Well today I'm posting to get some recommendations on a road bike. Let's see, I've been biking for 4 years now, mountain bikes only. I bought a 2001 Cannondale F400 about 4 years ago and I love it. In hindsight I really wish I'd spent the extra money for abit more of a bike, but I'm not gonna be replacing it anytime soon. For a road bike this time around I am willing to spend the extra money to get something nice, even if it is way more road bike than I need starting out, I don't want to be in the situation I am in now with the F400. I'm willing to spend up to $2000 on a road bike, the biggest thing for me is probably the durability of the frame, I"m 6'5" and 240lbs, and with this big body I can really put alot of wear and tear on a bike. I want a frame that will last a really long time because the bike I buy I plan to keep for a long time. I really have always been sort of a Cannondale enthusiast, but i"m open to anything. I haven't even test ridden anything and I won't be making any sort of hasty purchase until I test ride lots of different bikes. I'm In a large city (Dallas) so there are lots of places to shop around. So, based on all that information, any friendly recommendations and reasons why you recommend them would be greatly appreciated.
Well today I'm posting to get some recommendations on a road bike. Let's see, I've been biking for 4 years now, mountain bikes only. I bought a 2001 Cannondale F400 about 4 years ago and I love it. In hindsight I really wish I'd spent the extra money for abit more of a bike, but I'm not gonna be replacing it anytime soon. For a road bike this time around I am willing to spend the extra money to get something nice, even if it is way more road bike than I need starting out, I don't want to be in the situation I am in now with the F400. I'm willing to spend up to $2000 on a road bike, the biggest thing for me is probably the durability of the frame, I"m 6'5" and 240lbs, and with this big body I can really put alot of wear and tear on a bike. I want a frame that will last a really long time because the bike I buy I plan to keep for a long time. I really have always been sort of a Cannondale enthusiast, but i"m open to anything. I haven't even test ridden anything and I won't be making any sort of hasty purchase until I test ride lots of different bikes. I'm In a large city (Dallas) so there are lots of places to shop around. So, based on all that information, any friendly recommendations and reasons why you recommend them would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Charlie
Cdale,like many others offers a lifetime warranty,but it does not cover fatigue. Read their disclaimer on their site.
well, being a newbie i may regret this later, but i am willing to sacrifice weight of the bike for a solid long-term frame. or, pay the price for something with alot of durability (titanium, are those just mega expensive?).
well, being a newbie i may regret this later, but i am willing to sacrifice weight of the bike for a solid long-term frame. or, pay the price for something with alot of durability (titanium, are those just mega expensive?).
For your size and weight, I wouldn't be looking at cheap Ti.
should I be leaning towards aluminum, carbon-fibre, or an aluminum/fibre mix? Or should I not be as concerned with which material type, and research more on frame/brand reliability, warranty, reputation, and construction.
should I be leaning towards aluminum, carbon-fibre, or an aluminum/fibre mix? Or should I not be as concerned with which material type, and research more on frame/brand reliability, warranty, reputation, and construction.
You need to narrow the field and find which makes even offer ready built frames in your size. Avoid the really light stuff,and I never bought a frame for durability and long life. Some look at a bike as a lifetime deal,but many will be looking for something new or better in 5 years or less if they stick with it.You can also turn this into a 'paralysis by analyisis' deal.Warranty makes little real difference ,no one makes bad bikes and how do you research construction?
5-6 years max is what i would be wanting out of the bike. I guess I'm concerned with durability because I've read some posts of frames breaking at the 2-3 year mark.
boudreaux said:
You need to narrow the field and find which makes even offer ready built frames in your size. Avoid the really light stuff,and I never bought a frame for durability and long life. Some look at a bike as a lifetime deal,but many will be looking for something new or better in 5 years or less if they stick with it.
5-6 years max is what i would be wanting out of the bike. I guess I'm concerned with durability because I've read some posts of frames breaking at the 2-3 year mark.
That's just BS,unless it involves heavy weights on frames they shouldn' be on anyway. Anyone can get a defective frame,and that is what a basic warranty covers. Years of life is meaningless.How do you factor in all the variables? Find a bike that fits and then ask specifically if the manufacturer would not recommend it for your size and weight.That's called putting the horse in front.......
I have done a lot of research on bikes in the same price range and about the same size. I am a little lighter (200 and dropping), but I am 6'4" and can put down the power. The bike that really impressed me around this price range is the Litespeed Firenze. The components may not be as top shelf as some other bikes in this price range, but they are more than adequate. The frame isn't their lightest, but is also plenty strong, virtually corrosion proof, and looks good. Maintence would be low, but it sure is sexy. Have fun, and good luck.
