I'd like to start cycling here in NYC. I'm in my early 30's, am fairly athletic, and see myself doing 30-70 mile rides in and around NYC (perhaps with this club). I'd like something light and fast, but something sturdy enough to stand up to NYC roads. Ideally, it would be a bike that I could use for a very occasional 2-4 day tour upstate as well.
The more I research the bikes, the more confused that I get. Can anyone recommend a specific bike that is fast, but sturdy enough to handle our roads? If there's a much better bike for $1,500, I'd consider spending that amount as well. Finally, any opinions on buying used and is there a good place to do this?
Many thanks, Ben
Best NYC Road Bike for $1,000
Tue, 09/02/2003 - 1:43pm
Fri, 09/05/2003 - 12:59pm
#1
Can't beat this deal
Shimano 105, & it's 2003! Can't beat that. Just make sure you know the size you need. It's too bad I'm not on commission.
http://www.supergo.com/itemdisplay.asp?parentid=22269&secid=7559&subid=7
Sun, 09/07/2003 - 9:28pm
#2
buy used
know your correct size and go to craigs list. better to spend the $35 for a computer fit at a good bike shop and than find a great used bikes for under $1000, and a under $50 city bike, or a folder . i will have a 56cm trek oclv carbon frame with 105 compnets for $900 on craigs list shortly , very little use. new chain and tires
the sizing is very , very important . i think bicycle habitat has a computer version of the fit kit.
Tue, 09/02/2003 - 2:09pm
#3
Oh boy!
A can of worms. Selections of frame material, gears, wheels, etc., are constant sources of debates among cyclists. Not to mention brands:
Without promoting any one brand, shop around at the local bike shops. Ask if they may let you test ride.
Maybe be prepared to spend a bit more $.
Around $1500 you can get a decent alum. frame with Shimano 105 components and ok wheels. Steel too. I would not go lower than 105. Look for warranties too. Also, bikes usually go on sale as the weather gets cooler, so maybe patience would be a virtue.
You may wish to leave some extra $$ so you can buy pedals, shoes, winter/summer clothes, a cyclometer, water cages and bottles, inner tubes, pumps/CO2, some tools, helmet, gloves, a 9mm, etc. ;-)
You must decide on gearing. If you are not strong yet and/or wish to still be able to attempt rides out of the city, hills are a factor. You may want a triple chain ring or a 27 tooth cog in the back.
Lots of choices await you.
Good luck,
Tue, 09/02/2003 - 2:29pm
#4
Buying a bike
"I just bought two bikes for $825. A weekend bike (98 Trek 5200) and a commuting bike (Trek 1000). I bought used because I didn't want to cry when my bike got stolen. And I also wanted to get as much as I could for the limited amount of money I wanted to spend.
Basically I figured out what size frame I needed and started looking. After a few months, I found both bikes using craigslist.
And by the time I bought all the other things I thought I ""needed,"" I was probably up to $1500."
Wed, 09/03/2003 - 10:08am
#5
Thanks!
Thanks for the tips! The shimano 105 recommendation was especially helpful.
Ben
Thu, 09/04/2003 - 8:11am
#6
Colorado Cyclist
Take a look at Coloradocyclist.com. At this time of year they run specials on really good bikes at major discounts--though still usually more than $1,000. No sales tax makes up for shipping. Only problem with mail order is you need to be very sure of sizing.
