Cyclists - need a good road bike

[Chickenman Testa]

I really need to finally get off my butt and running isn't in the cards. What's a good road bike - not a starter bike but I don't need a Tour-ready Cervelo or anything. Money not a huge issue but I don't need to go crazy. $750-1500 would suffice if that's realistic.

Also, are those stationary trainers that you can attach your bike to a good option? For those times here (Tx) when Id rather be inside or combining exercise with sports watching. Do they allow for you to easily change resistance and such.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Eurotrash1]

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products...R1hlMtnthLL1GT_d0ObS0QLpyZ9PTXR3M1hoClmvw_wcB

 

[PSUCYCLING]

You can get a really nice bike for about $1000 that is about 98% the performance of a "Tour Ready Cervelo". Some hints:

- at that price point, there is no difference in model year to model year. Look for last year's or even 2014 overstock close outs to save a few dollars.

- aluminum frame is what you'll see in that range. Typical components are Shimano Sora, Tiagra. If you look carefully and get a model year close out, you could find something with Shimano 105 which is really nice stuff for the price.

- another hint is buy some nice tires. Tires make a huge difference in ride. A very good, durable, and fast rolling tire is Continental 4000s available for $35 ea. A $1000 bike will have stock tires that are harsh riding and poor rolling.

- Trek, Specialized, and Cannondale all make really good bikes in that price range. I would stick with one of those three because they carefully select their dealers and have very good warranty support. Look for a shop that will do a full fitting and will swap out the stem at no charge to get fit right.

- Save some money for clip less pedals and cycling shoes.

- most $300 trainers mean you will be changing resistance by changing your gears. They'll provide plenty of resistance. Pro tip- if you bought nice tires, use the tires that came with the bike on the trainer.

 

[205Cedarbrook]

Visit your local independent bicycle stores. Find the one you feel the most comfortable in. Listen to the professionals. Ignore all other advice you see on-line, it's generally terrible advice.

 

[Eurotrash1]

If you are a beginner...don't spend $1000 on a bike. The one I posted is fine for a newby. If you find yourself sticking with it. Sell it next year and then invest in a higher end bike.

 

[PSUCYCLING]

If you are a beginner...don't spend $1000 on a bike. The one I posted is fine for a newby. If you find yourself sticking with it. Sell it next year and then invest in a higher end bike.

Horrible, horrible, advice. Those bikes are overpriced garbage. Here's why:

- stem mounted shift levers mean you have to take your hands off the bars to shift. A safety hazard. Integrated shift/brake levers have been around 25 years.

- quill stem which uses an expander plug to secure the stem in steerer. Again, a system that's been obsolete for close to 20 years.

- bike doesn't come fully assembled.

 

[palehorse]

http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/gran-fondo-classico-13

I used to own a bike shop. Here's my advice. Look at Fuji long and hard. They are putting product out equal to the big boys in quality, but still pushing the envelope on pricing b/c they are trying to regain the market share they used to have in the 70's and 80's. They also offer bigger margins to their dealers(@50 pts vs 35) than the big boys(Cannondale, Trek, Specialized). This will enable you to negotiate some wiggle room on price. Buy in a local shop. The Grand Fondo linked above is a great beginners bike. It has great blend of race and comfort geometry. Last piece of advice.... Spend the extra money on good bibs. High end Assos are worth the price tag.

 

[Sooner Lion]

Stick with aluminum. Fit is by far most important. Go to a good bike shop and get fit.

You'll also need cycling shorts, gloves, glasses, shoes, pedals (they don't come with the bike), helmet, lights and shirts, spare tubes, small tool set and rear saddle bag.

Also recommend 28 cm tires. They soften the ride. If you are going to ride hills, you want a compact crank and 12-30 rear cassette. If it's flat, a compact crank and 11-23 rear cassette will do.

Can't go wrong with Bichani Via Narone 7 or Giant Defy.

Trek also makes some nice beginner alum bikes.

Good luck.

 

[Nittany.Lion]

I really need to finally get off my butt and running isn't in the cards. What's a good road bike - not a starter bike but I don't need a Tour-ready Cervelo or anything. Money not a huge issue but I don't need to go crazy. $750-1500 would suffice if that's realistic.

Also, are those stationary trainers that you can attach your bike to a good option? For those times here (Tx) when Id rather be inside or combining exercise with sports watching. Do they allow for you to easily change resistance and such.

