Cycling peeps - thoughts on potential roadbikes...

[KillahBee]

I am looking to buy a roadbike once 06 hits (I have $500 from work to add to the pot once 1/1/06 comes arond). Went to the local shop today and talked to some people there for a while. Here's what I think I am looking at for my budget and my plans/needs (I am shooting do ride a century by the end of fall, barring any major injuries. hopefully get in at least 100 miles a week in the spring and increase it in the summer):

Specialized Allez (around $750) http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12390

Specialized Allez SPT (around $900) http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13017

Specialized Roubaix (around $1300) http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13027

I tested out the Roubaix and I liked it. For longer rides and the use I plan on putting it thru, the Roubaix seems the best option. Just wanted to see if any of you have thoughts.

 

[silverfish]

I have a Trek 2200 and use it for duathlons and just plain riding. Never had a problem. I think the 2100 is in your upper price range at about $1400. The components may be a little better depending on what you like.

I've never been on a Specialized bike so I can't comment on them.

 

[MikeMartial]

I can't comment on road bikes, since I'm a mountain bike guy myself. But, this I know:

1) Specialized makes quality mtn bike frames, can't go wrong.

2) Buy the BEST frame you can afford---components can always be swapped off and upgraded.

 

[Synpax]

Hmm. Lots I could say.

I strongly suggest you do at least this much: go to another bike store and see what they have.

The most important thing is bike fit.

 

[KillahBee]

Hmm. Lots I could say.

I strongly suggest you do at least this much: go to another bike store and see what they have.

The most important thing is bike fit.

That wasn't exactly helpful. Do you have an issue with Specialized? Do you think I am gong about things the wrong way? Give me your thoughts...as long as you can give them in a constructive manner I'll listen

 

[Synpax]

That wasn't exactly helpful. Do you have an issue with Specialized? Do you think I am gong about things the wrong way? Give me your thoughts...as long as you can give them in a constructive manner I'll listen

Sorry, I assumed you were smart enough for me not to have to explain the obvious. What's more to say than avoiding the common consumer mistake of 'not shopping around.'

What I meant was that it is wise to seek the opinion of more than one bike shop. Your probability of getting a bad fit or a bad deal are much higher when you talk to only one. There are a lot of shops that are run by idiots - most of the ones I've experienced. They either try to stiff you on components or give you a bike that may not fit you OR not set it up to fit you right. If you plan to ride long distances on it comfort is important.

There are about 50 bike makers out there. Right now I am filtering through them to by a high end tri bike for around $5-6k. There are a lot of variables: frame fit, setup fit, warrenty, frame, wheels, group set, who you buy from.

You probably don't have a need to go through all of that, but for $1500 you probably ought to at least go to more than one store and try more than one make. I'd also ask them what group set they are giving you and I would suggest avoiding anything like the Shimano Sora set or lower as my personal experience is it just isn't durable.

A final thought is that you can probably get a much higher end road bike with a better group set for the same money by checking out Craigslist. There are a LOT of people who need cash this time of year and bought some fancy bike they never used. Pennies on the dollar.

Good luck.

 

[KillahBee]

Sorry, I assumed you were smart enough for me not to have to explain the obvious. What's more to say than avoiding the common consumer mistake of 'not shopping around.'

What I meant was that it is wise to seek the opinion of more than one bike shop. Your probability of getting a bad fit or a bad deal are much higher when you talk to only one. There are a lot of shops that are run by idiots - most of the ones I've experienced. They either try to stiff you on components or give you a bike that may not fit you OR not set it up to fit you right. If you plan to ride long distances on it comfort is important.

There are about 50 bike makers out there. Right now I am filtering through them to by a high end tri bike for around $5-6k. There are a lot of variables: frame fit, setup fit, warrenty, frame, wheels, group set, who you buy from.

You probably don't have a need to go through all of that, but for $1500 you probably ought to at least go to more than one store and try more than one make. I'd also ask them what group set they are giving you and I would suggest avoiding anything like the Shimano Sora set or lower as my personal experience is it just isn't durable.

A final thought is that you can probably get a much higher end road bike with a better group set for the same money by checking out Craigslist. There are a LOT of people who need cash this time of year and bought some fancy bike they never used. Pennies on the dollar.

Good luck.

condescending comments aside, I appreciate the advice. I do understand the need to shop around, but as a relative noobie to roadbikes I am not that well-schooled on what actual "fit" is correct for me. I have done research and reading, but that can only tell so much. A very innocent question is all I asked. I do not intend to take someone's thoughts here for "law".

 

[KillahBee]

And yes, there's this - I have almost $500 worth of gift certificates to this local bike shop. So I would like to purchase my bike there. But not at the cost of comfort/correct fit

 

[Synpax]

And yes, there's this - I have almost $500 worth of gift certificates to this local bike shop. So I would like to purchase my bike there. But not at the cost of comfort/correct fit

Well, the most important info on this entire thread was in the first post I made: fit is most important. This usually means making the seat much higher than most people are comfortable with at first.

Do you know what kind of pedals/cleat system you are going to use? Looking at your link it doesn't seem to come with any. You are definitly going to want clipless.

There are a lot of competing pedal systems but I would recomend the SPD system from Shimano. You can probably get a cheap pair of pedals off the net. If you are new to clipless, you are probably going to fall at first. It does take some testicular fortitude to get use to them (just like for aerobars).

The bike you are looking at seems decent though it's a 105 group set. Can you ask them how much more it would cost to upgrade to Ultegra?

And do they have any other bikes? Spec is pretty good but from what I have looked at is overpriced for what they offer. If I were going to buy a road bike I would give a close look at Giant's TCR line for better value. The TCR 1 costs less but have a MUCH MUCH MUCH x 10 better group set (Ultegra), pedals you can probably use, and a carbon seat post. MUCH better bike for the money:

http://kozy.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=3826

Finally - I'd ask those guys to price match. A pro shop here in DC sold me $300 shoes for $200 and $150 pedals for $100 when I showed them a printout off the internet for the same price. You will probably repeat business for them to buy clothing, gels, helmet (you gotta wear one), so it's in their interest to deal.

 

[Dial_tone]

My suggestion is that you look at the components more - crankset, brakes, derailleur, pedals, etc. Those bikes you've shown have a hodgepodge of stuff, no doubt chosen more for economy than performance. I think you should pony up for a bike that has all Shimano 105 AS A MINIMUM and preferably Shimano Ultegra. My bike is all Dura-Ace with the exception of the hubs, which I didn't deem worth the extra $200 until i'm riding the Tour de France. You won't notice the difference much in the first year, but the 105 will start to degrade sooner than Ultegra and Dura-Ace in later years. Ultegra has improved to the point where the main difference between it and Dura-Ace is weight and we're talking 4-6 ounces here.