footlongto
I am looking at trying to get an entry level road bike that I can grow into the sport with. I am trying to find a bike around the $500 range that I am not going to have to replace in the near future. Additionally, I live near lots of hills and been told to look for a bike with Shimano shifters. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good bike?
Answer
1 - Understand the most important things on a new road bike are
-1 Fit - 2 Frame material - 3 components - in that order.
For $500 bucks you can get an entry level bike that can take you many miles.
Don't forget to budget or plan for things that may not come with the bike - Water bottles and cages, helmet, cycling clithes, cyclo computer & pedal/shoes.
1 -Check out the following sites for info
http://www.rei.com/learn/Cycling?cm_re=toc*toc*expert_advice&vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clfitf.jsp
& this article specifically
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-12-15079-1,00.html
2 - Check out some bikes online
www.bikesdirect.com - online only some shops in TX.
www.performancebike.com -they have local shops in some cities
www.rei.com - local and online shop.
3- Then go to a couple local bike only shops - pick one you like the best (and who can really fit you to the bike) and take their reccomendation if they have a bike you like. If all they do when fittign you to the bike is have you stand over it, then go to a different shop. THey should put it on a trainer and have you pedal....and spend some time with you.
Or buy online if you feel comfortable putting it together....and fitting yourself.
For Frame material - Aluminum or steel will be your choice. Maybe a CF fork - but Carbon Fiber frame or CF seat stays will be more than $500. Steell will feel smoother....MErcier from www.bikesdirect are steel & Jamis makes steel bikes too & I think performance bike has some steel ones too. Aluminum just feels rough but this can be a personal choice.
Frame geometries will be different....aggresive for racing...or compact frame for a more relaxed riding (sloped top tube) - this will come down to personal preference too.
Components - Look for Tiagra at a minimum (not SORA), 105 if you can get them. Don;t be afraid to spend just a buit more....the difference in a 500 and 600 bike can be big.
Or you can consider used - call bike shops in your area to see who sells used. Or take a chance on ebay - study fit first. An 5-8 yr old bike for 300-400 bucks one EBAY would be a good starting place and would be better than a 500 bke now. That;s what I did I got a $900 bike for just over 300 used still riding it 2yrs later - no plans to change. BUt you have to study up on fit to fit yourself - not that hard.
When you get your bike - here's some basic info in Skills for a beginner.
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?storeId=8000&categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clskillsf.jsp
ANd join a local bike club to ride with too they will keep you in the sport.
1 - Understand the most important things on a new road bike are
-1 Fit - 2 Frame material - 3 components - in that order.
For $500 bucks you can get an entry level bike that can take you many miles.
Don't forget to budget or plan for things that may not come with the bike - Water bottles and cages, helmet, cycling clithes, cyclo computer & pedal/shoes.
1 -Check out the following sites for info
http://www.rei.com/learn/Cycling?cm_re=toc*toc*expert_advice&vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clfitf.jsp
& this article specifically
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-12-15079-1,00.html
2 - Check out some bikes online
www.bikesdirect.com - online only some shops in TX.
www.performancebike.com -they have local shops in some cities
www.rei.com - local and online shop.
3- Then go to a couple local bike only shops - pick one you like the best (and who can really fit you to the bike) and take their reccomendation if they have a bike you like. If all they do when fittign you to the bike is have you stand over it, then go to a different shop. THey should put it on a trainer and have you pedal....and spend some time with you.
Or buy online if you feel comfortable putting it together....and fitting yourself.
For Frame material - Aluminum or steel will be your choice. Maybe a CF fork - but Carbon Fiber frame or CF seat stays will be more than $500. Steell will feel smoother....MErcier from www.bikesdirect are steel & Jamis makes steel bikes too & I think performance bike has some steel ones too. Aluminum just feels rough but this can be a personal choice.
Frame geometries will be different....aggresive for racing...or compact frame for a more relaxed riding (sloped top tube) - this will come down to personal preference too.
Components - Look for Tiagra at a minimum (not SORA), 105 if you can get them. Don;t be afraid to spend just a buit more....the difference in a 500 and 600 bike can be big.
Or you can consider used - call bike shops in your area to see who sells used. Or take a chance on ebay - study fit first. An 5-8 yr old bike for 300-400 bucks one EBAY would be a good starting place and would be better than a 500 bke now. That;s what I did I got a $900 bike for just over 300 used still riding it 2yrs later - no plans to change. BUt you have to study up on fit to fit yourself - not that hard.
When you get your bike - here's some basic info in Skills for a beginner.
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?storeId=8000&categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clskillsf.jsp
ANd join a local bike club to ride with too they will keep you in the sport.
What is a good entry level road bike under $300?
Andrew
I am looking for a road bike for commuting purposes. I am not looking to compete or anything like that.
Answer
There are a lot of crappy road bikes on the market for under $300. But no good ones under $300. Here's one of the crappy ones. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schwinn-700C-Prelude-Mens-Drop-Bar-Road-Bike-Bicycle-/390722896172?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item5af8e6412c
Look at the advantages & disadvantages of cheap.
1) Advantage; it's cheap. That's the end of that.
Disadvantages
1) Comes in just one frame size. Good road bikes are measured in centimeters spaced only 2cm apart. Example, 49cm, 51cm, 53cm & so on.
2) No service warranty & basically no warranty at all. Good bikes from a bike shop will come with a service warranty for a free tune-up after 2 to 3 months.
3) The worst possible components. If it last a year, that's about normal. A good road bike will last decades.
4) You better be a good mechanic. You'll need to assemble the thing & tune it up yourself. They all need fine tuning out of the box. Can you true up a wheel? A good bike from a shop will be ready to go.
I could go on & on.
I'm over 2 hours away from Tulsa & still bought a bike there. http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/ImageZoom.aspx?itemid=8159987&if=537521_0.jpg Cost about $640. 2014 model about $650. http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/sportif-25
Keep saving or look for a different type of bike. Stay away from the junk at discount stores, eBay & Amazon.com. You can get a fairly good hybrid for around $400 to $500.
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-23
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-21
There are a lot of crappy road bikes on the market for under $300. But no good ones under $300. Here's one of the crappy ones. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schwinn-700C-Prelude-Mens-Drop-Bar-Road-Bike-Bicycle-/390722896172?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item5af8e6412c
Look at the advantages & disadvantages of cheap.
1) Advantage; it's cheap. That's the end of that.
Disadvantages
1) Comes in just one frame size. Good road bikes are measured in centimeters spaced only 2cm apart. Example, 49cm, 51cm, 53cm & so on.
2) No service warranty & basically no warranty at all. Good bikes from a bike shop will come with a service warranty for a free tune-up after 2 to 3 months.
3) The worst possible components. If it last a year, that's about normal. A good road bike will last decades.
4) You better be a good mechanic. You'll need to assemble the thing & tune it up yourself. They all need fine tuning out of the box. Can you true up a wheel? A good bike from a shop will be ready to go.
I could go on & on.
I'm over 2 hours away from Tulsa & still bought a bike there. http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/ImageZoom.aspx?itemid=8159987&if=537521_0.jpg Cost about $640. 2014 model about $650. http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/sportif-25
Keep saving or look for a different type of bike. Stay away from the junk at discount stores, eBay & Amazon.com. You can get a fairly good hybrid for around $400 to $500.
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-23
http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute-21
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