Anyone have a road bike?

[Vince, Pt. II]

So I've been watching my fitness a lot lately, and have managed to dial my diet into a somewhat reasonable place. I'd love to add some cardio into my routine, but I just can't stand running anymore (which is weird, I used to love it). I've been doing some research into getting a road bike, but even armed with some knowledge the wide array of choices is daunting. Anyone here have a road bike who can give some advice as to a good place to start? I'm looking to get a good quality bike and am not averse to spending a little money on it, but I don't want to go much over $1,000 if at all.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Vince, Pt. II

So I've been watching my fitness a lot lately, and have managed to dial my diet into a somewhat reasonable place. I'd love to add some cardio into my routine, but I just can't stand running anymore (which is weird, I used to love it). I've been doing some research into getting a road bike, but even armed with some knowledge the wide array of choices is daunting. Anyone here have a road bike who can give some advice as to a good place to start? I'm looking to get a good quality bike and am not averse to spending a little money on it, but I don't want to go much over $1,000 if at all.

There are a few cyclists in the strava thread that might be a good resource for you. Off the top of my mind Subby, AlexB, cartman, Northwood_DK all do a good bit of cycling and might be able to help you out some.

Personally I got a pretty decent bike with alright components from a local bike shop for under $1000. Most people that I know who are experienced with this type of thing generally recommend looking at craigslist for great deals on pretty nice bikes where their owner is just trying to move them for whatever reason.

[AlexB]

When I started cycling again 4-5 years or so ago I bought a cheap bike from Halfords for about £100: it broke after less than half a mile, and the replacement broke after less than a quarter of mile! So I went to a proper bike shop and spent c.£400 on an entry level but specialist Giant road bike which was great.

A couple of years back I had a tax rebate and in conjunction with our Cycle to Work scheme spent nearly £2k on a really good bike, which is better, but tbh with my ability is OTT and your budget is probably what I should have looked at.

You'll get a good quality bike for that, even from new, but if you do find a 2nd hand one that's been looked after it could be a good deal.

One strong recommendation is maybe knock $200 off the bike price and buy the best saddle you can afford. My newer bike has a really good seat, which I kinda took for granted until I hired a bike last week in the Canaries - the bike was fine (more evidence that a lower budget would have been perfectly adequate for me) but it had a much more basic seat - without going into too much detail despite wearing good shorts I was sore! You will be much happier with a really good gel saddle!

[Dutch]

I've been thinking of transitioning too...if nothing else, I feat for my knees and feet...

[Vince, Pt. II]

Originally Posted by Dutch

I've been thinking of transitioning too...if nothing else, I feat for my knees and feet...

This is part of the problem with running for me, especially since I work with pipe wrenches all day. I don't have problems yet, and I want to keep it that way.

[Dutch]

*fear* not *feat* ... ugh...

[HarryLime]

for that price range I guess you would be looking at an aluminum frame, with an entry level shimano groupset, either Claris or Sora. You could also maybe get something lesser frame, but with the Tiagra groupset.

The difference in groupsets really comes down to the number of gears at this level, claris having 8, sora 9 and Tiagra 10 on the rear system..

So you really need to work out what is best for you, and where to compromise.. Better frame, lower components, or better components lower frame..

Also most bikes dont come with pedals, so i would recommend if you are doing for fitness spend the money on the clipless pedals and buy the cleat shoes as well, as it really does have a massive impact over standard pedals with straps..

When in doubt, find a local bike shop that has a good range, and go for a test ride.. That is the best way to find the bike that is right for you!

[Desnudo]

Consider a well taken care of 2nd hand bike

[Vince, Pt. II]

Originally Posted by HarryLime

for that price range I guess you would be looking at an aluminum frame, with an entry level shimano groupset, either Claris or Sora. You could also maybe get something lesser frame, but with the Tiagra groupset.

The difference in groupsets really comes down to the number of gears at this level, claris having 8, sora 9 and Tiagra 10 on the rear system..

So you really need to work out what is best for you, and where to compromise.. Better frame, lower components, or better components lower frame..

Also most bikes dont come with pedals, so i would recommend if you are doing for fitness spend the money on the clipless pedals and buy the cleat shoes as well, as it really does have a massive impact over standard pedals with straps..

When in doubt, find a local bike shop that has a good range, and go for a test ride.. That is the best way to find the bike that is right for you!

