I'm thinking about cycling again after a long absence, and I'm in the market for a start-up road bike.
Any suggestions on what brands I should look for. For start-up bikes, I'm sure they're all pretty similar, but I'd appreciate any feedback from more experienced cyclists as the technology has changed, and there seems to be an overwhelming number of models to choose from. Several shops I've gone into have pushed Specialized bikes...any thoughts good, bad or indifferent about this brand?
Thanks in advance for your help.
New road bike
Thu, 03/11/2004 - 3:48pm
Thu, 03/11/2004 - 4:40pm
#1
You need to decide what you feel comfortable spending. I suggest adding up the cost of the things you will definitely need: helmet ($50+), patch kit + tools($10-$20+), saddle bag ($10-20) and pump($25-35); a floor pump ($40+) is a good idea or it will be hard to get enough pressure in the tires. if you're going to be riding frequently, cycling-specific clothing is more comfortable: get at least shorts ($40+) and gloves ($15+). That's around $150 or so, plus the bike.
As for the bike, it's important now to ask: What kind of riding do you want to do? A little of everything? On roads only, or occasionally on dirt roads? The cheaper road bikes ($500-800) tend to offer a wide range of gears and relaxed geometry. If you spend more, some bikes will start to resemble racing bikes (not that there's anything wrong with that), offering faster handling.
As far as Specialized goes, I'm very impressed with their cheaper bikes; I bought specialized bikes for both my wife and kid, and not only is the build quality about as good as it gets at the lower price point, but they are even elegant.
One last thing: make sure the bike fits you properly. It's not like getting shoes--a lot needs to be adjusted, so pick a shop that agrees to help you here.
Have fun!!
-d
Sat, 03/13/2004 - 8:53am
#2
Thanks for your help...it gives me food for thought.
Just out of curiosity, I'm assuming most of the NYCC rides on road and pavement, correct?
Mon, 03/15/2004 - 10:24am
#3
Suggestions on brands
Well as long as you don't get an Independent Fabrication. Once upon a time, a retired professional racer said he didn't like it.
Sun, 03/14/2004 - 5:43am
#6
I know that this might upset some of the professional bikers of this club but I have a situation. I'm buying a road bike online, to cut costs. I'm having it shipped unassembled to make it in time for the c-sig this sat. I have NO $$! I need to get it assembled. I know I should have a bike shop assemble and fit it for me, but, I can't, hence, the NO$$ part..I have just enough for the bike itself...
Can anyone help me assemble and test it, for the ride this sat?
Thanks to those who reply,
Desperate wannabe
Mon, 03/15/2004 - 2:16pm
#7
"JoAnna,
Lots of club members ride mail-order bikes. Unless you ordered it ""really-really"" disassembled, you're probably getting it partially assembled (that's how Performance does it,) with the ""have a bike shop do it"" as an ""a#$ covering"" on their part. one can assemble it with basic tools, which should expand the universe of people who can do so.
If you still need help, you might want to start a new thread about this.
Finally, if you already have your old bike in working condition, you can use _it_ for the start of the SIG. If you have any questions as to its suitability, contact one of the SIG coordinators - http://www.nycc.org/rides_sig_c.shtml
Happy riding,
Isaac
C Rides Coordinator"
Wed, 03/17/2004 - 8:59am
#8
"JoAnna,
I may have oversimplified assembly. I bought a Performance bike about 10 years ago (and returned it due to a problem) and it came almost ready to go (in an oversized box.) Looking at their site now, they say the bikes come ""dealer ready."" That assembly may be more involved. I hope you fined a willing NYCCer with tools.
Best of luck, let us know how you make out,
Isaac"
