recommendations for 1st roadbike
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paganopj posted 5 weeks ago.
Go to your local dealers right now and see what they have in 2009 clearance. You could find yourself a great deal for something that lists above $1000 for a bit less. Also, you can check to see if they have any bikes on consignment. Craigslist is always an option too.
I'd stay away from ebay unless you can go look at it. Also, in the local shops, if you can swing Shimano 105 components or better, that's what you should shoot for. Right now is a good time to hit clearance sales. I bought my $1500 roadie for around $1100 this time last year.
Good luck!
Just keep spinning....spinning, spinning....uh, do I know you?
The Losing Journey Flickr Cycling Log
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jarhead posted 5 weeks ago.
don't try and go all out and get the best (not hard to do with only $1,000). Whatever you get you will like for a couple of months and then want something better! Good luck.
Pain is weakness leaving the body.
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tri-ac posted 5 weeks ago.
remember to leave room in your budget for shoes and pedals
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PJT posted 5 weeks ago.
I recommend people at least check out Felts, just because I think they do a great job with selling quality bikes at the entry level. I'd check out a Felt F75 or F85 road bikes. Not sure if those are still sub 1k bikes, but they are nicely designed aluminum w/ carbon rear triangles and all Shimano-105 components.
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3xFast posted 5 weeks ago.
Something no one else has mentioned: make sure it fits. I am not saying you need to fork over the dough for a pricy fit. Just don't compromise by buying a bike a size too big or too small because it is cheeper than a properly sized bike. A good local shop (LBS) will give you recommendations on good sizing. Try out as many bikes as you can, even a few you can't afford, not to entice you to spend more than you can, but to get you to see what else is out there. In general you want your elbows relaxed with a slight bend while your hands are on the hoods/shifters. You want the saddle high enough so that you have a slight bend at the knee when the foot is level on the pedal while the crank is at the lowest point while still in line with the seat tube. At the time of sale a good LBS will work with you to adjust the saddle height and reach to make sure you are comfortable. The major brands (Trek, Specialized, Giant, Felt, Scott) have good bikes in your price range. Watch out for online only brands. This is a great opportunity to make a good relationship with your local shop. If you have one that is knowledgeable in tri even better.
Nick
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TriAu posted 5 weeks ago.
I didn't have a lot of money when I went to buy my road bike, so I just made sure I started with a decent frame. From there I upgraded my components over the years. It may cost a little more in the long run, but I was able to get on the road right away, and now have a pretty decent setup (Leaders frame, with ultegra just about everything). Just a thought.
WAR EAGLE!
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SAchris posted 5 weeks ago.
I picked up a Specialized Allez with Tiagra and 105 for $400 off Craigslist. I knew the size and fit that I needed though. Has been a great bike.
Also gave me some extra spending money for shoes, bibs, jerseys, tri suit, etc...
Chris Holohan
holohan.blogspot.com
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WFD posted 5 weeks ago.
+1 to PJT on Felt. I picked up an excellent carbon bike with Ultegra and DuraAce not long ago. Cannot beat the quality of drivetrain and light-weight of carbon frame. Not a huge fan of their after-market brakes though.
I typically recommend that first-time bike buyers on a budget look for used bikes. Generally a far better value within your budget.
Ironically, I just posted a used bike on my Facebook profile for a friend:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/1420958242.html
This is a good example of what's out there if you look.
Walter
Hi I completed my first sprint tri last spring and I am planning to compete in a couple of sprint tris and maybe an olympic distance tri next spring. I want to purchase a road bike this winter and start training. Last year I borrowed a friend's hybrid bike and I bought road bike tires for it. I didn't know I'd absolutely love triathlons but now that I do I need to get my own bike. Problem is I really can't spend more than $1000 right now. Cacn anyone recommend a good starter road bike, or at least give me some hints on waht to look for or not look for. Thanks!!