Here's a question: would bumping my price range a little up be worth it in terms of return? Normally I'd want to ease in to a new hobby because I pick up and drop them so easily, but I've been extremely successful with my diet (lost fifty pounds last year /humblebrag), and I want to commit to the fitness end just as much. If I can get a much better bike for a little extra scratch, I'm in.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Vince, Pt. II

Here's a question: would bumping my price range a little up be worth it in terms of return? Normally I'd want to ease in to a new hobby because I pick up and drop them so easily, but I've been extremely successful with my diet (lost fifty pounds last year /humblebrag), and I want to commit to the fitness end just as much. If I can get a much better bike for a little extra scratch, I'm in.

Depending on where you enter at, sometimes the difference between a few hundred dollars on bikes is mostly with just different components on it.

I honestly am going to guess if you are just starting out, having top end brakes or various other pieces are not going to be a big deal for you. Most important at least at the start is getting a solid bike with solid components that aren't garbage (ie: no walmart type bikes), and then maybe splurging a little bit on some things to make it feel more comfortable such as getting a better bike seat (and I personally like having better shifters as a comfort thing too).

I don't regret at all going to a local reputable bike shop and working through what I wanted with them, and trying out various things. For most bike shops, they don't make most of their money on actually selling the bikes but instead on repeat business for service or other stuff. So they likely want to keep you happy and satisfied.

I would say if you don't know enough what to look for off of Craigslist second hand, go with a good bike shop and get an decent entry level or second level Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc type of bike. You should be able to get one that can make you happy for under $1000 easily I would guess.

-THEN- If you like it enough after a while to want to really upgrade to something lighter (various pieces such as the frame or various parts changed to ligher material or top end material), you can spend more once you know what you are looking for.

[Alan T]

Dola.. looks like a few more cyclists on this thread than I knew about on the forums. You should join us in the FOFC group in Strava. I love watching what everyone is doing there, and it always is fun to encourage others to reach new highs!

[HarryLime]

gratz on the 50 pound loss... i am in a similar boat, i dropped about 70 pounds myself and rediscovered my passion for cycling in the process..

if you went up to the $1500 mark you could probably get something aluminum frame with the shimano 105 groupset, and if it was the 5800 groupset that would be 11 speed, and most 2015 models have disc brakes..

Generally you will find the better the group set, the smoother gear changes and performance feels as they use better parts, and machine them to a higher quality, and generally wear better and last longer

I forgot to mention also research the wheels a bit.. most manufacturers spec the bike up with decent frame and components, and then to reduce costs put absolute clunkers of wheels on, and wheel quality can have a massive impact on feel and performance.

Again, head down to the local.. try a couple of bikes with different componentry to feel the difference and then judge for yourself is the extra $$ worth throwing down..

I think it is important to set a budget and try to stick to it.. because if you decide 1500.. then for a couple of hundred more, maybe you can go carbon fibre.. then it just creeps up and up

the other thing to consider is if the latest and greatest is not the most important things, some shops might have 2014 bikes with significantly reduced prices to move em... worth a look if you can jump to that next bracket, and maintain budget

[Desnudo]

Here's a pretty good guide to the components. I spent a little more to get Ultegra performance and weight benefits. Unlike some things there is definitely a difference in component quality and performance the more you spend and I think Ultegra is the best blend unless you're going to shave your legs and start racing.

Edit - you can sometimes find Ultegra on some key parts like shifters and derailleurs with 105 on less important parts.

Buyer’s guide to road bike groupsets - BikeRadar USA

[cartman]

I built my bike up from parts, but without some of the cycling-specific tools, that is a tough route to go for a new bike. I too will echo the calls to visit a local bike shop and to look at last year's bikes. You can get some really good deals there.

[Dutch]

Originally Posted by Dutch

I've been thinking of transitioning too...if nothing else, I fea(r) for my knees and feet...

...or...maybe I should just not be a friggin' Nancy and keep running.

92-year-old becomes oldest woman to finish marathon - Nation - The Boston Globe

[aston217]

Take it easy on the joints, Dutch. Don't let it stop you from what you enjoy, but there are better ways to get your cardio in.

[Subby]

I don't know if you are still looking for a bike, but one good place to look is bikesdirect.com.

That said, there are advantages to going though your local bike shop, not the least of which is you'll get a proper fit. Some shops will also give you a deal on maintenance if you bought the bike from them.

Finally, do not fall into the trap of spending more for fancier components. If this is your first road bike you absolutely do not need Ultegra components. Keep it under $1,000 and ride it for a year. If you really love it, it's easy to upgrade.