Recommendations for the first road bike

hyu968

Hi All, I would like to ask for your advice and recommendations. I am in the market to buy my first road bike! My budget is around $1,000, but I can probably go a few hundreds above this if it's really worth it. I will be happy to hear all your recommendations. Thanks in advance!
-GM

sagefly

I've only had my road bike 5 months after trading up from a Hybrid.

Depending on what you're after Giant, Specialised, Trek and all of the large manufactuers make good, solid bikes. Your can pay a bit more for a higher spec set of gears etc Tiagra instead of Sora, but unless you're really experienced you won't tell the differnence in all reality.

Fit is the most important thing, try and visit a load of bike shops and sit on the various bikes, most of the stores will let you do a tial ride but as a beginner, like me, unless the bike is really uncomfortable you don't know what its supposed to feel like. If its your first bike you won't get to find out if its still comfortable after 80 miles until you do 80 miles, a 10 mile spin won't give you loads of info just the initial feeling.

You can tie your self up in what wheels, tyres, groupset, seat post etc but its not worth the time. No one makes a bad entry level bike, its a bit like cars these days. Chose one that you like, fits and doesn't sting too much in the wallet and get out and ride it. Its awesome fun and sometime awesome pain!!

I "kicked" load of tyres and hummed and hawed and in the end went for a Defy 2 fits me well, does speed, handles well and got a good review, if I'd spent another £200 I might have got a higher spec set of gears, but at this stage I don't know any better.

rpd_steve

I think sagefly summed it up pretty well - but I would advise getting doen the local bike shop to see some in the flesh as some people will be attracted to different bikes... On the note of gears, they all do the job well. As you move 'up' the range (2300, Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace) the shifts get a bit smoother under power and they get a bit lighter. The only main differance is that 2300 and Sora have a thumb button to shift up and the others all have a hand paddle. Try both, as some people dislike the button if they ride in the drops a lot.

Take a look at: Spechalized Allez, Trek 1.2, Giant Defy and also ask if they have any preloved bikes for more spec for your buck.

p9uma

hyu968 wrote:

Hi All, I would like to ask for your advice and recommendations. I am in the market to buy my first road bike! My budget is around $1,000, but I can probably go a few hundreds above this if it's really worth it. I will be happy to hear all your recommendations. Thanks in advance!
-GM

Are you in the UK? Someone here is selling a Cannonal Caad 9 which is a great starter bike, if it's the right size, but really you should go to a shop and ride some bikes.

hyu968

Thanks for your reply guys. Unfortunately, I am located in the US (upstate NY). From what I gather from your comments, my best bet is either Trek 1.2 or Giant Defy 1 (both of which are available at the local bike shops, I think). But it looks like fit is the key. Any other comments from experienced riders would be greatly appreciated!

hyu968

Wait, I think Defy 1 is pretty pricey. What you guys think of Defy 2 or 3? Thanks!

JoshMcIntyre

Go to a local bike shop and take a look around. Some used bikes are in very good condition and cheap.

sagefly

Go for a Defy 2 or 3 if they fit proper, the frame will be the same but the rest of the kit will be a "lower" spec. Unless you've got a load of experience you won't notice it.