Hi. New to this place!

vadarfone

Hi.

I found this site via google, and it seems to be just what I am looking for!

Short introduction; I am 30 years old, from England, but I now live in Japan.

I started riding MTB, which culminated in me competing at amateur level cross country. I had a Specialized S-Works back then with some very nice kit on it.

I then moved onto (downwards?) BMX. Rode that for about 6 years seriously, and a few years after occasionally.

I recently took a new job which requires a commute, so I am very very much up for getting a road bike. Actually, if I am honest, this is the excuse I am giving my wife for the outlay. In reality, I just want that S-Works buzz back, but in a more distance based speed freak form.

So, I am in the market for a road bike.

You must be asked this kind of question a million times, but what completes would you recommend that would give a relatively new road bike rider, but highly experienced in other fields rider, the same buzz they get off a teched out MTB...

I am looking for speed, slick gearing, a little comfort, but not too much, and something which can be infinitely upgraded (including the frame)

Something forward compatible, which rocks, basically!

Well, sorry if this is too long, or too vague, but any help would be ace!

Thanks.

pompeypoppy

I am looking for speed, slick gearing, a little comfort, but not too much, and something which can be infinitely upgraded (including the frame)

Welcome aboard!

As for the above, your main way forward with speed and infiite upgrades would be yourself.

I'm assuming that you haven't ridden on a road bike before, so I'd get yourself on one and go for a spin. Your Local Bike Shop (LBS) should be willing enough for you to try some out.

Regarding what bike you should ride, it all depends on what you can afford. All "road bikes" will be considerably faster than what you have ridden in the past. But get a yellow one. They're always the quickest.

vadarfone

Hello Pompeypoppy!

Thanks for the input.

I will definitely be getting a yellow one. The only alternative is a fully reflective camo one, which emulates the environ I am in, with no lights. We can all imagine how horrific that would eventually become, so yellow it is.

OK, so yeah, I think the best bet for me is to get to the bike shop. I do know a fair bit about bikes, so the technicalities are not an issue; my main concerns are... Fit, upgrade potential, future compatibility, life of the parts I buy and the performance out of the box.

Any brands I need to be looking at / avoiding?

Thanks again for the reply!

x8swift9x

Hey Vadarfone. Whats your budget? It will help with suggestions...

skinson

Hello There some good people on here and a lot of good information, it's very friendly apart from when Ribble Cycles gets mentioned, then for some strange reason all hell breaks loose
Dave

Frank the tank

Vadarfone, welcome to the asylum.

guilliano

Welcome...

Depending how much you want to spend I wouldn't say there are any brands to avoid as such, it just depends on whether you want exclusivity in your choice. If you want to easily test ride the right size look towards the big brands such as Trek and Giant. The Madones from Trek will be light and comfortable, the TCR or Defy from Giant will be a little stiffer and slightly heavier. If you want exclusivity look towards brands like Viner, Willier, Colnago, Cinelli, Look, maybe even Litespeed or Ritchie if you fancy some titanium bling

Mothyman

guilliano wrote:

Welcome...

Depending how much you want to spend I wouldn't say there are any brands to avoid as such, it just depends on whether you want exclusivity in your choice. If you want to easily test ride the right size look towards the big brands such as Trek and Giant. The Madones from Trek will be light and comfortable, the TCR or Defy from Giant will be a little stiffer and slightly heavier. If you want exclusivity look towards brands like Viner, Willier, Colnago, Cinelli, Look, maybe even Litespeed or Ritchie if you fancy some titanium bling

+1

welcome - we would take you to our leader...but NapoleonD is a bit busy at present....

vadarfone

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I am going to head down to the bike shops tomorrow and see what is going on.

I think I will go for a fairly entry level bike from one of the big companies, then upgrade it steadily as I get into it more. Did the same with all my other bikes!

I'll keep you posted as to what I get.

Also, I just noticed... Seems like a lot of you are from the south of England on this message board. Small world!

Anonymous

Hello mate, welcome aboard. Don't mention LA whatever you do.......

vadarfone

Is that anywhere near Reno, Nevada?

There is a certain TV show from that area that I am fond of...