Sorry all I've got is questions, but I'm just trying to figure out the best route into biking. I had mentioned on another post about Klein bikes. I'm looking at the Reve, and I've looked at Trek Pilot, as I want to do longer rides. My concern is, will I be paying for a bike that I'll soon 'outgrow', as I'll wind up wanting a traditional frame for more speed? I've been mostly sedentary, but in the last year I've gotten in shape (I'm 39, 5'8", 154 lbs.), and I think I'd really like to take up biking. I can't afford 1500-1700 for a bike that, in a year, I'll say is 'too slow', but I can't afford to pay the same thing for a bike that I'll soon park, because it's 'built for speed, so it's uncomfortable'. I rode a Reve 52cm, and there was some discomfort in my hands after 2 mile. Another 2 miles on a Reve 55cm was comfortable. Man, I loved how light they were! Both rides were with standard pedals, as I've never ridden a bike where my shoes were attached to the bike, and I wasn't wearing any kind of gloves, which I would guess would be a good idea. I'm worrying, if I'm uncomfortable on a 'comfort speed bike', would I be making a huge mistake getting a 'speed bike'?

By the nature of the forum, I know most of you guys'll go for the speed, but what's been not only your experience, but also friends and family members who may have been less successful getting into the hobby? I just can't afford an expensive mistake, and I don't want to do something that sours me on something that I think would be a great sport/hobby!

Thanks, all!
Steve

First thing you should do is find a reputable shop in your area.When I say reputable I mean the place where all the more serious cyclists shop and ride.Then I would have them help you decide on what size frame you need.

Honestly,I think you would be more comfortable on a "fast bike" if fitted by someone that really knows what they are doing Vs a Pilot or something slightly more geared towards comfort and a crappy fit/size.

If you aren't intending on racing and plan on doing most your rides by yourself you don't have to feel like you are going to outgrow a bike because it isn't a speed machine.I know several guys that don't ride bikes that don't scream "fast".However,they ride a lot and are able to throw down on them.

Long story short,find a good shop.Have them help you in frame size/geometry/material selection that fits your budget then takes some rides on what they have to offer. :)

I'm an old bald fat guy that got real serious about biking 5 yrs ago (when I discovered this site, lost 30 lbs and was riding 500 m/wk), then got out of it, and am now back and trying to get back in shape. In my experience, unless you are an extremely sensitive fellow (or gal) a good quality more-or-less standard road bike should be sufficient for everything you are goint to do in the next five years.

You're 39, so cyclocross and cat 2 racing is unlikely. U prob want a bike for "fitness and fun." Almost any brand-name middle-to-high-end bike will do that. E.g;, a 10 yr old Klein (7 spd trpl w/ down tube shifters) is a damn fine piece of machinery that will do everything u want for centuries and charity rides.

Don't get hung up on the latest techie gotta-haves. Get a decent bike and ride. Let me rephrase that: just get a decent bike and ride. In other words, get decent bike and ride. Forget everything else I've said, just get a decent bike and ride.



Sorry all I've got is questions, but I'm just trying to figure out the best route into biking. I had mentioned on another post about Klein bikes. I'm looking at the Reve, and I've looked at Trek Pilot, as I want to do longer rides. My concern is, will I be paying for a bike that I'll soon 'outgrow', as I'll wind up wanting a traditional frame for more speed? I've been mostly sedentary, but in the last year I've gotten in shape (I'm 39, 5'8", 154 lbs.), and I think I'd really like to take up biking. I can't afford 1500-1700 for a bike that, in a year, I'll say is 'too slow', but I can't afford to pay the same thing for a bike that I'll soon park, because it's 'built for speed, so it's uncomfortable'. I rode a Reve 52cm, and there was some discomfort in my hands after 2 mile. Another 2 miles on a Reve 55cm was comfortable. Man, I loved how light they were! Both rides were with standard pedals, as I've never ridden a bike where my shoes were attached to the bike, and I wasn't wearing any kind of gloves, which I would guess would be a good idea. I'm worrying, if I'm uncomfortable on a 'comfort speed bike', would I be making a huge mistake getting a 'speed bike'?

By the nature of the forum, I know most of you guys'll go for the speed, but what's been not only your experience, but also friends and family members who may have been less successful getting into the hobby? I just can't afford an expensive mistake, and I don't want to do something that sours me on something that I think would be a great sport/hobby!

