Yet another thread looking for first road bike advice

[Zen]

Make your mechanic your friend and don't be afraid to ask them anything.

My bike and I are celebrating our one year anniversary this month (nothing special, just a nice dinner at home). When I think back and compare what I knew then (zero) to what I know now (a little bit more) I'm amazed. And it all came from right here.

[elk]

Hi Kat

I heard the "in love" part... but just for fun, I would try a Surly Cross Check. And a Jamis Aurora or Coda. All are under 1000. and all have devoted followings. And all are steel.

I have an Aurora--a steel touring bike-- that I love...after fiddling around with my hybrid bike for months, I got on this one and I don't think I' ve adjusted a thing except for the seat height since I got it...I'm just comfortable.

But back to the point. It very well may be that you have your bike. Personally, I like to test out one or two others to compare just to be sure...so in those days of hyper sensitivity and excitement after your purchase...it all feels good.

Or maybe you already KNOW its your bike...in which case....send us photos!!!

[tulip]

Bike love is great, just do what you can to make sure it lasts.

I agree with Elk--try a couple of steel bikes if you can. I find aluminum quite uncomfortable (a brittle feeling, unlike my steel bikes which feel more smooth). I like the look of the Jake, but I don't like that it's alu.

The bike shop guy seems decent, but just make sure he's not selling you the Jake because it's what he has in stock. Do they carry Jamis or Surly or another steel bike that you can try (even if not in your size--can they order it for you to try)? Trek's are pretty easy to find...and the 520 is a great steel touring bike.

Also be sure that the top tube is not too long. The LBS guy should put you up on the trainer to see if the bike fits, not just do a stand-over test. Rule of thumb on the trainer (make sure the bike is level by putting a phone book under the front tire): in a comfy position (relaxed, elbows slightly bent, etc.) when you look down at the wheel, the hub should be hidden by the bars. Only a rule of thumb, but if you see the hub way behind the bars, it may indicate that the top tube is too long (and vice-versa, but usually that's not a problem for women with shorter torsos).

[kat_h]

I haven't found anywhere in town that carries Surly or Jamis. The Surly website lists one place here as a dealer, but that shop's website doesn't list any. I'll drop in there any ask this week. The only other choices I've seen locally in this price range are the Giant OCR 3, Marin Portofino, or Trek 1000.

When I'm sitting on the Jake the hub is just a touch in front of the bars. If the stem were a 1/4 inch longer I wouldn't be able to see the hub at all.

I'm intrigued by the idea of having a mechanic around too. When I got home from test riding the Jake I went downstairs and trued a wheel on a mountain bike then replaced the cables on an old 10 speed I found in a dumpster. None of my dumpster finds have ever fit so I've always just sold them for beer money. It's going to be so nice to have a bike that I actually paid for, instead of just one that I bought parts for.

[tulip]

Do you have a Trek dealer around? Try a 520 just to compare steel vs alum. Kona Jake is a nice bike, but for hours in the saddle you might appreciate steel (but then again, it might not be a factor for you at all).

[kat_h]

There is a shop here that carries the 520, but it's $1400 and the Jake is $700. It's going to be tight for me to afford the Jake right now but I can manage it. I'm sure I'll move up to something else in a couple of years but that's just more than I can afford right now.

[tulip]

Ouch, I didn't know it was so expensive. Too bad there are no Jamis dealers around. I'm sure you'll find the Jake satisfactory and better than your current bike, which sounds downright painful! The Jake is a cute bike, and very useful for all sorts of riding. Post a pic when you get it.

[kat_h]

I've been tempted to cross the border and look at bikes there. Everything is more expensive in Canada, even when our dollar is even. The Jake I'm looking at is a 2007 so it's $250 cheaper than it normally would be. I've spent most of today emailing someone in town who has one and I think I'm going to go for it.

[elk]

hmmm aren't the Jakes steel? I know the Kona Sutra is...
I'll tip over to the website.

The Trek520 is listed at 1400 but sometimes you can get last years model for under 1000. I liked it..but the TT was too long.. for me. It has a long wheel base. But I don't have long limbs...

---------
Ok Jake is aluminum...but has the sleeker LOOK of steel...(I hate fat tubes!!!) Jake looks like a really nice ride and I;m sure you won't be disappointed!

[Idealmuse]

Kat thanks for asking this question. I'm going to be looking for a bike soon too (Just signed up for a Tri) and I was wondering about the weight issue too as I'm currently down to 213.

Does anyone know if some seats are better then others for heavier riders? Currently I have a dirt bike I'm using so it has one of those Um... Large seats with the springs in them which has been very comfortable but I'm not sure would work out with a road bike. Seat comfort has a lot to do with how long I'm able to ride.

[kat_h]

I picked the bike up last night and set out today with high hopes for a long ride. The bike is awesome, but the route that I planned was covered in ice and packed snow. That meant that I couldn't get any decent speed and after my second fall I decided to head home. I don't think I'll get to ride again until Tuesday, but I'm looking forward to putting a lot of km on this bike.

[elk]

Pictures please!! And that sux that you didn;t get a great first ride....!!!!

IDEALMUSE: go to the saddles forum under gear...ask your question there. and look around. saddle talk is quite popular here.

[tulip]

Elk, is that a papillon dog in your avatar?

[elk]

yup. that's my Flynnie...she's my "familiar" my little soul mate.
I have 3 paps and a collie.

[kat_h]

Pictures please!! And that sux that you didn;t get a great first ride....!!!

No good pics of the bike yet, but here's a quick pic I took of the river.