New Cycler - Bike and Gear

Your list looks good. The Trek 5000 would be a bike that would do everything that you are looking for. Specialized makes a good bike too. I am partial to Trek though. I would suggest platform pedals for a little while then go to clipless. Long enough to get used to a bike again unless you have been riding frequently. From a Trek 1000 to a Madone SSL, they will all do what you want to do. Remember that its not the bike but the rider.

Cycling is great fun/excercise

Thadeus13 said:

Hello Everyone,

I guess I should start by explaining where I'm coming from and what I would like to accomplish and then hopefully you can all help me decide on what I should be looking for. I'm a 6'3" 160lb male. I used to be a track runner but recently have been having issues with my knees. I spoke with my doctor and together we came on the topic of cycling. This had been an option for me before but I never thought of it as a way for me to excerise, more of a transportation method.

So, with that in mind, I was planning on taking a trip to my LBS to figure out what kind of bike would be for me as well as what kind of gear I would need. I would definitely be going for a Road bike and some bikes I had in mind were the Trek 5000 or possibly a Specialized of equal build.

Basically I just want to buy a bike that is A) going to last me a long time and B) Give me the possibility of participating in some group rides as well as some starting races. I am a very determined/competitive person and don't see racing as being too far out of my mind.

So as for a bike you have my ideas above, now to the gear. Basically, from the other threads I've read, I'm pretty sure about what I would like to get.

-Clipless Pedals + shoes
-Helmet (duh :p)
-Bike shorts/shirts
-Lights (I normally do training in the morning/evening around work schedule)
-Computer
-water bottles/racks
-Small pack for under saddle
-Possibly a new saddle (if the one that is stock isn't good for my tastes, not that I have any tastes yet 🙄

But most importantly is obviously the bike to start 😄.

Let me know what you all think about possible bike options and/or gear that I might be missing.

Thank you all for your help in advance!
-Thad

Time RXE (I hear) and any GOOD shoe, do not skimp here.

A comfortable helmet, like a met, giro or whatever takes your fancy. This will encourage you to ride more if you get a good one.

I suggest getting one really good pair of knicks, and I think Nike makes a couple of good, cheap Jerseys.

Lights depends how much you use them. You could get a cheap Nimh pack like a Sigma EVO

A Sigma BC1606L is an excellent computer, with light and cadence option

Giant Enigma, Tacx Tao or any good aluminium cage (carbon is expensive, so it is a good place to save money)

a Sci-Con bag is a good quality option with an innovative fastener

Fiz:k Arione if you don't like the one on there

As for bike, get the one with the best quality wheels, that is the biggest difference.

As for shoes, I always recommend Sidis, try em out, not the cheapest but you will never need anything else.

Do get a good pair of shorts, Nike, Nalini, Castelli, etc, they will make a real difference to your riding.

Computers - you may want to look at something like the Polar CAD 200, which includes classic computer functions (speed, average speed, etc), an HRM and cadence (pedal rpms), all wireless.

So, last night I ran to my LBS. I spend about 2 hours there with a sales rep and asked a bunch of questions. I tried around 6 or 7 bikes and gave each of them a ""thorough" tes drive to get a feel for them. I gave him my range and style and he fit me on a few Carbons and Aluminum/Carbons. I have to say that I went in there thinking I was going to buy a full carbon and walked out of there liking the carbon/aluminum mix. I liked the sturdier feel and more responsiveness that it gave me. Although, there was one difference and that was that I rode a Midona, you know, THE Midona, and THAT one felt as smooth as a babies behind. But with a 3200 price tag, it wasn't for me.

I ended up buying an '05 Specialized Allez Comp D for $1600. After checking prices and doing my research, that was the one I liked the most. It was knocked down from $2300, which to me was a great deal. I actually took a look at this years model for the Allez Comp D and wondered why it was marked at $1700 to start. Then I noticed the components. The '05 came with full Dura Ace components while the new '06 models were downgraded to 105s to keep them within a price range. So far I'm very happy with my purchase and will be picking up the bike on Saturday.

Along with the bike I got a pair of Sidi shoes and clipless pedals, as well as the full assortment of extras to go along with the bike.

I forgot to get a computer, but I'm not sure which one I should get and of course, if I can get it cheaper online somewhere and install myself. They can get pretty expensive.

Where could I get a good price on a computer that handles cadence, avg spd, current spd, trip and possibly a pace functionality, showing my current pace compared to my previous pace.

Thanks for all your help!
-Thad

Thadeus13 said:

So, last night I ran to my LBS. I spend about 2 hours there with a sales rep and asked a bunch of questions. I tried around 6 or 7 bikes and gave each of them a ""thorough" tes drive to get a feel for them. I gave him my range and style and he fit me on a few Carbons and Aluminum/Carbons. I have to say that I went in there thinking I was going to buy a full carbon and walked out of there liking the carbon/aluminum mix. I liked the sturdier feel and more responsiveness that it gave me. Although, there was one difference and that was that I rode a Midona, you know, THE Midona, and THAT one felt as smooth as a babies behind. But with a 3200 price tag, it wasn't for me.

I ended up buying an '05 Specialized Allez Comp D for $1600. After checking prices and doing my research, that was the one I liked the most. It was knocked down from $2300, which to me was a great deal. I actually took a look at this years model for the Allez Comp D and wondered why it was marked at $1700 to start. Then I noticed the components. The '05 came with full Dura Ace components while the new '06 models were downgraded to 105s to keep them within a price range. So far I'm very happy with my purchase and will be picking up the bike on Saturday.

Along with the bike I got a pair of Sidi shoes and clipless pedals, as well as the full assortment of extras to go along with the bike.

I forgot to get a computer, but I'm not sure which one I should get and of course, if I can get it cheaper online somewhere and install myself. They can get pretty expensive.

Where could I get a good price on a computer that handles cadence, avg spd, current spd, trip and possibly a pace functionality, showing my current pace compared to my previous pace.

Thanks for all your help!
-Thad

sounds like you are well on your way. one point on the computer, you can get an inexpensive one that does all those things you want. try to get one that measures speed off the rear wheel. that will be better for you if you ever use a trainer indoors.

Any recommendations for a comp that measures off the rear wheel? I've only seen front wheel ones.

Thadeus13 said:

Any recommendations for a comp that measures off the rear wheel? I've only seen front wheel ones.

Cateye Astrale 8 is a good basic, do everything (including cadence) computer. It takes speed of the rear wheel. Cateye have a good rep. for being bulletproof. I particularly like how you can have cadence displayed in large numbers and speed in small numbers or vice versa. I got mine from ProBikeKit.com for a good price (compared to anywhere else in Australia) if your in the US performance bikes have them for about $35 USD.

Dave80 said:

Cateye Astrale 8 is a good basic, do everything (including cadence) computer. It takes speed of the rear wheel. Cateye have a good rep. for being bulletproof. I particularly like how you can have cadence displayed in large numbers and speed in small numbers or vice versa. I got mine from ProBikeKit.com for a good price (compared to anywhere else in Australia) if your in the US performance bikes have them for about $35 USD.

Yup, Astrale 8 is the one I have.

Congrats, sounds like you got a deal on that bike!

I am not aware of US prices, but here a very dependable [and not outrageously priced] computer brand is VDO, which is probably rebranded as something else in the US. Check out their website for more...

Happy riding!