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like your getting a bunch of good advice from some knowledgeable folks. I'm no expert but I did buy a road bike a few months ago. I didn't do a bunch of research, but I ended up buying REI's brand (Novara), it has Shimano Sora components, the bike weighs about 22 lbs which I thought was pretty good for the price. It was a close out and discounted 20% down to $620, I'm very happy with it. I just went to their website and they don't sell it anymore and the replacement comparable model now has disk brakes, so the price is has jumped to nearly a grand. The one piece of advice I think I can offer is to stay away from disk brakes, they are relatively new to road bikes and I don't think they very effective.

 

[Peetz Pool Boy]

CT,

While you're getting good advice about actual road bikes, what most if the respondents don't understand is that as a bike rider on Texas roadways, it's not a matter of if you get hit by a vehicle, but when.

Given our "Eden-like" climate down here, I'd opt for something in an "indoor model". Between the humidity and the unlicensed undocumented drunk drivers, spinning in your study while the AC is running is the only way to go.

 

[novaclassof90]

Last two bikes I have bought were both Specialized Allez Elite. Cost about 1,000-1,100. Totally love both of them. First one I used for 11 years. Second one is twice as good but price was the same. Smooth ride, durable bike, good components. Specialized frame fits me well which is the most important thing, not all frames are the same. Gotta find the one that best fits your body.

 

[PSU_Chicago]

- at that price point, there is no difference in model year to model year. Look for last year's or even 2014 overstock close outs to save a few dollars.
.

Great point. Last racing type bike I bought (late 90's) had a different color, sat in inventory for 2 years prior to my purchase at a then local bike shop in downtown Philly. I got a great deal on an Italian model with Campy C Record components, etc.

I had been a repair customer in that shop and got to know the mechanics, etc. They were really helpful with my purchase. Get out to your local bike shops, talk with them. They want to help you as much as make a sale.

 

[Eurotrash1]

Horrible, horrible, advice. Those bikes are overpriced garbage. Here's why:

- stem mounted shift levers mean you have to take your hands off the bars to shift. A safety hazard. Integrated shift/brake levers have been around 25 years.

- quill stem which uses an expander plug to secure the stem in steerer. Again, a system that's been obsolete for close to 20 years.

- bike doesn't come fully assembled.

Spending a $1000+ on a brand new hobby you may not enjoy is horrible advice. My guess is being new to this you will not be taking extremely long treks to start. If you decide you would like to get serious about this. Your 1yr old $250 bike will sell on CL for at least $100. You've lost $150 tops. If you buy a $1500 bike and decide to hang it up...you will sell it for $1000 at best and be out $500.
PSUCYCLING is correct. If you are a serious cyclist the $250 bike is a joke. However, I wouldn't call you a serious cyclist at this point. JMO.

 

[Marshall30]

Get a Huffy On/Off Road if they still make them. Got one at K-Mart years ago and still ride it when weather permits. Around a hundred dollars now I would imagine. In fact, I'm going out shortly before the rain begins and while it's warm.

 

[CentexLion]

I really need to finally get off my butt and running isn't in the cards. What's a good road bike - not a starter bike but I don't need a Tour-ready Cervelo or anything. Money not a huge issue but I don't need to go crazy. $750-1500 would suffice if that's realistic.

Also, are those stationary trainers that you can attach your bike to a good option? For those times here (Tx) when Id rather be inside or combining exercise with sports watching. Do they allow for you to easily change resistance and such.

Thanks in advance.

Chickenman

I buy our bikes at Bicycle Sports Shop in Austin. I go to the 183/braker shop as it is more convenient. The main shop on Barton Springs and Lamar is great. Great sales now. Just bought my 26 year old son a new carbon Trek for $1600 and it comes with $100 gift card. This week, everything in store is 20% off as well.

Great biking in Austin. New trail opened up off 51st street all the way to Manor. Bike trail only. Brushy creek trail from Round Rock to cedar park is great as is the Georgetown trail. Great riding in town as well. Better riding east of town on the many back roads. Just be careful on 360 as the cars zip on and off the ramps. It is a great hilly ride though

When I first started, I joined the Austin Cycling Association. They ride every Saturday and Sunday morning. They do a few distances from 10 milers up to 60. Fun riding in a pack and gets you good experience. Also, many sponsored rides. Usually one every week as well. The Austin to Shiner ride is great

I have a Cyclops trainer in my garage and it is nice. Easy to use. I have my computer on a stand in front of it and want netflix movies or play CDs.

I commute to work 2 days a week on my bike, which is a Trek hybrid. It is 14 miles in each direction and I feel great riding. I'm just very careful of the cars pulling out of side roads. I always wear my helmet as well

Good luck. Maybe I'll see you out on the roads