New to road bikes and wondering between two

[DaveK]

Have you ridden both?

[DismalScientist]

While these bikes are not particularly in my comfort zone (Steel is Real!), one way to save cash may be to go to online retailers. Buying online requires some minimal technical competence by the customer. That said, I’m happy with the touring bike I got from Nashbar and saved roughly 40% from comparable retail.

[QuantFail]

Don’t laugh, but I have never rode a Road bike, only Mountain Bikes, as that is what I have been doing for the past 2-years. As mentioned before this was he reason I was trying to avoid buying a brand new Road bike, but haven’t had any luck finding a good starter. Again, just looking at this two, because I like the “look”. I don’t know much about the technical(s) of a bike. Therefore I can’t check out a bike online and read the components and understand anything. Furthermore if I ordered online it would require assembly, and I am sure I could not assemble a bike.

I’d like to just know which bike in your opinion is the most bike for my buck. Either from the two I listed, or any other products in your mind. Thanks.

P.S. as far as the frame, Steel isn’t for me. I would like to stick to Full carbon or Alu/Carbon forks if the deal is good. Wouldn’t go below Carbon and not spending 10k on Titanium.

[jrenaut]

You should really find a shop that has them so you can try them out. The bike that I loved online just didn’t fit me at all when I actually rode it.

[dasgeh]

For me, fit is king. Bike shops are good at helping you find the best fit. Many even include a fit in the purchase of the bike. I’d recommend finding the LBS’s (local bike shops) that are most convenient to your life. Most also include a year of service with a new bike, and you’ll definitely need to take it in after a month or two to have cables tightened. Any good LBS can explain to you what you’re paying for in the various levels of frames and components. You may be able to get exactly the same thing cheaper online, but you won’t get the advice, fit and service. For me, it was totally worth buying local, and I’m super cheap.

From experience, I can recommend CycleLife and Bicycle Pro Shop, both in Georgetown. All else equal, Cyclelife is a little more newby friendly, BPS more old school bike shop (crowded with bikes, racers consistently coming through). Both are great, and I think carry different brands.

[dasgeh]

And good luck. Those are nice bikes.

[eminva]

All sound advice, especially to let fit be the deciding factor and to go with a very “local” local bike shop. I would visit several. Take advantage of test rides as you have not been on a road bike before, just to get a sense of handling.

You mentioned that you ride a mountain bike already; if you have a relationship with a bike shop for your mountain bike you might ask there what they recommend.

Liz

[DismalScientist]

@QuantFail 14542 wrote:

Don’t laugh, but I have never rode a Road bike, only Mountain Bikes, as that is what I have been doing for the past 2-years. As mentioned before this was he reason I was trying to avoid buying a brand new Road bike, but haven’t had any luck finding a good starter. Again, just looking at this two, because I like the “look”.

I agree with everyone regarding going to an LBS and the importance of fit. That said, before picking a particular bike, you should ask yourself how and why you are likely to ride it. Perhaps those bikes are appropriate, but the above quote suggests that you may have narrowed your choices a bit too quickly.

[Tim Kelley]

And remember, if you find a bike that you love, but hate the way it looks you can always get it repainted if it means that much to you.

I posted this last month, but this my “before” and “after” : http://www.flickr.com/photos/timkelley/sets/72157628801086311/with/6670059731/

[americancyclo]

you can find Cervelos at Freshbikes in arlington or bethesda, or at bonsai in falls church, va.

I’d ride anything before buying it strictly on looks, and I definitely think talking to a sales person about what you want in a bike (look, speed, social cache, weight, durability) will help you find the right bike for you. There are a lot of nice bikes in the sub $3000 range you’re looking in.

[Greenbelt]

Third opinion on fit and feel being what you’ll really appreciate in the long run. I hang around at a bike shop and I hear lots of customers say things like “well, I got this one bike that was on sale (or that was highly recommended by a friend, or that got great reviews, or that I read about online), but for some reason it’s uncomfortable on my X (or when I X) (or after X miles) etc….

Oftentimes after trying lots of different brands and frame types, people end up with a bike they absolutely love, but it wasn’t at all what they were originally looking for!

[DaveK]

“Road bike” means a whole lot of things these days and about the only thing in common is drop bars and skinny tires. Road bike frames run the gamut from a tall and upright position for more comfort such as a Specialized Roubaix or Cervelo RS, down to a quicker-handing race geometry with a generally lower riding position such as a Cannondale CAAD10 or Specialized Tarmac. All sorts of variables are different on these frames – wheelbase, trail, rake, head and seat tube angles, and all the little differences combine to make a bike with very different handling, fit, and ride. You can adjust your position somewhat on a bike by fiddling with stem length and angle, seatpost setback, and other factors, but the number one thing in fitting a bike is choosing a frame that fits what you want to do with it. Are you looking to ride centuries or just for fun out on the trails? Are you looking to mix it up at weeknight races? These kinds of things help determine what you should be riding. Any kind of bike shop that doesn’t start by asking you those questions isn’t worth your time and money. The right bike makes all the difference.

[QuantFail]

I have read a lot of good things about Bonzai and Freshbikes. I live in Rockville, and they are just so far. Thank you for all of the advice, I didn’t know “fit” was so important. I just figured all 56 cm would fit like 56ers. I’ll go to the shops this weekend and see what they suggest and then go from there.

Also what’s the difference between a Tri bike and a Road bike, besides the handle bars. Why are Tri bikes cheaper?

[DismalScientist]

@QuantFail 14569 wrote:

Also what’s the difference between a Tri bike and a Road bike, besides the handle bars. Why are Tri bikes cheaper?

By road bike, I assume you mean racing road bike. The difference should only the handlebars and the frame geometry. You basically pay for a) frame material and quality, b) wheelset quality, c) component level, and d) brand cachet. For a racing and tri bike with the same frame (except geometry), wheels, and components, the price should be the same.

[DismalScientist]

@DaveK 14561 wrote:

“Road bike” means a whole lot of things these days and about the only thing in common is drop bars and skinny tires.

I think road bike these days only means it is not a mountain bike (and perhaps not a hybrid or a cruiser). Certainly fixies with flat bars are considered road bikes by many. Traditional touring bikes don’t have all that skinny tires, but are likely considered road bikes. I’m not certain I understand the distinction between cross bikes and touring bikes. Perhaps it is a lack of eyelets for attaching a rack and somewhat shorter stays.

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