Road Bike Advice

[Textcritic]

So, having entered my 34th year, I have decided to retire my poor, dilapidated mountain bike, and replace it with a road bike. I've never owned one before, and I have looked at about a dozen entry level bikes in my price-range, and could benefit from an informed opinion. I have narrowed my field down to three bikes for under $1000:

• Giant OCR 3: Aluminum frame and carbon fork, Shimano Sora group, $829, no PST and free tuneups for as long as I own the bicycle.

• Trek Alpha Series 1000: Aluminun frame and c/f fork, Shimano Tiagra group, under $900 plus GST/PST, 1 year maintenance.

• Lamond eTape: Aluminan frame and c/f fork, Tiagra/Sora group, $869 plus GST/PST, 1 year maintenance.

I haven't yet tried out the Giant, but I will be on Monday. I REALLY liked the ride of the Lamond, but I would much prefer to buy from my local shop because of the free service package.

Thoughts?

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

So, having entered my 34th year, I have decided to retire my poor, dilapidated mountain bike, and replace it with a road bike. I've never owned one before, and I have looked at about a dozen entry level bikes in my price-range, and could benefit from an informed opinion. I have narrowed my field down to three bikes for under $1000:

• Giant OCR 3: Aluminum frame and carbon fork, Shimano Sora group, $829, no PST and free tuneups for as long as I own the bicycle.

• Trek Alpha Series 1000: Aluminun frame and c/f fork, Shimano Tiagra group, under $900 plus GST/PST, 1 year maintenance.

• Lamond eTape: Aluminan frame and c/f fork, Tiagra/Sora group, $869 plus GST/PST, 1 year maintenance.

I haven't yet tried out the Giant, but I will be on Monday. I REALLY liked the ride of the Lamond, but I would much prefer to buy from my local shop because of the free service package.

Thoughts?

Not sure, but I could ask my daughter, she is part owner of the Mountain Bike City in Calgary.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Honestly find the bike that fits you as well as your lifestyle the best. I laugh every time that I see someone who has what amounts to an expensive racing bike on the bike path riding a bike with a huge backpack because they don't have the ability to put a rack on the bike.

As for the bikes I am partial to a steel frame in Calgary just because I find they absorb some of the shocks of the road better than an aluminum (and for around 1000 you won't find a carbon frame of any quality).

The tuneups while nice when they are free are often the very basic tuneups that anyone with a working knowledge of the bike can do (tightening brakes was the main thing I have found they have done).

It is also possible to get some great deals in the fall months when people decide they don't want their bikes anymore or whatnot

[habernac]

The OCR gets great reviews as a "best value" bike. MMM has some good points. Make sure you're getting a bike that has everything you need. Is it for commuting? Touring? Or just plain cranking out the miles on the highway? and the most important thing is fit. Any reputable shop will sell you a bike that fits you and make sure everything is adjusted for you.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by habernac

The OCR gets great reviews as a "best value" bike. MMM has some good points. Make sure you're getting a bike that has everything you need. Is it for commuting? Touring? Or just plain cranking out the miles on the highway? and the most important thing is fit. Any reputable shop will sell you a bike that fits you and make sure everything is adjusted for you.

Thanks for all that. I'm just hoping to do some recreational riding. I live on a big hill in Chilliwack, and am needing something for cruising around, staying in shape, riding with my kids, etc.

[Winsor_Pilates]

why do the last 2 have PST?

You should double check that. I bought a bike for my GF 2 days ago and none of the bike shops I went to charged PST. The BC gov doesn't charge it because they want to encourage the enviro-friendly travel/healthy lifestyle.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

As for the bikes I am partial to a steel frame in Calgary just because I find they absorb some of the shocks of the road better than an aluminum (and for around 1000 you won't find a carbon frame of any quality).

Second vote for steel...Steel is Real! Better shock absorbtion, and although not as stiff as aluminum, you get better feedback from the frame as to what the bike is doing underneath you.

[stuck_in_chuk]

I'd suggest that you avoid the Sora component group, at least major components. You will find smoother shifting and better all around performance from the Tiagra group. Plus, Tiagra are easier to upgrade (say, to 105's) than Sora.

