Hi,

I mountain bike regularly and was looking to get my first road bike mostly for fitness purposes.
Wanted to know what recommended minimium price point are?

If i get a used bike, is there a year I should not go past based on technology breakthroughs or expected lifespan of the bike?

Thanks for any help

Hi

Was in your same position a few months ago - wanted to make the switch from MTB to Road and was a bit overwhelmed. While you may be able to get a good used deal used (depending on where you live) I found it more beneficial to go to all your local bike shops and see what they have, ask questions, and ride a few bikes - mainly because I had no clue as to what would work for me as far as fit. Plus the bike shop folks will help explain all the tech differences. Then all I did was start narrowing things down to what I liked that fit well and fit my price range and had good reviews from people who had the bike. Just remember to set aside enough money for pedals, shoes, helmet, pump, tools etc. hehe its easy to get sucked in.

Goodluck with your search its a lot of fun riding the roadbike - my poor Gary Fisher Zig is on my stand gathering dust.

Only what I've learnt from these forums - but maybe I can save you some time: Bikes over the last few years haven't had any major technological leaps, but have progressed slowly and steadily. It seems the benefits offered by price for second hand bikes are pretty much matched by the newer technology, braoder range of models of buying new - that and the fact you'll be able to get your LBS to ensure a good fit - something lots of people seem to rave about.

Regarding price - someone seemed to sum it up well: buy the most expensive bike you can afford to crash.

Anyone feel free to disagree - as I said, I'm new too.

There really isn't a price point to aim at. Generally the Shimano 105 groups are equal to about the XT groups in MTB. I personally wouldn't go any lower after riding 105, ultegra, and my current durace. I've got to mention though, my first bike was a tiagra/sora specialized and it rode great with no problems whatsoever. I did notice some improvements with the better components but nothing a recreational cyclist would be too concerned about.

The second thing which you'll see over and over again. Fit is everything! Shop several, or a lot, of LBS and have each one size you visually and with some quick measurements. This will give you an idea of where you should be. Then try out the bikes they suggest. Don't let them know you've been looking at XYZ shops. This way they'll take the time to size you and if you act like you don't have a clue you'll get an idea how they treat new customers. A good shop will let you ride a bike for a long period of time normally if you leave them with a credit card. The quick measurements will get you in the ball park. After you've had a chance to try out a lot of bikes you'll get a feel for the differences in them. Roadbikes all have subtle differences in how they ride and some have real large differences. Don't get hooked on the steel, carbon, or aluminum thing at first. Just try them out and see what you think. If you have a bike that you feel you like have the shop take an hour or so to fit out your stem, the pedal position, the seat position, and the bar postion for your height and reach. A good shop will know what they are doing here. If you are concerned that they don't, or some kid is just eyeballing you and saying it looks good. . .walk away in my opinion. If the bike doesn't fit you'll end up hating it.

As for used, buying your first bike online, from EBAY, or whatever is a very large gamble. If you ride for sometime and learn all the ins and outs about bike size, top tube length, geometry, etc. etc. you could take a chance and might be all right, but if you just guess off the stats on the web you're taking a big chance. If you know someone who has a used bike, has parts that are several years old or newer, and is in very good uncrashed condition you might be fine. Borrow it and ride around on it for a while if they don't mind. See how it feels. Again, you're taking a chance but that's up to you. At least you'll get a chance to ride it around.

So, hopefully this helps. Again, don't worry so much about price as the componentry. Used is OK but make sure it fits. And finally, fit, fit, fit, is everything!!!!

Good luck!

The previous posters have some good ideas.I hate to tell you have cheap I am but here goes.
I went to a city auction & spotted an old Schwinn 10 speed against a wall,it is silver,had 2 flats but looked pretty good otherwise I figured I should try to but it.It's a step up from my Murray MTB I ended buying it & 6 other bikes for 25.00 sold 4 of them to different people @ the auction for $5.00ea,1 f/$2.00 & had a MTB to give to my son (that he's now riding.
I spent $18.00 f/new tires & plan to use for a while & plan on spending some $$ in the future if & when I'm sure I'm going to keep riding.
Bob

....Randall Scott Cycles:

http://www.rscycle.com/

I got my sister a Tommaso Capri for her birthday, and she loves it:

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/sc.7/category.53/it.A/id.6481/.f

That's a $900 bike for $470. Now, the caveats are, I did know her frame size, and she did an exchange with her LBS to get a shorter stem. However, I found RS Cycles to be very good to deal with...I'll bet if you called/emailed them, they'd do a good job of walking you through bike selection/frame size/customization and so forth...

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/sc.5/.f

I was on the same situation, I've been on a mtb for some years now and finally gave into the road bike thing.

I decided that x amount was what I was willing to spend on the bike (in my case ~1k), went to the shop that sponsors my son and for $1800 got 2 road bikes. A 24" Trek for my son (birthday gift) and an Orbea for myself, if I got a good deal or not I'll eventually find out. Hated the bike after the first ride but after a fitting session I'm in love with it, the mtbs are now collecting dust.

The thing is that shopping aroung with a predetermined amount of money to spend helps in terms of knowing up to where you can go. For example, a Trek 1500 goes for ~1000 and a Cdale R900 for ~1500 which one will you choose if you only can spend 1k? Other than fit I would go with componentry and feel. At the end you got a bike that you like and stayed within budget, it's sad when you fall in love with a bike that you can't afford.

Good luck!

I am right there with you guys except I didn't have any money. So I finally found a bike that I just picked up and planning on seeing how much I will like this road stuff.

I had to go used since I had no money. I found an early to mid 90's Trek 2100 for $150.
I can not complain about my deal. Not saying that everyone will find what I got and in the shape it was in. Yes the components are getting a little old, but a rear derailer and a cassette will not kill me in a few months.

My bike had the carbon tubes and aluminum lugs. It also came with a carbon fork that I plan on putting on it. It is decked out with 105 and has the sti shifters. It also came with some non stock wheels. They are Durace hubs with some nice mavic sup rims.
Well worth my $150 to see if I like the road thing. I am sure that mtb will stay my main love, but when the trails are wet look out!!