Want a new one.

rahulsingh said:

I've been riding a Mountain bike all this while " [FONT=&quot]Santa Cruz Superlight[/FONT]". I've enjoyed it till date. I'm looking for a new one now as I've moved from my earlier place to a new one. I think mostly I would be going for A road bike now. so any of you ever owned a Road bike or any other can share the exp & suggestions so that it would be easier for me to pick a good one !

FWIW. For the typical rider, AFTER determining whether fenders/'mudguards' are required, THEN the individual's budget & aesthetic sensibilities are the main factors ...

Most Road bikes can only handle a 700x28 tire (the fork is usually the limiter). While you may not think you would want to use a larger tire, a lot of people often decide, later, that a larger tire would be better ... so, a CX-type frame which is capable of a 700x32, or larger, tire is often a better choice.

SANTA CRUZ just starting making a CX frame which may be one of the bikes that you want to consider -- Santa Cruz Stigmata Cross Bike.

If you opt for a CX frame, then you want to size it a two-to-three centimeters smaller than whatever your ideal Road frame size would be because a CX BB is often higher than the BB on a Road bike. So, for example, if your Road frame size is 56cm, then you would probably choose a 53cm CX frame.

What is your budget?

BTW. My preference is for a steel frame ... and, I guess if I were buying a NEW frame, tomorrow, that I would probably get a GUNNAR ...

I use Campagnolo shifters + Shimano derailleurs/etc.

alfeng said:

FWIW. For the typical rider, AFTER determining whether fenders/'mudguards' are required, THEN the individual's budget & aesthetic sensibilities are the main factors ...

Most Road bikes can only handle a 700x28 tire (the fork is usually the limiter). While you may not think you would want to use a larger tire, a lot of people often decide, later, that a larger tire would be better ... so, a CX-type frame which is capable of a 700x32, or larger, tire is often a better choice.

SANTA CRUZ just starting making a CX frame which may be one of the bikes that you want to consider -- Santa Cruz Stigmata Cross Bike.

If you opt for a CX frame, then you want to size it a two-to-three centimeters smaller than whatever your ideal Road frame size would be because a CX BB is often higher than the BB on a Road bike. So, for example, if your Road frame size is 56cm, then you would probably choose a 53cm CX frame.

What is your budget?

BTW. My preference is for a steel frame ... and, I guess if I were buying a NEW frame, tomorrow, that I would probably get a GUNNAR ...

I use Campagnolo shifters + Shimano derailleurs/etc.

My budget is around 60-80k (Indian rupees). Well the frame thing doesn't matter at all. And Santa Cruz Stigmata Cross Bike seems a nice one. How much is it actually for?

rahulsingh said:

My budget is around 60-80k (Indian rupees). Well the frame thing doesn't matter at all. And Santa Cruz Stigmata Cross Bike seems a nice one. How much is it actually for?

If you are actually buying a Road bike I think you should check this "Cannondale SIX Carbon - 6" ...Or else there are so many of them too!

rahulsingh said:

My budget is around 60-80k (Indian rupees). Well the frame thing doesn't matter at all. And Santa Cruz Stigmata Cross Bike seems a nice one. How much is it actually for?

If this is your first roadie, best to set a budget and get something a little slacker...stay away from those racers until you know what kind of riding suits you best.

I'd go with a basic Scott Speedster, a low end Trek Pilot, or any of the entry level Specialized or Giant aluminum frame bikes. In Canada, Opus makes a nice product and don't exclude used and vintage bikes from the list.

The thing with all manufacturers, they offer a wide range of price points using the same frame with component upgrades moving up their food chain. Buying an entry level bike gets you the same geometry as the expensive version, even some CF frames have the same specs as the aluminum models.

I've got 14 bikes, including 5 vintage bikes that I ride too much. Road bike geometry hasn't changed much over the years, and unless you're a cadence weenie, a 10 speed works just as well as a 20. I spend most of my time on a Miele Road Issue (made by Alta in Italy), a Peugeot Super Sport (1980), and a Gitane Professional Tour de France (Reynolds CroMo 531)...all very good roadies that will blow newer bikes off the road.

My XC bikes include Ellsworth, Santa Cruz, and a Specialized SJ FSR Elite, but I'm finding that I'm spending more time on asphalt as I mature...