Newbie

[Barrett]

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestion for a beginners road bike. I was looking in the cheaper range as well, I would be using it maybe twice or three times a week for Xtraining and to get back and forth to the gym during the summer/spring.

[emartin10]

Hey man - I would check around at some of your local bike shops. Trek, Fuji, and Schwinn all have great entry level bikes. I still ride a Schwinn, but am getting to the point where I need to upgrade, but I've been on this beauty for 5 years. Make sure you get fit properly, or you will be miserable in the saddle. I'd suggest establishing a relationship with a local shop, and don't let them talk you into something out of your range. There are many a bike shop, and if they look down on you or give you grief about your price range, you don't want to be working with them. Good luck!

E

[fitzy21]

yea, like emartin said, just check out the local bike shops and tell them what your looking for and your price range. get fitted correctly and if possible, test ride the bike to see if you like it.

i know the bike shop i go to allows that. and plenty of shops i've been to have last seasons bikes along with current season bikes...the "older" bikes are priced less, even though they're pretty much similar to the current bike for this year.

[silly]

Yep, check for last year's models! Otherwise, like E said, get a bike that fits. Plan to spend about $700 on a brand new current year road bike.

[Mark57]

So, is fit important?

Even if you can't afford a bike from the LBS, it will be helpful to check a few out and find one you like. Test ride a few bikes and see what works best for you geometry and componentry wise.

Most shops would rather make a long-term customer than a quick sale, so you'll find they'll work with you on price, etc. Eventually they'll sell you a new bike.

[Barrett]

I just went to check the local bike shops and will look at one tomorrow. I saw a Scott s60 (54) that seemed to feel pretty good. A road bike is just so different then a mountain bike, to which I am used to.

What is everyones opinion on this bike, I am only looking for a bike that is for cross training and getting around, would a road bike be a smart choice??? Or would you go with a different type of bike, hybrid etc????

[Kaiser]

Silly will have the definitive word on this, but I think it really depends (don't you hate when people say that?). A road bike is a good choice if you have a commute on mostly good road. It's excellent for cross training. A hybrid is a great choice for commuting, depending on the tire size you put on; you could use it for training too, but it would be a little less fun (and here, I'm equating going fast with fun).

I think ultimately it comes down to personal preference. You can get used to the road bike profile pretty quickly though, assuming you don't have any back or neck problems that would prevent it.

Hopefully Silly will chime in because she not only works at a LBS, she commutes there on a bike.

[silly]

You're a runner...If it's practical I'd suggest that you get a road bike so you can do triathlon and duathlon.
For commuting, I ride a road bike with Kevlar reinforced tires so I don't worry much about flats. My bike has panniers (saddlebags) so I can lug clothes around, but it's not necessary.

[Barrett]

I have narrowed it down to two bikes, Fuji Newest
[IMG]file:///D:/DOCUME%7E1/BARRET%7 E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-6.jpg[/IMG]

or Trek 1.2

Trek Bikes | Bikes | Road | 1.2


Anyone have any experiences with either brand or bike?????