Thanks to jdc2000, rollers, and the article by vo2 I was able to get a lot of basic information on cycling. As stated before, I'm new to cycling and wanted to get as much info as possible to make the right decision on which bike and how much to spend on one. I didn't want to "just do it" and ended up with a bike that I would not like or not be comfortable riding.
Based on all of your suggestions, I went to a local bike shop and told them exactly what I planned on doing. The bike that was suggested to me was a Trek 1000.... price approx. ~$500.
The preliminary part is over. I wanted to check with you all one more time before I bite the bullet with this Trek 1000.
Is it a good beginner's bike? Anybody out there owns one?
Essentially all the entry level bikes from the major manufacturers are spec`ed about the same. The big difference between entry level bikes and the next higher model in the line is that they are equipped with Shimano`s Sora grouppo. This is 8 speed and you cannot shift from the drops.As a beginner that may not matter to you but upgrading your componets(if you choose to do so) will be more expensive as higher groups are 9/10 speed. A buddy of mine bought the Trek 1000. The frame is decent and looks good. Unfortunately entry level bikes do not usually have a carbon fiber fork which really helps the ride quality of stiff aluminum frames. He likes it but does find the ride somewhat harsh. When I was researching a buy I remember the advice I was given. 1 - It is easier and cheaper to buy a better spec`ed bike than upgrade. 2 - Test ride all bikes......bottom line is bike fit and how it feels. 3 - Heading into the New Year is a good time to buy. Bike shops will place on sale 2003 models in anticipation of getting the 2004 lines.
If you like the Treks look at the 1200. It is essentially the same bike as the 1000 but comes with the Tiagra 9 speed grouppo and a carbon fiber fork. You may be able to find a 2003 on sale for not alot more cash. Here is a site of interest. Check out reviews on the Trek 1000 and others.
www.roadbikereview.com
It can help you narrow down your choices. Good luck.
I don't think there is much room to improve on that post by rolfdevinci. All good points.
I'll second that it's a great time to buy a new bike because all the '03 stuff is on sale coming into winter.
The only thing I'll add is that if you can [you don't say where you live] go to another shop that sells something that competes directly with the Trek 1000 or 1200. I'm not nearly as up on the models as rolf is but you might find a competing model with slightly better features, such as the carbon fork, for the price.
At the very least you'll get a test ride on a comparable bike and therefore a basis to compare. Plus you'll be able to compare bike shops. An important part of owining a bike is having a good shop behind it.
Look at the TREK 1500 before you buy; lots of bike for the money.
The guy who owns the best shop in my town told me he has never heard anyone say, "...I wish I hadn't bought this much bike." It's usually the opposite, "...I wish I had bought more bike than this."
There are price points for every brand. Some like th Fuji and Felt brands that are lower in price than TREK, Cannondale, Bianchi, Lightspeed.......etc. Check them out. If you don't plan to race, but only want to ride for distance they may be good options.
I had a Trek 1000 which when I bought it I upgraded to the Tiagra 9 speed group set. I got a great deal on it as it was an end of season bike. It meant I had Sti shifters not the Sora buttons on the side. Why don't you ask the shop if they can do a minor upgrade, it doesn't have to be a full upgrade - the rear cassette and shifters will be the only things needing to change. This should cost no more than a hundred or so dollars (maybe $150).
In terms of the bike though it is a great bike. I had a lot of use out of it and the only reason I sold it is I upgraded to a 2300. It has full Ultegra and carbon forks.
If you are new to the sport, don't get too carried away with spending bucketfuls of money on carbon this and Shimano that. There are a couple of people at our club that ride 1000's and do well. I do suggest you get a proper set of pedals and bike shoes though. That will make a difference to the strap pedals that come with the 1000.
Originally posted by theroboticone i just bought an old miyata 312 with downtube shifters for $300... can't wait to get out on the trail and pass y'all up on your expensive rigs!
=]
If you enjoy getting a sore back reaching down to shift gears all the time, go for it. Cheap bike though
[I'm BRAND new to cycling, so new that I haven't really started -- haha! I've been riding a dinky old...I don't even know what it's called, but I'd like to get serious...I'm looking for a bike that's good for off road and on road..are there certain types of bikes,tires for this? Also, do you know of any web sites that explain the basics? I'm totally clueless, I just know that it looks like fun!
