Broken runner turned cyclist?

Hello all,

I am a collegiate runner (track and cross country) who recently developed a stress fracture in her foot. Because I'll be taking from six to eight weeks off of running, I've decided the time has finally come to take up biking. I have been interested in purchasing a road bike for about two years. But, as a runner whose most expensive gear is a pair of shoes every three or four months, I am not sure what to expect or look for in a bike.

First of all, my budget is 800-1000 dollars (my parents are helping out with shorts and a new helmet for Christmas). I'm probably looking at entry-level bikes. I am 5'4" and have a runner's build. I will be using this bike mostly in northern New Mexico, which is relatively hilly.

I guess I'd like some recommendations. I'll be shopping around my city's many bike shops once I get home for winter break, but I'd like to hear from some other people what works for them. Also, I found a hardly-used 2007 or 2008 Novara Carema for $325. What are your thoughts on this bike? I'm hesitant to buy a road bike from REI, but I'm also a poor college student.

Thanks!

Anja

Hey Anja, hello from a fellow Anj! (mine is derived from a whole different name, however.)

I highly suggest you go to your local bike shop and test ride as many models in all price ranges that you can. That way, you have a basis from which to start.

My first road bike that I still ride occasionally was a $185 1993 Giant original carbon framed touring bike that was too small for me. I did a lot of miles on that lil bike even though it didn't really fit me right. Sometimes you have to just get on a bike and ride to really know what you want to buy. That bike taught me a couple of things: 1. I needed a larger frame and 2. I needed a different saddle that could support sit bones and 3. Put me in an aggressive position (butt higher than my grips) and I become fearless on downhills. ;)

I am also a runner who ran in high school and is now just getting back into it. I feel for you with your injury.

Good luck and have fun test riding! It's worth it to shop around!

Anj

Go visit a few bike shops. They'll be able to help you out by suggesting bikes that fit you and your riding style. On that budget, you should be able to get a good bike from a shop.
Giant is pretty good (or so I've been told) in terms of bang-for-buck. I got mine (2009 Giant Avail 3) for about $800, and I love it. When you look at bike specs online, look for the rear cogs (or cassette, depending on whose website it is). A larger second number generally means it's better for climbing. The "local" bike shop I visit when I'm at home (not the one I bought my bike from) has a little guide which explains everything nicely. Here you go. You really do have to ride the bikes to see what you like, though.

I know what you mean about the sticker shock. My other sport is fencing, and while it's also not a cheap sport, the most I'd ever have to spend at one go was about $100. And being a college student, a bike's a lot of money!

When I was a poor college student I had one bike for everything - transportation, recreation, fitness and touring. I'd suggest you look at bikes that will accept a rear rack (i.e., no carbon seat stays unless they specifically have rack bosses) and might have a more comfort-oriented geometry than a full-on race bike. Not going too expensive is actually a bonus on a transportation bike, since it'll be less attractive to thieves.

But yeah - try out different bikes, see what you like, what fits, what speaks to you. Good luck and enjoy the search (and welcome to TE)! :)

I am a high school runner and I have had many problems with stress fractures as well and decided to pick up a road bike, I got mine at a local store and it was a Specialized Dolce entry level bike that was $800 plus all the gear which made it about $1000, personally, I think the Novara Carema would be just fine if your just starting out as long as you know the sizing and everything, I'm 5'5" and my bike is a size 51 1/2. I love it but I want to continue running in college if I can, I would love to cycle as well though. Depending how serious you wanna be...if you wanna get a good bike you can rely on for many years I would pick up one from a local but I dont think thered be any problem with REI if you wanted to save some cash

My suggestion is to get a good brand bike from your Local Bike Shop (LBS). It may cost a little more initially but those who have ridden bikes from Wal-Mart, REI or Dicks know they are a huge disappointment. If you get a better bike in the beginning your whole experience and introduction to cycling is going to be so much more fun! You won't have to deal with a lot of mechanical problems on a consistent basis as you will with an REI bike. Giant is a really solid place for you to start, they make the Avail3 which is a wonderful starter bike. If you are looking at the manufacturer prices online don't panic they are almost always higher than what the shops charges. Also the Trek 1.0 is very similar and just as good of a bike as Giant and in about the same price range. Even Cannondale has come out with a more economic version these days called the Synapse. All of these will generally have an aluminum frame and a carbon fork which is pretty standard and useful on an entry level road bike. Another big benefit of going to a LBS is they will fit you (if they don't offer to do this find another shop) and they also typically do a free tune up with purchase of a new bike. This is pretty much essential because bike cables stretch (especially new ones) and this way after you ride it a while and it starts to not shift or brake as easily you can bring it back for them to readjust it. Whether you send $800 or $8000 dollars on a bike they all need some degree of maintenance just so you know. If you take care of it you bike will love you back :). I hope that maybe gives you a place to start. Like others have said go out and try some different models out and see what deals the bike shops can give you.

It's really nice to have a cross training sport that is a little easier on the joints. I love running too but sometimes my body just isn't having it and cycling is the way to go. I hope you enjoy it too. BTW there are generally groups of cyclists that get together and ride for fun/competition/beer whatever. This can be loads of fun:)

Thanks, everyone, for all of the advice!

I am terribly excited to get into cycling after reading this thread (and many others, too!) I decided to go with the Carema Pro. It is in immaculate condition, and although it is REI brand, it is a step above entry level and it was under $400. I imagine I will continue being primarily a runner through college, but this bike will be a good introduction to the sport/cross trainer. Maybe when I have a real job after graduation I can look for something a little bit nicer (although things like rent, a car, food, utilities, etc. might get in the way of that :o ).

Again, thanks for all of your help.