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Road Bikers Opinions Please

androgelrx

By androgelrx
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androgelrx Enthusiast

androgelrx

Posted
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I'm trying to get into road biking lately and I have really enjoyed it. Training for a charity ride coming up. Currently riding a Giant FCR1 hybrid bike but not comfortable for long distance. I'm looking at buying a new/used road bike. Full carbon fiber is too damn expensive. Trying to keep budget to less than $1500. Looking at a few options and opinions are needed.

 

First Ridley Compact/Sram Rival Components $1499 - 15% off w/free shipping = $1275

 

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bik...-bike-6676.html

 

Second Ridley Icarus SLS/Sram Rival Components $1499 - 10% off + shipping = not sure how much yet

 

http://internationalbike.com/product/ridle...us-sls-4957.htm

 

Third BMC ROAD RACER SL 01/SRAM RIVAL Components $1699 - 15% off/free shipping = $1444

 

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bik...-bike-6950.html

 

What do you guys think?

Blue2500CC Enthusiast

Blue2500CC

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If you haven't found your way there yet, check out www.Bikeforums.net, a ton of info regarding all kinds of bikes, but mostly geared towards the road side.

 

As for your budget, it sounds like you have most if not all the "extra stuff" (helmet, pump, tubes, patch kit, multi tool, tire levers, extra chain links/quick link) so this is for a "bike only", correct?

 

Personally, if you have a good bike shop local to you, it is worth buying a bike form through them. The biggest thing is you can pre-ride the bike to make sure you are getting the correct size, and the style bike feels comfortable and is correct for your "fitness" level (the bike isn't to agressive of a riding position).An example is Giants Defy line compared to the TCR line. The TCR is a more agressive riding position. Service and warranty when needed, possibly discounts on future "extras". Are you able to build the bike, and tune it?

 

I have heard great things about the Sram Rival, both online, and from one of the guys at my lbs. I have seriously have considered getting a Rival kit for my Giant TCR, but the Shimano 105 (9spd) is still running just fine.

 

If you have a Specialized dealer nearby, the Allez is available with Shimano 105 and carbon seat stays right around your budget. Not sure what Trek or Giant have in that price range.

 

I guess the first thing I should ask is are you against buying local, and if not, what brand of bikes are at the lbs?

 

Chris

androgelrx Enthusiast

androgelrx

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Thanks Chris. I have pretty much all the other stuff. Just trying to research on the bike only. We have a couple of local bike shops here (performance, trek store is coming soon) but they are all pretty pricey. I can find much better price online. I really like the look of the BMC listed above. The Ridley looks really nice too. I recently found a Serotta steel bike with full ultegra components and it was SWEET. Some dude got his hands on it before I could. I'm still a little upset about it. Do you think it's worth it to go full carbon fiber or alum w/ carbon fork is fine?

Blue2500CC Enthusiast

Blue2500CC

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As for the Al frame & carbon fork vs. full carbon, that is tough to say. I think each rider needs to ride both types of frames for a decent ride (not around the parking lot!) to really compare and decide.

 

I have only ridden my '82 KHS Turbo, Tange #2 steel/#2 fork, and my '05 Giant TCR C3 full carbon road bikes for any distance. I have ridden a Trek 1000 Al frame/crabon fork bike, but only to check to see how it was "running" when my buddy bought it, but not enough to compare. A comparison from my wife, we recently bought my wife a Specialized Dolce Elite, E5 frame (road bike Al mix) with carbon seat stays/fork. Compared to her previous road bike, Giant OCR Al frame/carbon fork she says the new ride is much smoother

 

I love my TCR, it is a stiff, but smooth ride. The way bumps feel riding the steel frame compared to the carbon is different. You will still feel bumps, but to me is a deadened feel with the carbon.

 

All 3 bikes look pretty sweet. I don't think you could go wrong picking one. I would look at the frame warranty also while deciding which bike.

 

Also consider I am a mountian biker more so than a roadie, but enjoy both types of riding!

 

Good luck deciding, and your welcome!

Chris

Nytemare Senior Enthusiast

Nytemare

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Most of my buddies all have Brody's. That's they're commuter bike. Usually with new lights, a frame mounted bag of some sort, and they usually get new boots out of the deal too...and pay about 1300 tax in.

 

They go much higher end for they're long distance bikes, but they say that the Brody is very comfy even on medium distances. (less than 100km). They really are one of the best bang for your buck entry level road bikes. They weigh it around 17lbs, not ultra light but decant. They really are a middle of the road bike in all sense of the term. You would not be disappointed.

 

I had a mountain bike that I rode to work, but that was over 2.5 years ago now...I haven't really been at home since, Military, But now that I am I too need a new bike and I really think that I am going to pick up a Brody road bike myself.

androgelrx Enthusiast

androgelrx

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I have decided to buy the BMC bike. It is too good a deal right now and it has great reviews on it. I just can't believe I'm about to drop $1500 on a bicycle.

kawtoy_77 Enthusiast

kawtoy_77

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I have decided to buy the BMC bike. It is too good a deal right now and it has great reviews on it. I just can't believe I'm about to drop $1500 on a bicycle.
I will stick with my Kawasaki, lol. Good Luck!
stormrider Enthusiast

stormrider

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The most important thing when buying a bike is to have it fit to you.

Second most is to ride it before you buy. Every bike will feel different in the position you end up in when you ride.

 

If you decide to put in miles daily you will find that the seat being 10 mm to far forward will cause you pain. same with to high, to low, too far back etc.

 

A LBS certified for fitting should do the job correctly

androgelrx Enthusiast

androgelrx

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I will get a local shop to do the fit for me. Called them up today. They will charge me $25 to put the bike together and $75 for a 2hr fitting sessions.

Badbird2000 Enthusiast

Badbird2000

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The fitting is well worth it. I bought a Lemond Zuric about 6-7 years ago, all steel frame with 105.. loved the bike, but i didn't really "fit" the bike... The older Lemonds had a slightly relaxed geometry that didn't fit my shorter status.. i could never get the seat far enough forward and developed some knee problems... had to sell it...

 

Definitly get them to fit you and you'll be a happy camper. Enjoy the ride!

  • 2 weeks later...

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