Thanks, all!
Steve

Sorry all I've got is questions, but I'm just trying to figure out the best route into biking. I had mentioned on another post about Klein bikes. I'm looking at the Reve, and I've looked at Trek Pilot, as I want to do longer rides. My concern is, will I be paying for a bike that I'll soon 'outgrow', as I'll wind up wanting a traditional frame for more speed? I've been mostly sedentary, but in the last year I've gotten in shape (I'm 39, 5'8", 154 lbs.), and I think I'd really like to take up biking. I can't afford 1500-1700 for a bike that, in a year, I'll say is 'too slow', but I can't afford to pay the same thing for a bike that I'll soon park, because it's 'built for speed, so it's uncomfortable'. I rode a Reve 52cm, and there was some discomfort in my hands after 2 mile. Another 2 miles on a Reve 55cm was comfortable. Man, I loved how light they were! Both rides were with standard pedals, as I've never ridden a bike where my shoes were attached to the bike, and I wasn't wearing any kind of gloves, which I would guess would be a good idea. I'm worrying, if I'm uncomfortable on a 'comfort speed bike', would I be making a huge mistake getting a 'speed bike'?

By the nature of the forum, I know most of you guys'll go for the speed, but what's been not only your experience, but also friends and family members who may have been less successful getting into the hobby? I just can't afford an expensive mistake, and I don't want to do something that sours me on something that I think would be a great sport/hobby!

Thanks, all!
Steve


Why not spend $500 on a 55cm bike just to see if you can even stay motivated enough to ride it more than a week? If you lose interest, you've just saved yourself $1000. You've got to reach some sort of balance between beginners blind enthusiasm and being honest with yourself.

I rode for years on a series of absolutely ordinary bikes, low-to-midrange, RSX-level components, stuff like that. When I turned 55 I bought a Rivendell Atlantis, and this year when I turned 60 I got a Rivendell Rambouillet (ex-shop demo; a steal). They're wonderful bikes, exactly what I wanted, and I have fun with them on every ride--but there's no way I can justify them financially. They cost five or six times what my previous bikes did, I love everything about them, but they're not five or six times BETTER than the bikes I had before. Even Grant Petersen, who designs Rivendells, has said you reach a point where you get "95 percent of the function for 50 percent of the money."
What I'm leading up to here is that from your description, you need a bike you enjoy, that's comfortable and that you can ride for a long time. I think amost any solid mid-level bike that fits (that's VERY important) will work for you. At our level, improvement comes from conditioning and technique, not because one bike is 300 grams lighter than another.

It's really all about fit and finding a bicycle that you'll enjoy riding. It might not be the most expensive set of wheels out there, but one that will give you enjoyment. Riding a bicycle that is ill-fitted will just turn you off from the sport. That said, having a budget is also important and staying within your limits. As you've read from this forum, you can spend a lot of money of gear, and quickly become infected. Ask questions, and as rice wrote, find a good shop.
Good luck.
Wayne

I wanted to start riding road bike, but not knowing if I'd stick to it I got me a $600 full Shimano Sora Bike, and after upgrading pedals (I prefer Crank Brothers and the bike came with SPDs), saddle, stem, handlebar and handlebar tape (for fit and comfort) the bike fits me well and it's very comfortable. I put between 100 to 250 miles a week and I love my bike. I have no problem with the Sora drivetrain, and neither do the people who I ride with, who ride Campy, Ultegra and Dura Ace. The wheels on the bike aren't the best, and they will be replaced soon, but the bike is great. I am saving money to buy another higher level Ultegra bike next year, now that the road bike bug has bitten.

Don't buy anything less than a Sora bike. Tiagra and 105 components are nice too. If you just want to ride just get something that fits, and ride!

We can get down to some specifics.

You don't need an ultra light road bike because you're not racing. You can get a really, really nice road bike, and what you want is a road bike designed for serious recreational riding -- as in training, riding fast, riding long distances.

You can live without a carbon fork, a carbon seat post. Get a steel or aluminum frame with a steel or aluminum fork. These days most seat posts and components are alloy (alum).

32 spoke wheels. These are durable and easier to take care of. 700c X 25c tires. You don't need racing tires or wheels. You'll be better served with more durable tires and wheels.

Shimano components. Bontrager makes some nice components too on the Treks. I see lots of Bontrager components on bikes, and own a Trek 1500 with Bontrager stuff -- and extra Bontrager wheels. It's decent stuff.

Standard pedals with "rat traps" -- toe clips and straps. You can move to "clipless" later if you're inclined.

I have a Trek 1500 and I love it. But I think a Trek 1000 or 1200 is a fine bike, probably more suitable for the new rider who doesn't scan the road for cracks in the pavement. The 1500 has lighter wheels and tires. It also has the Bontrager "race" crank set. The 1000 and 1200 have nice components, a bit more durable wheels, and about $400 less cost.

Get a nice bike and start riding. Sooner or later, if you're serious about this bike thing, you'll find other bikes. I have five bikes. Three road bikes, a 1960's a 1980's and a new Trek 1500. They're all nice, but the Trek has all the new tech stuff. I have an MTB and a big ol' Trek single speed, balloon tire "cruiser."

If you're ridiing a lot and seriously you'll accumulate bikes. If you're just riding all the time for recreation you'll find that your mid-range bike will serve you for years, decades.

$600 or $700 should be able to put you into an extremely nice bike for road riding. I think you want the triple chain ring in the front these days.

