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Post by Nikki Alexander on May 23, 2007 21:53:35 GMT -5
Alrighty, so towards the end of the summer once I've made some money, I will possibly be looking for a road bike. I'm not looking at spending a lot of money, since I've dropped good money on my mountain bike. But I've decided I need a road bike too. I'm not looking at spending more than $1000 MAYBE $1500 which I hope will not be necessary, although I do work at a bike shop so I will get a good deal on a bike so bikes that are more may be a possibility. Obviously I don't want a piece of junk, I do want good components, but not something completely unnecessary. I realize road bikes are based more on how they feel for the user, but cost will play into this. ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated from personal preference and experience. I'll be looking at only WSD models, I already know thats the fit I need for this type of bike. Also, I assume I'll be looking for a triple chain ring? I hear its very useful in the mountains which I guess is where it will be used the most as I am only home in flat-land for the summers now. I have some ideas I just want to see what you all have to say. Please help me  Thanks in advance |
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Post by GIANTboy on May 23, 2007 22:52:26 GMT -5
we might be able to work something out. give me a call
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Post by bikerXJ on May 23, 2007 23:28:43 GMT -5
I really like my Felt. Get the FW3, right in your price range! I don't know much about WSD models but I do know Felt makes great frames and are one of the best values for the buck component wise.
As for a triple, I got rid of mine. It was nice at first, but as my legs got stronger, I didn't need or want it. If you are a strong rider and hardcore, just go with a double. Just get a 27 on the back and you'll be good.
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Post by Jackson Amburn on May 24, 2007 1:49:37 GMT -5
Hey,
Try bikes out in your price range, do not try out that 4k bike. You won't be able to buy it and every other bike won't have a correct demo. I have a trek and I love it; however, you may like the Roubaix as it is a more upright geometry. Also, with components, go with what feels good. You can upgrade later. The 3 points of contact must feel good, butt hands and feet. (My shoes are too large and that makes my pedal stroke stink) Keep this in mind.
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Post by Jackson Amburn on May 24, 2007 1:50:49 GMT -5
oh, and told you would eventually get a road bike  |
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Post by YellowLemondTed on May 24, 2007 10:18:37 GMT -5
Since you have the opportunity for a deal with the shop you're at, I suggest you keep talkin to the boss men and see what they can help you with. There should be no need for you to stray outside of your shop in your search.
As has been stated, just be sure the bike you chose feels like the bike that chose you. Don't base it solely on paint job, or brand name, but soley on how you feel when you're cruisin down the road.
The crowd up here is mixed between doubles and triples. For you I'd suggest a triple. This will allow you to ease into mountain riding without getting too discouraged because of the lack of gearing.
But as I stated, make sure this is YOUR choice and nobody else's.
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Post by cujo on May 24, 2007 11:47:09 GMT -5
Nikki,
What size do you need? I do know of 54 specilized rubys in your price range. They are designed for women specifically. There is a difference. I would recommend a compact. The reason for this generally with triples the small is to small and the middle is to big for most practical uses. My wife had this very problem. Compact with a 34-51 and a 12-25 would be perfect in our area.
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Post by Nikki Alexander on May 24, 2007 13:21:26 GMT -5
In response to: Jeff- What are you talking about? haha BikerXJ- I've never heard of a Felt, so I'll have to look that one up. I wish I was a hardcore rider haha, used to be. And then I met Jackson and Ryan and all them who have sustained a decent injury from riding bikes. I think I am going to go with the triple as stated below to Ted. Jackson- I know the 3 points of contact  I had to hang around while YOU tried out those bikes. And I also sell these bikes.  I know specialized has a compact frame, putting you more up right, as opposed to Trek. I dont know which I'd prefer, so I'll have to definitely try those out for some distances. Oh and unlike your shoes (hehe) mine are a lot stiffer and fit me perfectly, hah, so I dont think I am going to worry about road shoes or pedals for the moment. Maybe pedals that are easier to get OUT of in coming months. Ted- That I do know. Yes I know that I like pretty colors etc but I know that fit and comfort comes first. Besides... I know a guy know whos a great place that will repaint your frame if you absolutely hate it. haha And thank you for clarifying looking for a triple, thats what I was thinking as I am not as strong a rider as I used to be and probably will not be for a while. If I use it great, if I don't.. I know its there just in case. Cujo- now you've got me ALL confused about the chain rings, compact vs T. thanks man! I'm just kidding. I probably actually ride a 53 I'm kind of short 5'4'', and my legs are not as long as you'd suspect they'd be. Sizing I am not too sure of yet, I haven't been able to try it out as I usually am an employee at the bike shop as opposed to a customer. Anxiously waiting for a day off! The Ruby's are nice though, I see a lot of those go out the door-- mostly comps. I'll keep thinking on the chain ring thing, since most of the riding I'll do IS going to be in WNC/WCU and not here in N. VA. If it helps anyone, my mountain bike is a Trek "men's" 6700 disc size 15.5. Thanks for the help so far guys, I'm just trying to get an idea about what I should look at and what I shouldnt seeing as I know nothing about road bikes except how to ride them and hardly that. Stupid gear shifting. |
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Post by BetaRider on May 25, 2007 8:22:51 GMT -5
Regarding your search for a bike,
My neighbor and riding partner recently bought a Trek Madone 5.0 WSD. This is a carbon fiber frame bike and cost more than you mentioned putting into a bike (around $2800 depending on component set up).
However, the bike has a triple chainring, which she says is great for climbing the steeper asents around here (Cullowhee-Sylva area). I would make the double vs triple decision depending on the terrain you plan on riding. The triple may serve you well if you intend to ride the Parkway alot, especially around here.
She is 5'2" and the bike is a 47 and fits her well with her body build.
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Post by TC on May 25, 2007 16:45:41 GMT -5
Umm. Can someone please explain the science behind the compact double to Nikki? I think it's what you really want. Better yet, ask your employer to show you the difference, surely they have both versions available on a bike that's on the floor? On another note, I stuck to my original budget the first time I bought a road bike. I ended up selling it after about a year to upgrade, but it was the right move. I knew I was in it for the long run (you will see in a moment), so the upgrade was warranted (how could I face my soon to be wife riding around on 105 while she was riding Dura Ace?)
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Post by Nikki Alexander on May 25, 2007 23:09:24 GMT -5
There are about a million bikes on the floor, I've seen the difference.
I have no choice but to stick to my original budget unless i'd like to be completely broke in college. Mom and dad will be of no help for money for the bike, or college except tuition/board.
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Post by mvi on May 27, 2007 12:30:21 GMT -5
I would go for a double (compact?) and not a triple, to keep the Q factor down , and so put less stress on your knees.
Also, I would try to get a good deal on a used or demo bike, in order to get more bike for my money.
You got to know what you are doing though. Ask advice of someone who does.
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Post by Nikki Alexander on May 27, 2007 22:24:06 GMT -5
I always knew a double chain ring as a compact...
and my knees completely suck. so... awesome!
hence the low joint impact sport... minus the mountain biking.
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I had to hang around while YOU tried out those bikes. And I also sell these bikes. 
I know specialized has a compact frame, putting you more up right, as opposed to Trek. I dont know which I'd prefer, so I'll have to definitely try those out for some distances. Oh and unlike your shoes (hehe) mine are a lot stiffer and fit me perfectly, hah, so I dont think I am going to worry about road shoes or pedals for the moment. Maybe pedals that are easier to get OUT of in coming months.