Trek vs. Giant

[Hammer]

And, I realize that Trek has full Carbon bikes too and that even their Alpha Alumnium bikes have the carbon forks and seat posts too. Ahh... so much to consider!!

[Veronica]

First what's wrong with your current bike? Why do you want a new bike? Nobody can really give you advice about a bike until you tell us what you're looking for.

Here's my .02.

There's two things to look for in a bike - frame and components.

The only thing that matters about the frame is the fit and handling. Material choice is so overrated. Yes metal will last longer than carbon fiber. But you may grow tired of the bike before it is even an issue. Things like speed and road dampening can be changed with tire selection. So buy a frame that fits and don't worry about anything else.

In the price range you're looking at Shimano is really your only choice for components. 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace are the three levels. Dura Ace is too expensive and less reliable because it's built to be lightweight for racers. Lance does not ride the same bike year after year. Ultegra is a little smoother, but 105 is fine.

Kudos to you for being skeptical about what the bike saleman has to say about his product and that of his competition.

Have fun shopping!

Veronica

[Hammer]

I want to do the Tour de Kota... (South Dakota's multiday bike tour) next summer and I'd like to do the local MS150. I know that it's possible to do these things on a hybrid... lots of people do. However, lots of people recommend getting a roadbike as long as I'm looking to do long mileage rides anyway. Just putting clipless pedals on my current bike would help loads... but the additional hand positions available on a road bike would be really nice too.

Also, on kind of a superficial note... The color scheme kinda draws me toward some bikes. For instance, pink bikes are very pretty, they're just not me. But, they're also out of my price range... so it's cool. Though, I prefer black or maybe dark blue to the crystal blue and red. But, those are just details.

[latelatebloomer]

Hammer, glad you started this thread, as I need to learn about what I require for my first road bike, too. When I told my trainer at the gym that I want to do a century by next fall, he kinda made a face and said, "a century would be pretty difficult on your hybrid. Think about getting a road bike in the spring - do research this winter." The bad news for me is that I only spent $1500 on my CAR! (artist married to artist, 'nuff said.) So I gotta find my parameters and let help from the second-hand angels.

I agree with you on the pink issue. Now fuschia I could live with! Happy hunting!

[tatormc]

My first road bike was a Giant OCR3 which I got spring of last year. It was a great starter bike for me that tought me what I needed to know about cycling. The components were not great and the thing weighed a ton. But I needed to get something inexpensive to see if I'd even stick with cycling. Anyhow a year later I still loved it so I upgraded to a Giant TCR Composite 2 which I love. An OCR2 would be a great first road bike but test ride the ones you are interested in to determine what's best for you.

[anne_77]

I have a Trek 1000 SL 50 cm bike. I just bought it but I absolutely love it. It is so comfortable and easy to use. Absolutely no complaints. All I've added are new pedals (Shimano mountain bike pedals cause I like the shoes!) and a Cateye. Oh - and it looks cool too - it's orange and yellow - spiffy!

[eofelis]

[QUOTE=latelatebloomer]The bad news for me is that I only spent $1500 on my CAR! (artist married to artist, 'nuff said.) [QUOTE]

The saying here is:

"You know you're in Colorado when you have a $3000 bike on top of your $800 car"

or

".....when you own your car and make payments on your bike"