I personally don't have a problem with aluminum. Sure, purists will tell you that steel is real etc. but aluminum is lighter. Also, steel frames are generally only available on really cheap or really expensive bikes since it appeals to a select market. Steel is often recommended for dedicated touring bikes, but even that is changing. Carbon fibre is nice, but more than you are looking to spend.

I have a friend who works at a bike shop, and her advice is to haggle on the price. Mention that you belong to a cycling club and find out if they have a discount. Pretty much anyone who asks for a discount will get one. Margins on full bikes are slim, but substantial on accessories. If you get any accessories (bike lights, helmets, locks, racks, panniers, shoes, different pedals, ...) see how much you can get off the price.

I was looking at road bikes last summer, and there are some good prices and deals to be had for for the under-$1000 range.

Once you make your decision, be sure to ride it daily!

[stuck_in_chuk]

Oh yeah - since you live near a big hill, make sure that you have a triple crankset on the front. Climbing a big hill without granny gears isn't much fun.

[Wookie]

Good thread - meant to post in it earlier but forgot.

Any advice for someone looking for a cheap road bike that will be good for a couple of years for a n00b looking to start triathlons?

[stuck_in_chuk]

Wookie - get a bike with decent components. If going with Shimano, you want to have at least Tiagra, or better yet 105 components. Avoid the Sora level of components - you would be stuck with an 8-speed cartridge and the shifters are not as good or sturdy. Consider buying used, but use caution. There are some pretty good used bikes on the Bow Cycle classified ads (www.bowcycle.com - select the Online Classifieds). Also check out pinkbike.com for used bikes. MEC also has a gear swap section where you can look for bikes (www.mec.ca).

[Wookie]

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...4&parentid=182

Any opinions on that bike?

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by stuck_in_chuk

Wookie - get a bike with decent components. If going with Shimano, you want to have at least Tiagra, or better yet 105 components. Avoid the Sora level of components - you would be stuck with an 8-speed cartridge and the shifters are not as good or sturdy. Consider buying used, but use caution. There are some pretty good used bikes on the Bow Cycle classified ads (www.bowcycle.com - select the Online Classifieds). Also check out pinkbike.com for used bikes. MEC also has a gear swap section where you can look for bikes (www.mec.ca).

Thanks

looking through the sites right now!

Any opinion on using a cyclocross, like the one I listed above? I'm a newb remember I don't want to kill myself on slicks on a roadbike just getting started

edit: Found this - sounds decent

Great shape; hardly ridden; never raced; Aluminum frame with front carbon fork and seatpost; 9 speed Shimano 105 shifters and derailers; Shimano 105 flight deck; Mavic and Shimano wheels; Italia racing seat

[Hakan]

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...4&parentid=182

Any opinions on that bike?

I rode that bike for two years. Great bike. Good mix of components. I would highly recommend a cross bike instead of a road bike. Cross bikes are sturdier, especially the snake and make for an all out urban assault vehicle at speed. Good for hoping curbs and laying down 80 k on some ashphault.

They have more comfortable geometry and are ideal commuting and touring bikes.

Not to mention you can get a brand new Jake the Snake for about 1600. Great deal.

[stuck_in_chuk]

My road bike is actually a cyclocross bike. I love it! Very comfortable ride, plus it is designed to be taken offroad. I've heard good things about the Kona, but if you live in Calgary go down to Bow Cycle to check out their Cannondale cyclocross. Bow sells enough bikes that they can get some special edition bikes from various vendors. These bikes usually have upgraded components and are decalled out to be really cool looking. I have last year's cyclocross, the Cannondale Doz, and it's pretty sweet. This year, the cyclocross is the Two-Four and it is a beautiful looking bike. It retails for $1525. The cool thing about these bikes, in addition to looking unique, is that they retail for the same price as the regular Cannondale cyclocross but they have a full-grade level up components. Also, they have a triple crank up front (most cyclocross have a double) which is nice for hill climbing. It is also vital if you plan on using your bike for touring.

[Wookie]

Well here is what I got

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21891

Felt pretty good yesterday - went for a quick spin.. Was a little scared at first, been years since I was on a bike - but felt decent after a bit.

Will take it for a real ride today

Thanks