Help me buy my first road bike

[mama2tri]

I could use a little advice!

I'm getting ready to buy my first road bike. I'm going to do a few triathlons this summer. Although I'm new to the sport, I'd like to buy a bike that will last through a few seasons of hopefully getting faster. My budget is approximately $600-1000.

I've been to a few bike shops and tried maybe half a dozen bikes.

I've learned that I fit bikes between about 47-51 cm and that most women's specific bikes are more comfortable for me. I'm not sure between aluminum and steel. So far I prefer the Shimano 105's to the Tiagra shifters. I want a fast, responsive bike, but I also want something comfortable enough to ride for fun.

I've been looking on craigslist for deals on used bikes, but it seems like the good ones go fast. I've also been looking for deals on bikes from 2008. I'm considering the Novara Carema Pro (normally $1150, but $920 on sale). I also liked the Marin Portofina ($750), although it does not have as nice of components.

Any advice? Bikes you think I should try? Sweet bikes you'd like to sell?

[ilima]

Closeouts or used bikes are going to be your best bet for getting 105 components within your budget.

I don't know what kind of deals can be had at shops right now, though. For example, Felt's F85 comes with 105 and retails for $1250. I wonder if 20% might actually be reasonable in this economy. I know one of my regular shops has a least on 15% off sale a year, and that was when the economy was better.

If it fits you right, the Novara Carema Pro sounds like a good deal. To get 105 components and carbon seat stays on a Trek or Specialized you'd have to spend $1500-1600. Jamis, which is known for being priced well, has the Ventura Race with carbon seat stays and 105 components retailing for $1350.

[mama2tri]

Any thoughts on an older Serotta road bike?

I've found a 1991 Serotta Colorado II. Great bike when it was new, fairly low miles, not sure yet if it fits well. He is asking $700, which seems a little high. I'm thinking closer to $450-500 would be fair given the age and condition. It has Shimano Dura-Ace components and slightly newer STI shifters. Frame is pretty, but very early 90's - orange fade to hot pink. Which is actually kind of cool.

[ilima]

Any thoughts on an older Serotta road bike?

I've found a 1991 Serotta Colorado II. Great bike when it was new, fairly low miles, not sure yet if it fits well. He is asking $700, which seems a little high. I'm thinking closer to $450-500 would be fair given the age and condition. It has Shimano Dura-Ace components and slightly newer STI shifters. Frame is pretty, but very early 90's - orange fade to hot pink. Which is actually kind of cool.

Skip it. Get something with newer components. Although the funky paint job probably makes it tempting.

Frame is probably very nice, although you would want to check on the geometry and ensure it's not some super-custom with weird measurements. As a newbie to road biking, I think you'd be better off with a bike with new components vs. buying what might turn out to be headache after headache.

[papaver]

It's a lot of money for an old bike.

[wildeny]

To get 105 components and carbon seat stays on a Trek or Specialized you'd have to spend $1500-1600. Jamis, which is known for being priced well, has the Ventura Race with carbon seat stays and 105 components retailing for $1350.

Another choice: Fuji Finest RC 2009, which even has the Ultegra read derailleur. I'm riding this one. So far so good. I even don't have problem with its saddle.

[LilBolt]

Serottas are great bikes. As ilima already posted, since they are custom, you could be getting into some funky geometry...perfect for the original owner, but unless you have the same proportions, could be less than ideal. If you had money to play with and already had your primary bike, it could be fun to pick something like that up to play with. Hopefully you can find a newer used bike, or something new sitting in a LBS from last season in your price range. Good luck.

[mama2tri]

So yes, the frame on the serotta was nice. It felt very smooth on the road. But the components were not in great shape. It was a little heavy and the shifters were very hard to use. I think I'll skip it.

I tried the Specialized Dolce Elite and the Trek 2.1 today. Both bikes retail around $1200. A little above my original price range - I'd really love to find one of those under $1000. The Trek was a better fit. I think I'm between the Specialized 47 and 51. Both were really fun!!

One other question. The Novara (REI brand) Carema Pro has very similar components to the Specialized and Trek bikes. Some people have a very negative opinion of REI, but it seems like a pretty good bike and it is on sale for 20% off this week, so $920 instead of $1150. Any other thoughts on Novara?

[fidlfreek]

Hi I was in exactly your position last summer!! I knew I wanted 105 components (a BIG step up from Tiagra) and I knew I wanted something women specific. Sorry but if you want to get something new and 105 for around $1000, good luck! Most aluminum bikes w/ those specs are going to run start about 30% more. Quality steel is every pricier. And be careful of anything more than a couple years old or custom. Bike technology evolves so fast that anything beyond a few years old will not be compatible w/ new parts etc. Plus, older aluminum bikes are even more uncomfortable than modern ones.

If at ALL possible as a new biker you need a relationship w/ a small, local, quality shop that will give you excellent service and advice for years to come. Don't buy from a mega-store that will likely treat you like a stranger when you have small problems. If you can't find an 08 on sale boost your budget, or go w/ lower quality components and trade them out when you have the $ (although this is tricky and pricey and you should get professional guidance on this before you buy a bike...) I started out at $1000 and then realized that I just couldn't get it all at that price point. So I ended up spending about $1350 for a Bianchi - women specific and full 105. You can always save some $ on accessories and clothes by buying used and/or online.

Your other alternative is to keep your eyes open and wait. There are a lot of good bikes that ladies sell through this forum. Good luck!

[mama2tri]

I just got a call from the world's best bike sale guy at a local store that the bike I like is available. It was on hold for someone else, but she never showed up so now it's mine.



It's a diamondback racing aluminum frame with carbon fork, stem and seat post. It's got Shimano 105 shifters and ultegra deraliers. It's really, really fun, lightwieght and a good fit. And best of all, it's on clearance from last year for just $850.

The only question is what that heck is diamondback racing? I am familiar with diamondback mountain bikes, but I cannot find anything online about their racing and road bikes. Am I missing something? Anyone know anything about diamondback racing?

Thanks!

[Sportress]

I bought my first road bike, Novara Carema with Tiagra components, from REI in 2006. It was a great package for the price. I fell in love hard with riding and the bike. I love the bike so much I now want the 2009 Pro so I can upgrade to the 105 components and ........ just because. I just can't justify the purchase, the current bike is great (and the paint job is not like everyone else's). I have never once regretted the purchase, and if I had, REI has an incredible return policy.

[SandyLS]

If you are willing to try a mail order bike there may be something on this site that would work for you in your price range. My daughter bought the Gigi a few years back and has had good luck with it.

[SandyLS]

Oops! I didn't get to page two before I replied. Congrats on the new bike. Enjoy!