Advice on road bike purchase

[Cyclesome]

I know you girls can guide me skillfully through this process. I am looking to purchase a road bike within 0 - 18 months. But I don't want to rush into this major purchase before reseaching thoroughly. I am thinking of spending between $1000 - $3000 for my bike. I currently own a Cannondale Hybrid which I plan on using soley for Rails to Trails once I purchase my road bike.
I am renewing my love of riding and consider my self a novice. My longest bike ride has been 64 miles. I plan on riding in the Seagull Century this October. My hardest ride was the Mount Davis Half Century, Hills, Hills, hills!

I think I would like a wide range of gears, relaxed geometry, light bike, good components, not sure if I am ready for dropped handle bars yet, tires that are not so skinniny I have to worry about every little pothole and gravel on Pa roads.

I know I sound like a real rookey, but please spend some time guiding this novice.

[Fredwina]

I would with that much money, you should be able to get a decent bike.
Are you happy with your Cannondale? If so, maybe you should get another one. There are plenty of flat bar road bikes out there now, so you should'nt have to get a drop bar unless you want to. I prefer them. More postions, and my usaully tend to fall asleep with flats.

[Lenusik]

I wouldn't spend this much because unless you are sure that you will LOVE road biking. I would start with something between $500- $600, maybe a used one as long as it fits right. After you are sure about road riding, I would actually spend much more than a $1,000. It will last you longer and will be right for you.

[bcipam]

There is literally a world of difference between a $1000 bike and a $3000 bike. A $1000 bike will usually be aluminum or steel with lower end components for $3000 you can get Ti or Carbon with at least Ultegra.

I agree, first ride decide if you like the sport and then if so, by all means plan on spending $3000 and get a good bike. Spend the time while you are riding and deciding to visit bike shops, check with other cyclists, join a club and ask questions. Don't rush the decision. Take your time. This is even more important than buying a car!

[bikerz]

I was thinking about getting a new bike a few months ago - maybe even a custom bike, and so I started looking at the questionnaires the custom bike places ask you to fill out to help determine geometry, components, material, etc. I quickly realized that I had a LOT more to learn about cycling in general and my own preferences, strengths and weaknesses. I have been trying to "study" my rides with these questionnaires in mind, and I find it really has helped me think about what I ultimately might want - even though I'm not ready to make a descison yet!

here are some links that might be interesting:

Seven Cycles - custom fit kit (oooh - I love Sevens!)
Luna Cycles - custom questionnaire can be downloaded

[Bike Goddess]

I agree with what Biker Z is saying. I started out with a steel bike- Jamis Quest- which has been a wonderful bike for me. I had a mtn bike derailleur put on as I wanted lower gears to climb steep mountains.

This last fall (2005) I had the opportunity to get a carbon bike on sale (Scott CR 1) and I bought it! Had I purchased this bike 3 years ago, I wouldn't have been ready for it as it is a very fast bike.

I would highly recommend that you find a good road bike in the $1000-2000 range before you commit to something more expensive. You'll discover what kind of riding you like to do, how far you want to go, and what kind of gears you like. Ride lots of different types of frames- aluminum, steel, carbon (if you can find one for the price)- get the best wheels you can for the money, as well as components. If you ride enough bikes, you will discover which one feels the best. None of us can tell you that part, we can only tell you what we like. If the shoe fits, wear it!!!!