Congrats on the return to cycling! I got back in at the age of 55Originally Posted by cmantelope
, two years ago. I've actually shopped for and bought 3 bikes since then. I tried a GT hybrid when I was looking for my first bike. I liked the ride, but the components were really cheesy for the price, and it didn't feel like quality. This made me leery of GT bikes in general. But the ride was nice. The GT road bike you're looking at has Tiagra components, which are not bad and probably what you will find on road bikes in this price range.
Other suggestions in your price range - the Specialized Dolce, Trek Lexa, Cannondale Synapse (aluminum) Felt (great bikes, cheaper prices!), Bianchi, Orbea Aqua (may be a little higher in price).
The quality of the shop you buy from is pretty important, imo. You want to be assured that your bike is assembled correctly, with no issues, and that you're fitted properly. When you go into a shop don't be afraid to assert yourself and ask for help! They get many browsers, so may not come up to you unless you let them know you need assistance. It's quite common for them to ask for car keys or a license to take their bikes for a ride, I don't mind as long as I CAN take the bike for a ride!
Concerning sizing, are you sure of the size you need? Not all brands size their frames the same. You could need a 50 cm in one, a 52 in another, and a 49 in a third. The shops often have other sizes "downstairs" or "upstairs" or wherever else they assemble their bikes. Or perhaps they have the bike you're interested in unassembled. So again, it pays to ask for help. I would try a bike a size larger or smaller if that were all that they had, as long as I could ride it, just so I could get a feel for the model.
Don't be afraid to try men's or unisex versions, if it's in a size you can ride. Many women are more comfortable on a frame with male geometry, especially if their torsos are proportionally longer than their legs. Or you may like a particular men's bike a lot but need the women's geometry. The shop can usually order it for you if they don't have it. The only way you'll find out what you really like is by trying different things. Try a few over your price range, to see what the more expensive components or carbon frames feel like. You may decide to increase your bike-buying budget for a bike you love.
I started looking at road bikes last summer, in the same price range as you. I started with bikes in that range, and then started looking a little bit higher and into the carbon frames. My search continued this spring. That sweet looking Trek Lexa that I THOUGHT I was going to buy when I first started looking became a $3000 Specialized Ruby Comp this spring. I know I'm much happier with this bike that I love, it will last me many years, and I don't regret a penny of what it cost. But if I wasn't fortunate enough to be able to finally afford the bike I wanted, there were a few in the lower price range that I rode and liked, and would've liked riding better than the Lexa that first caught my eye.
The most important factor is that you are comfortable on the bike. And as we are all built differently we are comfortable on different brands' frames since their geometry is not the same. Next comes components - what level of components will your money get with brand xyz? What will a little more money get you? Can you notice the difference and does it matter to you?
All things to consider. Good luck on your search and don't give up yet!
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06-03-2012, 10:03 AM #11
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