n00b Roadie Seeks Bike: A Tale

[amb]

I think everyone on this board will tell you to buy what fits best/is most comfortable and with the nicest components you can afford. I purchased a 2010 Trek 2.1 WSD in March (this year) for $1099. It has mostly 105 components (Tiagra brakes) and is a double. It's comfortable for me and rides great. I hadn't really ridden a bike since i was a kid either. In starting cycling, I wanted a decent quality bike that wasn't going to totally break the bank. The 2.1 is perfect for my needs/skills/riding style and I LOVE it. I do not however, love the boring gunmetal grey/white/bronze paint job. I went for "function over fashion" on this one. Maybe someday I'll upgrade to a bike that looks more fun. Until then, I happily roll along on my little 2.1.

Good luck with your choice and many safe miles of riding!!

[badgercat]

Sounds like you've been doing the best thing you can--which is riding a whole bunch of different bikes and getting a feel for what you do and don't like about them. I've purchased a new "old" bike (a 2009 Jamis on clearance nearing the end of the 2010 season) and would not hesitate to take that approach again. I even had to learn to love a food-related color scheme, too... mine is white and "Butterscotch."

Happy shopping!

[Biciclista]

welcome to TE! If you're liking the creamsicle, I'd say go with it.
you can totally do STP if you train for it.

But you should know that Raleighs are no longer made locally

[trickycoolj]

Thanks for the tips everyone! I'm still debating hard on the creamsicle 2.1! They want $999 which seems like a lot when 2012's coming out this month make it 4 years old.

I stopped by my favorite LBS last night, they have their 2011's marked down and have the 2011 Trek Lexa SLX marked down for $1149. I'm thinking of dropping by a third time tonight and actually taking that one for a ride tonight too. For $150 more it's a step up in components to full 105's, outgoing year and a neutral silver/white combo (easy to jazz up with accessories).

I love the red/white on the 2012 Lexa SL, but it's still a few weeks out and definitely not on sale (maybe a little bit lower than MSRP according to my LBS since they have a good relationship with Trek).

Either way I think I'm settled on one of the first two bikes and will hopefully pull the trigger this weekend on one of them!

[laura*]

Thanks for the tips everyone! I'm still debating hard on the creamsicle 2.1! They want $999 which seems like a lot when 2012's coming out this month make it 4 years old.

I wouldn't consider bikes to depreciate like cars. The big component groups only get changed every 3 or 4 years. Some people even prefer components of a previous generation. Your continued riding of the 1997 bike demonstrates that you don't need to the latest and greatest parts.

The more important consideration is how much wear and tear the bike has gotten from test rides and sitting around the shop.

[trickycoolj]

Last night I put a refundable hold-deposit on the 2011 Lexa SLX at my favorite LBS. The deciding factors were the fact that for $150 more than the creamsicle I am able to get a step up in components (105s vs Tiagra mix) and fender mounts. I was told at a different LBS and in subsequent research that the 105s had a significant upgrade around 2009/10 so I decided that was worth the jump. The lower end components on my '97 HardRock do show their wear more these days but generally still works for the easier trail riding I do with it.

My goals with this bike are to start working up to distance rides for fitness. There's a great large local bicycle club here in Seattle that hosts rides almost every night of the week at varying levels. They also have classes on riding in traffic and for learning to do group rides, which I'd like to take to make sure I'm at the right level before joining the group rides. I also work for a large corporation that has a non-sponsored employee bicycle club that also organizes local rides on weekends and after work. With luck, doing group and solo rides I'll be able to build up mileage to do some bigger event rides like the Seattle Century, STP and the many Tour-de-[insert county name here] rides. I may consider commuting but currently that involves riding through the heart of downtown Seattle and the industrial/port area in south Seattle which involves lots of semi-truck traffic so I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with that idea just yet. Maybe a bus/bike combo a few days a week.

I have two friends that I have also encouraged to join me for some riding. One used to be an avid racer about 10 years ago in college and it fell by the wayside to full time swing/night shift work. He's ordering new components for his bike and rebuilding it next week. The other friend got a late-1980s Trek from his dad that needed a few parts replaced but is otherwise a sturdy aluminum bike. He's planning to try commuting to work a few days a week. So I'm very excited that I'll have a couple of friends joining my cycling adventure!

[GingerbreadGirl]

Can't wait to see pictures! I have been deeply in love with the gray Lexa S with the aqua tape since I saw one on our local path. Enjoy your new ride.

[Velocivixen]

I have thoughts & questions. Other than the STP how will you ride this bike? Will it just be for out on the road, long training distances? If you ever plan on just riding around for fun or commuting you'll want fenders and maybe a rack someday. If so make sure to get a bike that can take fenders/racks. Many "Road" bikes cannot take those things. Once you do STP how will you use the bike?
Also, keep in mind that the 2012 bikes are here any second and bike shops will be clearancing out their 2011 stock, so wait for a sale.