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Just wondering if anyone had any advice for a solid beginner road bike. I have been taking spin classes for quite a few months and would like to make the transition to actually going out on the road.
Since I am a grad student, I am looking for a bike that is reasonably priced- and am also fine with purchasing a used bike.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it! :)
I am located in Central Connecticut, if that also has an effect on people's advice!
Somehow it seems easier to answer this broad question when a person has special needs--they are hard to size, or have some physical limitation, or whatever, because then there are limited choices. If you are young, healthy and of average size then you have the paradox of choice.
The big brands, Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Specialized, all have entry level road bikes made of aluminum. Like the Trek Lexa, Specialized Dolce, the Giant Avail and the Cannondale Synapse lines. They are all good, solid bikes. There are smaller brands that make good entry level bikes, often for a bit less money. Like Jamis and Felt. REI has its brands as well. Keep in mind that sizes are not standardized and what fits you in one brand may not fit in another.
I think there are a couple of good things to do when shopping. Find a bike shop that you really like, that will help you find something that will work for you. Given that their isn't going to be a lot of difference between brands I would favor a brand by a shop that I really liked.
That said, there are differences. So, I would try as many bikes as possible to see what works for you. Keep in mind though that short rides are only short rides and you may not be able to tell a lot, especially if you are inexperienced.
If you have a large city nearby that would be great because that would give you a chance to try some of the less standard brands.
As far as used bikes, if you have a good idea on your size you could try those out as well. It can be hard to find what particularly works for you on the used market. I've been watching for small mountain bikes on three different Craigslists for a couple of months and I've found nothing that I even want to call about yet. Keep in mind if you buy used you might need to bring it to a bike shop for a going over/tune up. This adds to the cost.
Making things even more complicated, another issue is whether a "mens" bike or "womens" designed bike is better for you. The specific models I mentioned above are all designed for women. But plenty of women are happy on mens or unisex designs. Another reason to find a bike shop that is good to work with.
Then again, when I was young I rode a bike that was way too big and had all sorts of issues. I still rode and still had fun using it to commute to graduate school. So maybe we can overthink these things a bit, especially those of use who either rides a zillion miles a year, or race or have some physical limitations that make getting just the right bike extra important.
The other thing to do is research components (shifters, derailleurs, brakes,etc). I made a spreadsheet with different manufacturers products listed good-better-best. That way when I looked at a bikes I could compare the quality of the components. I was surprised to find that the most expensive entry level bikes didn't always have the better componenets when compared to less expensive ones. You need to also research whether you want a triple or a compact double and think about what your primary riding style is going to be for now(fooling around a bikepath, fitness, distance, racing). Ultimately you will want to get the one that feels the best. To start narrowing things down...are you short-waisted with long legs or long-waisted with short legs?
I had never learned to ride a bike until I was 50 years old. My first road bike a year later was a "fitness bike" which = a roadbike frame with a flat handle bar. For me I do not think I would have been able to make the switch from my Giant Cypress hybrid to the roadbike if I had gone to the dropped bar first Today I flip back and forth between by FCR 1 (flat bar) and Ruby (drop bar) without any problem.
Thank you for everyone's help and advice!