Right I have a Trek 7100 hybrid which I ride about 12 miles twice a week, but am looking into getting a road bike. I am pretty new to biking, and I don’t want to spend all that much money on a road bike because I have not yet convinced myself that I will use it frequently enough to justify a big expense. I think an entry level road bike will probably do. I was looking into the Trek 1000, the Specialized Sequoia, and the Giant OCR 3. (I think it is smart to stick with the more familiar brands because although it will cost more for the brand name, I am a bit more comfortable knowing that I won’t be getting total junk). Does anyone have any advice on these bikes, or any other ideas? Also, I’m thinking of buying it used, to cut down on cost. Is that a really bad idea?

At your price range the competition is so fierce that those 3 bikes are going to be very similar in equipment and value (and actually those are very good bikes). I'd suggest that you try them all and buy the one you like best from the shop you like best.

Right I have a Trek 7100 hybrid which I ride about 12 miles twice a week, but am looking into getting a road bike. I am pretty new to biking, and I don’t want to spend all that much money on a road bike because I have not yet convinced myself that I will use it frequently enough to justify a big expense. I think an entry level road bike will probably do. I was looking into the Trek 1000, the Specialized Sequoia, and the Giant OCR 3. (I think it is smart to stick with the more familiar brands because although it will cost more for the brand name, I am a bit more comfortable knowing that I won’t be getting total junk). Does anyone have any advice on these bikes, or any other ideas? Also, I’m thinking of buying it used, to cut down on cost. Is that a really bad idea?


No problems buying used. You can find great deals out there. I bought mine and my wifes roadbikes used. We bought them in 2006. I got a mostly "trainer" used 2005 Felt F-80. Costs between $800-900 new. I bought it for $400.

I too am looking to buy my first bike. I considered buying new like you are to keep costs down and so that all the goodies would come on it already. I, however, decided to go new for a couple of reasons:

-I know that the bike will be in great shape
-I will develop a relationship with a LBS
-the bike will be fit to me personnally (for free)
-all adjustments will be free
-Its new!
-The bike shop will measure me and put me on the correct sized bike

I am sure there is more, but these are the big ones that are coming into my head as I type. I just left my Trek dealer about 30 minutes ago. Looks like I will be going with the trek 1500. For some reason the one they have has all Ultegra parts (crank, derailers)... $940. I know you can get a used one for about 600, but you are going to be missing out on a lot of knowledge from your LBS.

Just my $.02. Good luck with your purchase.

LT

Another reasonable bike to look at is Jamis. I've been riding a "Quest" for 5 years and luv the smooth steel ride ride. They offer some cheaper steel models and their cyclocross bike might be a good choice as it's easy to mount fenders if you ride in mucky conditions. No sense in spending an arm and a leg for a bike, but i strongly reccomend going with steel as the cheaper aluminum bikes can be real harsh.

As I mentioned, right now I have a Trek 7100 hybrid which I really love. I bike about 12 miles twice a week, but might be interested in longer rides as the summer roles around-but nothing too serious. I bike for exercise mainly. Aside for the fact that road bikes are a lot cooler, are there any other reasons that I can justify to my spending more money to upgrade?

As I mentioned, right now I have a Trek 7100 hybrid which I really love. I bike about 12 miles twice a week, but might be interested in longer rides as the summer roles around-but nothing too serious. I bike for exercise mainly. Aside for the fact that road bikes are a lot cooler, are there any other reasons that I can justify to my spending more money to upgrade?

Yes, the suspension fork is a boat anchor if you are riding on paved roads. Riding position on a road bike is more efficient than the upright position on a 7100. Just make sure that any road bike you get (besides fitting properly) has gearing that suits you. The 7100 has very easy gearing (a low of 28 front/34 rear), and you won't find that stock on too many (any???) road bikes. If you don't need the lowest gears too often now, then no problem.