I can't imaging ever really needing the granny gear...Well, on 6-gap I will :)
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I love my Cannondale :-)
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