Hi,
Fairly new to cycling but i love it. I'm currently training for the Tahoe Century ride and need to buy a road bike (currently on a hybrid).
1-Any suggestions for a budget of $2500? (have taken a look at Lightspeed and Douglas)
(frame size/seat tube length ~ 51-52)
2-Does getting a female frame make a significant difference?
Thanks,
Robin
cycle frames
Wed, 04/27/2005 - 10:59am
Wed, 04/27/2005 - 11:08am
#1
"1) Terry Isis, either 19"" or 20"", depending on your pubic bone height and seat height. $2280 for full bike, including Ultegra parts kit.
2) Yes. ""Women's"" frames are more flexible and complicate brake routing. Stick to a traditional diamond frame.
Cheers,
- Christian"
Wed, 04/27/2005 - 12:29pm
#2
For a first road bike, you should really consider buying locally (do a message board search for lots of opinions on local bike shops). Get a good bike fit and find a bike with the geometry/frame material that feels good for you.
True, you'll pay a premium for buying locally (as opposed to from a catalog). However, most would agree that a properly fit bike with a geometry that is appropriate for your riding style is far more important than, say, whether your front derailleur is 105 or ultegra. Find a bike that you love to ride!
Wed, 04/27/2005 - 7:14pm
#3
Terry is terrific
"Robin,
You don't say what your height is. However, I'm 5'4"" and I found myself on the cusp between 650 and 700 wheels. If height is an issue for you, you can read more on this thread. Also do a search for any keyword on this MB. There's already a ton on these subjects.
I ended up buying the Terry Isis and so far am very happy with it. The first two rides were 70 miles/6-7,000 feet of climbing, which seemed like a good test. Prognosis: no aches and pains associated with previous too-large bike.
The 19"" frame has two 650 wheels, and I think the 20"" may have two 700s. The gals at Terry told me the 650/700 combo is no big deal though everyone seems to have an aesthetic issue with it, including me. Still, I'd say proper fit is more important.
You probably aren't going to get custom for $2500. But see what Jason at Bicycle Connection in Tenafly can offer you. Bicycle Habitat in SoHo carries Trek WSDs.
My feeling was that since I was going to a new frame and wheel size, a production bike (i.e. less expensive) was preferable. The Isis is darn pretty too. Not that I want other girls in the club to show up with the same bike!
"
Wed, 04/27/2005 - 12:14pm
#4
look custom
I would look into a custom frame, you should be able to get something fully built in your budget.
I have a custom independ fabrication and I love it
www.ifbikes.com
Wed, 04/27/2005 - 2:19pm
#5
"1- brands: Douglas is fine but like other had pointed out, mail-order a first bike is quite risky. Minor detail of geometry ended up big difference in handling and comfort. Buying local has the advantage of able to test ride the bike you want to take home, have the shop fit you on the trainer, etc... This comes from someone who mail-order a bike and ended up having to buy a different frame because the ""mail-order"" one just doesn't fit no matter how many stems I change! I've heard even worse stories than that!
In addition to the ones you've listed. TREK has a couple under $2500 that are pretty good. That is, if they fit your body.
2-female frame: I'm not 100% sure what you mean by that. There're ""women specific"" model of major brand which are basically twicked version of well-design frames with identical components for the same price. Lots of women riders swear by them. Others swear against them. It really boils down to what fits YOUR body.
As for Terry, I've heard mostly negative things about them. I've never riden one personally. So can't say much."
Wed, 04/27/2005 - 3:06pm
#6
First Road Bike
I went through the same considerations on my first semi-race ready Road bike in 1992. My recommendation is to consider a trek 2300. It is light, has ultegra parts (very good and less expensive than dura ace to replace due to wear - long rides), and it is affordable. Plus, if you intend to race it, the bike won't hold you back. Bike fit is ultra critical especially if you are riding long distances. Find a shop that will take the time to fit you. I purchased all of my bikes at the bike shop on Lexington and 88th.
Trek is a great company. My frame did crack at about 25,000 miles. Trek replaced the frame for free and the local bike shop transferred all the parts to the new frame within 10 days.
Good luck.
Thu, 04/28/2005 - 12:51pm
#7
advice/suggestions?
hi robin,
i have been biking steadily for 30 plus years and the good people at Rivendell make more sense than almost anyone on the subject modern bicycles. You might not buy from them but i think it would be very helpful to cruise around their website and check their philosophy. I have a couple of bikes here in the city and my steel frames rides are by far the most reliable and comfortable.
www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/bikes.html
just a thought
edgar
Thu, 04/28/2005 - 1:41pm
#8
Shhhh.
Steel frames rust, are unnecessarily heavy, and go soft with age. Don't know why anyone would want one.
BUY CARBON!!!
Christian, just doing my part to keep Richard, Sacha, Peter, and Nagasawa-san's order lists shorter than they might otherwise be...
Thu, 04/28/2005 - 2:06pm
#9
"""are unnecessarily heavy""
Can't the same be said about the average riders of those super-light-weight carbon bikes?
I have a carbon bike. But that's only because it's cheaper than the average steel bikes of today. I don't give a *** about the material of the frame!
But if anyone makes a carbon or Ti frame that has the same fancy lugs of Richard Sach or Rivendall, they'll give the like of Richard and Peter the run for the money."
Thu, 04/28/2005 - 2:08pm
#10
Yeah, I was being facetious.
- Christian
