BDx13
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any of you ride road bikes?
i'm thinking of getting a proper road bike. i've been riding onroad exclusively for almost two years now and the 20 y/o diamond back mountain bike
i've been doing it on is not the most efficient.
any recommendations? anything to definitely look for or gimmicks to avoid? value is a key factor. i just can't afford to go crazy.
If I fail math, there goes my chance at a good job and a happy life full of hard work.
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Jason the Magnificent
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I don't ride a real road bike, I have a more hybrid commuter style bike. If you don't care what bike nerds think (or you're not looking to do the
whole multi color spandex my bike is lighter than yours thing) and you would like to have a mix of comfort and sport, I'd recommend something with
front end suspension. My bike has a rigid front end and if I knew better I would have definitely not went that way.
I put about 1500 miles on the bike this summer and that's my only real complaint.
I'll link what I'm talking about, not hyping giant, that's just what my local bike shop sells so it's my point of reference.
I'm currently riding a Giant "Escape 1":
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/escape.1/891...
If I had a chance to do it over I would have gotten a "Roam":
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/roam/9024/48...
but you seem like you may be looking for a real roadie type bike...
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JawnDiablo
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that second one looks bad assed.
I am looking to get a bike in the spring.
A friend of mine has one he built for me, but i think i might buy one.
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Jason the Magnificent
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You can also get great deals of Craigs list etc if you have the time and patience...
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JawnDiablo
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that's where my friend gets his bike stuff.
he actually refurbishes bikes he gest places and resells them on there as an extra income.
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clevohardcore
* Kick\'n ass on the wild side *
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I ride trails and paths often during spring summer and fall. I have a Gary Fisher mountain bike. I was looking at a Trek road bike myself, but that
ain't happening right now. Trek makes Gary Fisher and I love my mountain bike. I'd say go with them. The wife has a Specialized and that brand is
rated the best supposedly. From what I know though you get the best equipment for the best price on a Trek or Gary Fisher. That is what I I found on
my research.
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/sport/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_spo...
^^^ This bike is sweet for the price. It is a mountain bike though so ...I have no idea why I'm posting this. 
^^^^ This
Each aspect of the soul has it's own part to play, but the ideal is harmonious agreement with reason and control.
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BDx13
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jason, are you riding the Escape on road exclusively? i was under the impression that suspension forks made for a less efficient road ride. are you
finding longer rides too...tiring or too rough?
i was originally looking at hybrid style bikes that are designed like a road bike, but have a more comfortable riding position with flat bars:
Giant Rapid
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/rapid.3/7298...
Specialized Sirrus
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=6156...
i tested a few proper road bikes (below) and loved them. they're just very quick and so much more efficient that what i've been riding. that said,
between the skinny, high pressure tires and the aluminum frame, i can see where the ride could be physically exhausting once you're riding hours at a
time. i've always been a little intimidated by the drop bars, but once i rode with them, i really liked it.
Giant Defy
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/defy.5/9014/...
Specialized Secteur
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=6202...
Trek
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/sport/2_and_1_seri...
If I fail math, there goes my chance at a good job and a happy life full of hard work.
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BDx13
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the issue i'm running into now is that i keep hearing these entry level bikes don't have quality components and that if i stick with this, i'm going
to want to upgrade sooner rather than later.
i don't care about the weight of the components (no bike nerd here), i only care about their ability to do their job well over time. that said, if i
spend $700 on a bike and the gears are clunky next month, i'm gonna be pissed.
i just don't have any experience with stuff, so i can't really say whether or not one shifter or derailleur or crankset will do the job for me.
If I fail math, there goes my chance at a good job and a happy life full of hard work.
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clevohardcore
* Kick\'n ass on the wild side *
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At the $700 you can rest very comfortably with your bike. Seriously, at that price point they are going to perform above your expectations. If not,
you will have a manufacture warranty during the first few months. What you will run into is some "bike nerds" who sell them will in some ways diss
those bike to either sell you on another more expensive bike or if they are hardcore riders will only want the best. I ran into that during my bike
quest 1 1/2 years ago. It took me a year before I bought to find all this out. In fact the bike I bought from store A had a supposedly less desirable
crank at store B. According to the store B salesman. They both had the same exact bike with same components, but the avid rider dissed the components
of the mid level bike. The bike was listed at $849.00. The next bike up with the same exact frame, but better crank was $999. I bought the $849.00 and
been very happy with it. Even with the less that kick ass crank. Dude at my local store said when buying new, anything above $699 will be more than
adequate for the normal basic rider. So long as you go with one of the reputable brands.
