Any cyclists?

I'm thinking about buying a bicycle to get in shape, but I don't know where to start. $100 Wal-Mart special? $5,000 lean machine? I do know that I want a road bike and not a mountain bike - I want to be like the guys I see riding past me with wearing the helmet and the Tour de France-style get-up.

But I have no idea where to begin.

 

Do not buy a department store piece of crap. They are junk and heavy, likely not to fit which means you won't enjoy riding.

You can spend $500 or so for a decent entry level road bike. I'd go ahead and drop another couple hundred if possible on maybe a step up from bottom. They entry level bike will not have the greatest components and you'll out grow them quickly, wanting to upgrade. Both bikes will have the same frame but you'll get more bang for your buck and be happier with a little bit more initial outlay.

You don't have to go full blown carbon with top end components to enjoy the ride. An aluminum bike is fine but make sure it has a carbon front fork. I'd recommend going with 105 level components. Ultegra is better, but I'd save the money and buy a good set of wheels to go on the 105 bike.

 

No department store bikes. Ever. And you don't need to spend $5k on a bike until you're sure you like cycling.

- go to an online message board like bikeforums.net and start reading.

- then ask around/go online to find the your most trusted local bike shop. Especially one that sells used bikes.

- go there and explain your situation. Have them fit you (free) for a bike. Fit is everything.

- spend as little as you can for a bike that meets your immediate needs, not your fantasies.

- ride the hell out of it for six months, then decide if you want to upgrade.

good luck

 

You wouldn't go wrong with any of these.
Also, if you live near a Performance Bikes they have some good deals on their own bikes.


http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/model/defy.2.compact/3882/37099/

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/15/

http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/Bikes/Road/Elite-Road/CAAD8-S/Details/1247-0RA88C_0RA88T-CAAD8-S-8

 

Ask Kornheiser.

 

Well, I haven't bought a new bike in five years, so I might be off a little on the pricing.

I've never had a problem with an aluminum frame. I've got a carbon front fork and carbon seat post, so I'm pretty good.

Whatever the bike, fit is the most important thing. If you aren't comfortable, you won't ride it.

 

This was my last bike. Delivered tens of thousands of newspapers on it.



Toughest decision: Apple Krate or Orange Peeler?

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. It gives me a great starting point, which I didn't have prior to this thread.

I have young children, and like a lot of people entering that phase of life, I've pretty much woken up and realized that I've packed on way too many pounds, ignoring exercise because it feels selfish to take it away from family time. But, as my wife told me recently, the most important thing I can do for her and the kids is stick around for a long time. I know exercise is no guarantee of that, but it can't hurt. And I remember how much I used to enjoy riding as a kid - it looks like something I could way more likely stick to than running (boring) or weight training (too high-maintenance to drive to the gym, pay for a membership, etc.).

 

Think about a used bike.

Tons of folks spend pretty good money on road bikes only to have them sit in the garage. Or they decide that they'd rather have a mountain bike.

Buy a good used bike for fairly cheap, then take it to a good bike shop and have it tuned. A good tune up will seem expensive in comparison to the bike's price, but it will make it almost the same as a new bike.

 

I would agree with the sentiment that you go to a couple of bike shops and find one you are comfortable with. They will spend a lot of time with you making sure the bike fits right and won't lead to issues down the road. The shop will also have a group ride one day during the week and on Saturday when you can ride with like-minded people. You might spend a bit more in your local shop, but you are supporting a local business and getting customer service in return.

 

Let me flash the bike signal to get Idaho here in a heartbeat.

I went on Craigslist and found myself a great bike for $350 not too long ago. It has lasted me well through two triathlons and other rides.