"RoadRash owns fives bikes? I hadn't heard!"

"RoadRash owns fives bikes? I hadn't heard!"


You know . . .

Not everyone in here reads every post in every forum. So I post some "contextual" stuff when I'm talking about riding, because there's a huge difference between some skinny Italian pro with a mechanic and a stable of team bikes, as contrasted to the fat middle-aged guy on the Huffy. Some newbies in here are shopping for a bike, expect to own ONE and have never owned a bike in their lives. Context provides these readers with a frame of reference. I own more than one bike, and I've been riding a while.

OK ???

-- and it's "RodeRash" not "RoadRash" . . .

Being a newbie myself I went through many of the same questions you are asking
yourself. Locally we have several good LBS's, but one in particular rents bikes
for the weekend for 35 dollars. Renting allowed me to try out several bikes for
an extended time and learn their various personalities. The LBS then deducts
all rental fees from the price of any new bike.

Two shops reccomended the Specialized Sequoia but I settled on a TREK 1200
and have found it a good value in a beginners bike.

One bike I remember very well was the Cannondale 600. If I thought right I was
sudenly going right. It almost read my mind......but after a long ride it felt like
I had gone to a gang fight by myself and gotten the crap beat out of me. Probably
a great choice for a young competitive rider but not the right bike for me. Had
I not ridden it all weekend I would not have known that. Hence, renting was a
great choice for me.

Strider

Thanks for all the suggestions, I appreciate it! The more I run, the more I want to get a nice bike!

Aaaghhh! I sit here grinning, as I realize I'm ignoring most of your advice, and thinking, I asked the right question at the right place, got the right answers, and I'm still doing the stupid thing! I fear I am succumbing to beginner's fever...I keep looking at the shops to see what's available, and I'm not gravitating to the $500 bikes, I'll tell you that. To go in, pick up a bike with two fingers, and see the other postings where you guys talk about 60 mile rides, cutting through curves, and such...I want that. Whatever I get, I want long-term, not a cheap date!!!

I've looked at Klein, Trek, Specialized, Felt, Cannondale, and Giant...all were nice, but, right now, it's between Klein Q-Pro and Giant, and I'm thinking I want to save up, and get the Giant OCR Composite, maybe wait and get the Limited Edition. (the Large was right on my 'French sizing' on the Competition Sizing site (?) calculator). Compact/comfort frame, all carbon, Ultegra 10 gear...$1900. I keep rationalizing that if I like it, I'll never need to get another bike; if it doesn't work, it's nice enough that I won't take a bath on selling.

This sport has too much cool stuff!

Thanks,
Steve

My concern is, will I be paying for a bike that I'll soon 'outgrow', as I'll wind up wanting a traditional frame for more speed? I've been mostly sedentary, but in the last year I've gotten in shape (I'm 39, 5'8", 154 lbs.), and I think I'd really like to take up biking. I can't afford 1500-1700 for a bike that, in a year, I'll say is 'too slow', but I can't afford to pay the same thing for a bike that I'll soon park, because it's 'built for speed, so it's uncomfortable'. I rode a Reve 52cm, and there was some discomfort in my hands after 2 mile. Another 2 miles on a Reve 55cm was comfortable. Man, I loved how light they were! Both rides were with standard pedals, as I've never ridden a bike where my shoes were attached to the bike, and I wasn't wearing any kind of gloves, which I would guess would be a good idea. I'm worrying, if I'm uncomfortable on a 'comfort speed bike', would I be making a huge mistake getting a 'speed bike'?

By the nature of the forum, I know most of you guys'll go for the speed, but what's been not only your experience, but also friends and family members who may have been less successful getting into the hobby? I just can't afford an expensive mistake, and I don't want to do something that sours me on something that I think would be a great sport/hobby!

Thanks, all!
Steve
I am 56 and started riding last November. I started looking at a Specialized Sirrus but ended up with a Sequoia Elite. As I gained more experience I have gradually changed things on the Sequoia. I got rid of the adjustable stem and strange bend handlebars with extra brake handles and got a more standard setup. Then changed the SPD pedals to the newer SL type and got some good shoes. Then I found a good EBay deal on an ultegra rear derailer. The seat was changed next, and last week I bought some Ksyrium wheels. The point is that I started with a decent but not great bike and have gradually transformed it as I rode more. Don't forget that the speed is not in the bike but in the legs, as demonstrated to me regularly by some old guys I ride with who are riding 15 and 20 year old bikes. You are going to be a little uncomfortable on any bike for a while, but I would recommend getting something not too race oriented, or you may end up riding most of the time with your hands on the flat of the bars. With a bike that does not have a lot of drop from the seat to the bars, you will be more comfortable changing hand positions including using the drops. This ability helps on longer rides. I would say spend what you are comfortable with and you can always add or change bits later, or if you get serious about riding, you will be willing to get a new bike in a year or so.