Purchasing a Road Bike

[Big Rabbit]

N.Y. Biker,

I live in Arlington also near Westover. I usually ride the trails but have just started riding on roads with my group.

You're probably a member of Babes on Bikes. I'm not up to their speed yet.

[Sky King]

This photo is from part of our ride yesterday on our "road bikes" We had a blast, being spring, part of the trail was basically a creek. We rode about 3 miles and stopped for lunch at the tree in this photo. Overall ride was 37 miles.

[ny biker]

N.Y. Biker,

I live in Arlington also near Westover. I usually ride the trails but have just started riding on roads with my group.

You're probably a member of Babes on Bikes. I'm not up to their speed yet.

I've taken some cue sheets from the Babes on Bikes website, but last I checked they ride weekdays while I'm at work, so I've never joined them. I'm a member of Potomac Pedalers and Oxon Hill Bike Club.

I wouldn't ride the towpath on my road bike, but it's fine for the WOD, Custis trail, Mount Vernon trail and Capital Crescent. It's been years since I've ridden the Rock Creek trail in Maryland, but I think you can ride that on a road bike too. Although it is pretty twisty in spots and takes long to dry out after a rainy period due to all the tree cover, it's paved.

[Lauralyn]

I bought a road bike last year, Fri before Memorial day weekend, I needed a stress relief and I got it. I did not try any other bikes, went to one shop and bought. My husband said I should have at least the Shamono 105. I wish I went for a carbon bike, I have been looking online and will start to try out some in the next few months. If you really like the biking make the right purchase at now if you can.
Good luck with your hunt and I hope you have as much fun as I have had this last year.

[rubysoho]

I am another who went the ruby route. And I am soooo happy I did. I could have spent half on another bike but went ahead and invested in a full carbon frame. I doubt I will ever want a different road bike and I believe I saved myself money in the long run because, again, I don't see needing to upgrade to anything else.

Tip: if you can wait until September/October you might find a great deal. I was lucky and bought my bike at the end of the season when the newer versions were about to come out and the bike shop wanted to sell to make room for new stock. They had my ruby elite at a great discount!