Help with purchase

rovergar-<< Hey all. I am at a turning point in the bike purchasing world.

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<BR><BR>

<< Please help with opinions. Are the two sale bikes good deals? Should I buy the serotta just
because it is the most expensive. >><BR><BR>

Only three things to consider, fit, fit and fit..The Serotta should come with a bike fit, but a fit
session on the other ones are essential.

Peter Chisholm Vecchio's Bicicletteria 1833 Pearl St. Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535 vecchios.comvecchios.comOpen ↗ "Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"

From your comments you sound like someone that is interested in getting started at cycling. If I'm
wrong please disregard the following:

A new cyclist does not have the experience to appreciate the differences between different frame
geometries and handling characteristics. What feels good initially - stable, comfortable - may be
less satisfying as skills improve. Your position will change with time in the saddle and experience
. You will probably stretch out and loosen up. Your first size choice will most likely, even with
advice, not be the one you ultimately end up with.

Consider buying a good used road bicycle of the "correct for now" size. Ride it for a year or so and
then make an educated decision when you buy the first of many bikes you love. $300 - 500 will get
you a good bike to get going on that will serve you well in the rain, snow and on a trainer after
you get your dream bike.

Your local bike shop may know someone that has recently bought a new bike in your size who would
like to part with their old one. An added benefit is that it will already be scratched so you can
learn to work on it with not fear of disfiguring it.

Bill Brannon

<[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

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Hey all. I am at a turning point in the bike purchasing world. I have 4 options I am looking at:
They range in price and function. They are (in

no

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particular order):
1. Cervelo soloist 105 - ~$1700
2. Trek 2300 (2003) - ~$1500 sale
3. Lemond Buenos Aires - ~$1200 sale
4. Serotta Fierte - ~$2000 (105 group)

I know the cervelo does not really belong in this group but I like the

ride.

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How will I use my new bike you may ask..... I'm not really sure.....

What

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I mean is that I will ride, mostly by my self, 10 -15 miles to start more later. When I get my
legs I will ride in groups and maybe a duatholon.

But

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never to "win" or even compete with anyone but myself.

Please help with opinions. Are the two sale bikes good deals? Should I

buy

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the serotta just because it is the most expensive. Should I buy the

Lemond

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because it is the cheapest. They all ride very nice, but I am new at this and I can't really
distinguish between a GREAT ride and a VERY GOOD ride

and

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I don't want to repurchase next year because I missed something.

Thanks for your help in advance.

<[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Hey all. I am at a turning point in the bike purchasing world. I have 4 options I am looking at:
They range in price and function. They are (in no particular order):
1. Cervelo soloist 105 - ~$1700
2. Trek 2300 (2003) - ~$1500 sale
3. Lemond Buenos Aires - ~$1200 sale
4. Serotta Fierte - ~$2000 (105 group)

Hi, I recently purchased a LeMond Tourmalet, couldn't afford the Buenos Aires, and am totally happy
with it. Others may be able to offer some real advice, based on comparisons, but I would say that if
the LeMond fits you, you wouldn't be disappointed. You can use the money you save to purchase some
top quality pedals, shoes, and a good saddle. You will also need to put together a flat repair kit
including tube, patch kit, tire bars, and a pump. Also get yourself a nice simple multi tool, I like
the Crank Bros Micra 17. And finally a cyclo-computer, get one that does cadence. If I had been
aware of the features, I would have gone with the Shimano Flightdeck, instead my LBS recommended a
Cateye Astrale 8, which works just fine. With the LeMond be the lowest priced, yet having a really
nice steel frame, you could make a few component changes, if desired. Life is Good! Jeff

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I know the cervelo does not really belong in this group but I like the ride. How will I use my new
bike you may ask..... I'm not really sure..... What I mean is that I will ride, mostly by my self,
10 -15 miles to start more later. When I get my legs I will ride in groups and maybe a duatholon.
But never to "win" or even compete with anyone but myself.

Please help with opinions. Are the two sale bikes good deals? Should I buy the serotta just
because it is the most expensive. Should I buy the Lemond because it is the cheapest. They all
ride very nice, but I am new at this and I can't really distinguish between a GREAT ride and a
VERY GOOD ride and I don't want to repurchase next year because I missed something.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Quoted message said:

Please help with opinions. Are the two sale bikes good deals? Should I buy the serotta just because
it is the most expensive. Should I buy the Lemond because it is the cheapest. They all ride very
nice, but I am new at this and I can't really distinguish between a GREAT ride and a VERY GOOD ride
and I don't want to repurchase next year because I missed something.

Thanks for your help in advance.

I paid that for my Buenos Aires. I found it to ride 95% as well as more expensive steel bikes so I
bought it. The Trek is aluminun and is nowhere near as comfortable as a Lemond. I have no opinion on
the Cervelo and the Serotta is their mass produced bike. I recommend the Lemond.

Bill Brannon's and Peter's posts are right on. If you are taking the first big step into cycling via
this purchase I would suggest Bill has the right idea, initially, because what you may like as far
as a ride could change in a relatively short time. Buy a good used bike, road, hybrid, etc. that
fits and ride for a while. Peter's advice is right on - very important for any bike purchase but
maybe even more so if you are going to pop for 1,500 to 2 grand. The bike needs to fit and have
adjustment parameters that can accomodate changes in your riding ability and style. I recently
bought a Bianchi Volpe, on a closeout, for $650.00. Changed the stem length and put on a diff.
saddle. Spent a week with the allen wrench tweaking my seating and stem. It pays off. btw that
Bianchi was a move down from a 25 year old custom road frame. Remember bikes that don't fit are like
exercise equipment that doesn't get used. Moves from the house to the garage to who knows where.
[email hidden] (Jkpoulos7) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Please help with opinions. Are the two sale bikes good deals? Should I buy the serotta just
because it is the most expensive. Should I buy the Lemond because it is the cheapest. They all
ride very nice, but I am new at this and I can't really distinguish between a GREAT ride and a
VERY GOOD ride and I don't want to repurchase next year because I missed something.

Thanks for your help in advance.

I paid that for my Buenos Aires. I found it to ride 95% as well as more expensive steel bikes so I
bought it. The Trek is aluminun and is nowhere near as comfortable as a Lemond. I have no opinion
on the Cervelo and the Serotta is their mass produced bike. I recommend the Lemond.