Each aspect of the soul has it's own part to play, but the ideal is harmonious agreement with reason and control.
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moforn
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Location: Toronto
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I've started riding a bit more seriously this year and have learned a bit in the process...
If you're interested in something better for the road but not an uncomfortable racing style style bike I'd recommend looking into cyclocross style
bikes (they're based on road frames but with bigger tires and cantilever brakes for more clearance and a more upright position- they're traditionally
for a specific type of racing but seem to be becoming more popular as all-around bikes)- I picked up a Giant tcx1 about a month ago as my first
serious bike and have nothing but good things to say about it- it doesn't feel like that much of a compromise on the street and I've found it to be
surprisingly able to handle mountain bike trails. In my opinion they offer all the advantages of hybrid style bikes but allow for more serious
riding/racing. If you ever find you want to try more serious road riding you can always get a second set of wheels with skinny tires and have
something close to a race bike.
I really like my Giant though all manufacturers seem to have a 'cross bike in their line-up so shop around a bit (the Kona Jake/Jake the Snake seem
popular). The Giant is available in entry level trim (tcx2) which I picked up for my girlfriend and can vouch for as a great bike and could probably
be found for around the $700 mark- it's equipped with shimano sora/tiagra components which won't impress bike nerds but are absolutely reliable and
won't turn riding into a frustrating experience. At this time of year you can likely score some great deals from local bike shops as they clear out
the '11 stock- I generally swear by seeking out deals on used stuff (guitars, cars etc.) but there is something to be said for a properly set up brand
new bike- and most independent bike shops are great to offer follow-up support and maintenance (at least that's been my experience in Toronto- be sure
to get a feel for the quality of service before committing).
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BDx13
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Thanks, moforn.
A good friend who does endurance racing also recommended looking at cyclocross bikes, specifically the Surly Cross Check. As a boutique manufacturer,
their bikes are fewer and further between, but I'm hoping to go ride on this weekend. http://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check
If I fail math, there goes my chance at a good job and a happy life full of hard work.
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clevohardcore
* Kick\'n ass on the wild side *
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I had a giant midpriced 699 mountain bike from 1998 to 2000 and it superlight but the components kept breaking. Brakes, gears, sprockets etc. So many
problems and repairs. I'm sure a high end giant is more prob free so keep that in mind.
Each aspect of the soul has it's own part to play, but the ideal is harmonious agreement with reason and control.
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Jason the Magnificent
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When I'm out I generally ride 30 to 50 miles a ride. My problem with the rigid front end isn't major...some of it may be because I have a jacked up
right hand from a work accident years back also...but I think front end suspension would make the only uncomfortable part of the bike more
comfortable.
I ride 75% road 25% limestone (smooth) trail...so most of the discomfort is occasional bumps and crossing streets/curbs etc (some areas by me it's
just not safe to be on the road, there's usually bike lane/paths instead of sidewalks there)...so every street you cross ...bump bump...minor gripe.
Just a hindsight thing.
I think if you're riding old clunker of a bike...upgrading to any newer bike in the 6-800$ range is going to be a huge improvement...I wouldn't worry
about bad parts...a reputable bike will be a reputable bike...and if you buy at a local shop you're probably getting a few free tune ups in that
price.
As far as efficiency...I don't know anyone outside of a professional racer that's going to see noticeable difference between the lightest most road
bikey road bike and a hybrid/cyclocross type bike. If you're not trying to shave seconds off your time and compete..but more concerned with a
combination of efficiency and comfort for exercise/fun...
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Jason the Magnificent
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If you do end up getting something with flat bars, there's options for grips that give you more positions. I have a pair of these on my bike and can;t
praise them enough:
http://www.amazon.com/Ergon-Twist-Shift-Composite-Grips/dp/B...
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clevohardcore
* Kick\'n ass on the wild side *
Posts: 12937
Registered: 9-19-2004
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I had a giant midpriced 699 mountain bike from 1998 to 2000 and it superlight but the components kept breaking. Brakes, gears, sprockets etc. So many
problems and repairs. I'm sure a high end giant is more prob free so keep that in mind.
Each aspect of the soul has it's own part to play, but the ideal is harmonious agreement with reason and control.
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Jason the Magnificent
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Mine ran 520, put 1500 miles on it this summer without a hitch.
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