Hello,

Looking for suggestions on makes/models for first bike purchase.
Cycling is not my only passion, so Im not looking for the lightest racing rig, but more of an entry level sport category. I'm 6.3, and from what I can gather, Im looking at least a 60cm size bike, if not more. My budget is around $1200Cdn.
Usage for the bike; leaving the car @ home to get to work (44km round trip), cardio workouts(50-70km) and few charity rides and who knows what else( I hear road riding is addictive!). Just west of Toronto, so any bike shops you highly recommend would also be much appreicated.

Cheers and thanks for the help
:D

Hi, I'm also shopping around for my first road bike but I've been doing a lot of research, reading and I've tried out a few bikes in a few shops in downtown Toronto.

On sizing a road bike, the general rule of thumb formula is to take your inseam measurement and multiply it by 0.67 to give you your "center to top" (C-T) frame size. Similarly, you can multiply your inseam by 0.65 to give you your "center to center" (C-C) frame size. Depending on the manufacturer, bike frames are usually measured in C-T or C-C.

So far, I've been checking out the Felt F-80 and F-70 bikes as well as some of the Specialized Allez bikes. I have a similar price range ($1200-1500) so those bikes should be right up your alley as well. I think I'm leaning towards one of the Felts. Best thing to do is to do a few test rides, of course.

I've been looking at some of the stores downtown. I checked out Urbane Cycling (they sell mostly crom-moly frames good for touring and couriers) as well as Cycle Solutions (mostly aluminum/carbon racing bikes).

For a list of shops in Toronto, see here:
http://tbn.ca/retailer/rtdb/at.htm

Still trying to decide between the F-80 and F-70, myself. See my thread here:
http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=37100

Edit: Funny, just saw your other post on the TBN Bulletin Boards! :D

D'Ornellas in Scarborough is a great store... They do Specialized, Giant and lots of others (that are higher end like Litespeed, Pinarello and Orbea). At the very least, compare their selection & pricing to the other stores you have visited.

Hello,

Looking for suggestions on makes/models for first bike purchase.
Cycling is not my only passion, so Im not looking for the lightest racing rig, but more of an entry level sport category. I'm 6.3, and from what I can gather, Im looking at least a 60cm size bike, if not more. My budget is around $1200Cdn.
Usage for the bike; leaving the car @ home to get to work (44km round trip), cardio workouts(50-70km) and few charity rides and who knows what else( I hear road riding is addictive!). Just west of Toronto, so any bike shops you highly recommend would also be much appreicated.

Cheers and thanks for the help
:D


Try Skiis and Biikes Mississauga. They carry Spesh as well as Trek. I'm not saying to buy there but they have nice variety to choose to test from as well, and sorta have the LBS feel compared to say Sporting Life. I myself ride the Allez and it is perfect for me (5' 6", ~145 lbs.), but you might feel uncomfortable with the compact geometry and you might find that the Allez's ride is a touch harsh, but that's the matter of one's opinion.

I believe the line of Treks (1000, 1200, 1500), which are in your price range, aren't compact geometry bikes. From what I read, Trek, Specialized and Giant are all very similar in your price range. So it will probably come down to looks and fit. The key is to test, test, test :)

Oh...don't forget to budget in accessories...that can start to add up quickly...then also upgrades (once the bug hits)....