I'm looking to buy my first road bike this month and really get in to cycling, the only problem is that I've read enough online and in books to where I'm confused because I think I need high end gear but don't have the budget for it. I'm looking for a bike that will last for a number of years with moderate to heavy use, but the problem is I'm on a $600 budget for the bike itself (I do have a seperate budget for accessories). What do you folks recommend? I am open to buying used. If you think I should buy used - what should I look for?
I am 6' 2 1/2" with a 33.5" standover height and weigh 215 lbs. What do you recommend?
You might be pleasantly surprised as to what 600$ can buy used!! first thing's first. Go to a local bike shop - LBS...and find out what size frame you need. Be nice to them. You'll probably be visiting them a few more times in the near future for gear etc.
Have a look at craigslist.com or kijiji.com once you know your size. there are often some gems to be found there. with that budget. you can get yourself a fairly newish aluminum frame at least...with perhaps shimano 105 group! minimum Tiagra. Or someone with a custom built bike with a mix of 105 and Ultegra if you're lucky. either way. have a look.
Don't forget to factor in the extra stuff that you might buy later, i.e., clothing, shoes, tires, chains, etc. These will be replaced on a regular basis.
If new... Bikes Direct? Nashbar AL-1? (as low as $450 with their special online discount deals).
I had read on some other forums an incredible amount of people who stated NOT to buy online for a first bike because of the lack of support. How do you feel about that?
Also, what would you recommend from Bikes Direct if you were going to spend less than $450. I figure $450 is the best I would do since I will probably need to spend extra money on tune=ups and the such.
I had read on some other forums an incredible amount of people who stated NOT to buy online for a first bike because of the lack of support. How do you feel about that?
Also, what would you recommend from Bikes Direct if you were going to spend less than $450. I figure $450 is the best I would do since I will probably need to spend extra money on tune=ups and the such.
I have recently spoken to several Bikes Direct customers while out riding. They all seemed pleased with their purchases. The bikes apparently come nearly fully built. I do all my own work, so I am more interested in components and build quality. Don't pay too much attention to the names B.D. puts on the frames, since they aren't manufactured by the companies you may think they are. Their Dawes is not made in jolly old England. If you plan on doing a substantial amount of riding, it is always best to be both familiar with and capable of doing basic maintenance and repair on a bike whatever your final purchase decision may be. Personally, the Dawes Lightning Cross at $459 catches my eye in that price range. I also notice that they offer the Dawes Lightning 1000 at $389. Personally, I would probably take a closer look at the Nashbar AL-1, but that would probably run over $500 with special discount offers and then adding shipping and handling charges.
I have recently spoken to several Bikes Direct customers while out riding. They all seemed pleased with their purchases. The bikes apparently come nearly fully built. I do all my own work, so I am more interested in components and build quality. Don't pay too much attention to the names B.D. puts on the frames, since they aren't manufactured by the companies you may think they are. Their Dawes is not made in jolly old England. If you plan on doing a substantial amount of riding, it is always best to be both familiar with and capable of doing basic maintenance and repair on a bike whatever your final purchase decision may be. Personally, the Dawes Lightning Cross at $459 catches my eye in that price range. I also notice that they offer the Dawes Lightning 1000 at $389. Personally, I would probably take a closer look at the Nashbar AL-1, but that would probably run over $500 with special discount offers and then adding shipping and handling charges.
So I took a look at it and I'm willing to spend the money on the Lightning Cross, but it looked like it had knobby tires in comparison to the 1000 and every other road bike I've seen. Are those tires going to be a problem? Other than that, I'm ready to buy one of the two based on what I've heard and read.
So I took a look at it and I'm willing to spend the money on the Lightning Cross, but it looked like it had knobby tires in comparison to the 1000 and every other road bike I've seen. Are those tires going to be a problem? Other than that, I'm ready to buy one of the two based on what I've heard and read.
I'm going to buy one of the three before the weekend, now I just need to pick which!
The Lightning Cross is supposed to be a cyclecross bike, which could make it more versatile. Nashbar and Niagara Cycle Works sell plenty of tires for $5 to $10 each. They come in different widths and tread patterns for different road conditions. You can have both a smooth and knobby set you can interchange for different types of riding. At 215 you may want a wider tire for overall durability. The Windsor looks alright for the price. Anybody else have any suggestions?
