Went Bike Shopping Today

[Owlie]

Turbojackie,
When it comes to road bikes, expect to spend anywhere from ~$800 for an entry-level bike to...well, the sky's the limit. I'm looking to spend anywhere between ~$2000 for a top-notch aluminum with 105 to ~$4000 (Ultegra-equipped carbon).

I don't know about spinning bikes (though a lot of them seem to use an SPD-type system), but the "clipless" part refers to the lack of a toe clip/cage.

[turbojackie]

Owlie, the spinners have a clip that fits about the ball of your foot. Regular biking shoes fit them. Most spinner bikes have clips on one side of the pedal, and a toecage on the other side.

I see you have a Giant Avail. I test rode one a few weeks ago and it was very sweet. I got a little confused on the gears, but I think I would figure it out. I'm use to looking at a number to know what gear I am in. Do you like yours alot?

[turbojackie]

oh, one more thing - what is "105"? Sorry for asking so many questions!

[Roadtrip]

oh, one more thing - what is "105"? Sorry for asking so many questions!

Shimano 105 group set.... Shifters, derailures, gears... They're a little more expensive, but worth it, big upgrade over Deore or some of the more entry level component sets.

Shannon

[Owlie]

105 is a mid-range Shimano component group. Ultegra's one step higher. (I'm a Shimano girl. SRAM makes no sense to me!)

I'm okay with my Avail. It was what fit in my price range at the time, but I discovered after the fact that Giant's WSD geometry doesn't agree with me. I need a short top tube because I have long legs and a short torso. I also want to upgrade the wheels and components once they start wearing out (probably another year or two). She's still a good bike for what I paid ($750) because I had no idea that I'd get into it as much as I did. Don't let me discourage you from looking at Giant. Giant makes good bikes for how much they cost--the geometry just doesn't work for me (and because of my proportions, a lot of bikes don't work). I'm looking at a Ruby for my next bike (and also at a Cannondale if I can find one to test-ride.)

Shannon, I've definitely felt rattled, but not horribly so on parts of the trail, and I'm riding aluminum, albeit with 25s rather than the 23s that came with your bike. (No, I haven't changed them yet.

[Roadtrip]

Shannon, I've definitely felt rattled, but not horribly so on parts of the trail, and I'm riding aluminum, albeit with 25s rather than the 23s that came with your bike. (No, I haven't changed them yet.

I'm riding 25s now.. Tho I do weight a tad more then you do (dang feather-weight you So I may feel those a little more-- dunno. North from Milford is the section I'm talking about. Out from Loveland, north is pretty good trail, but your up near YS now.

[turbojackie]

Thanks for the explanations!

I have short legs and a long torso, so we are the exact opposite!

I currently have a Cannondale Quik. I believe that would be a CX, correct? It is great for the riding I am doing, but I am thinking I might want a road bike, also, for when I want to ride long and on pavement. Just thinking......

[Roadtrip]

By cross or CX, I ment Cyclocross, not a hybrid like your Quick.

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/road...ss/2011-superx
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/road...clocross-caadx

It's got drop bars like a road bike, but a more aggressive (wider/knobby) tire, so able to go a little off road... Tho not single track like a true mountain bike.

[Owlie]

I'm riding 25s now.. Tho I do weight a tad more then you do (dang feather-weight you So I may feel those a little more-- dunno. North from Milford is the section I'm talking about. Out from Loveland, north is pretty good trail, but your up near YS now.

Oh goodness, yes. That part is pretty bad.

[Roadtrip]

Ruby owner here reporting in... Love it... I have discovered unless your riding on really GOOD pavement, the skinny tires on a roadie will make you hurt (even on a carbon bike) if the pavement is really bumpy. The local trail here has a mile or so of really bumpy trail and it shakes my fillings loose every time we ride through there. My point: buy the right bike for what type of ridding you intend to do. Some have bought CX bikes for the road bars and position, but slightly wider tires of a cross bike, so just ride as many bikes before giving your heart to just one