Advice on road bike purchase

[bikerz]

I was thinking about getting a new bike a few months ago - maybe even a custom bike, and so I started looking at the questionnaires the custom bike places ask you to fill out to help determine geometry, components, material, etc. I quickly realized that I had a LOT more to learn about cycling in general and my own preferences, strengths and weaknesses. I have been trying to "study" my rides with these questionnaires in mind, and I find it really has helped me think about what I ultimately might want - even though I'm not ready to make a descison yet!

here are some links that might be interesting:

Seven Cycles - custom fit kit (oooh - I love Sevens!)
Luna Cycles - custom questionnaire can be downloaded

[Bike Goddess]

I agree with what Biker Z is saying. I started out with a steel bike- Jamis Quest- which has been a wonderful bike for me. I had a mtn bike derailleur put on as I wanted lower gears to climb steep mountains.

This last fall (2005) I had the opportunity to get a carbon bike on sale (Scott CR 1) and I bought it! Had I purchased this bike 3 years ago, I wouldn't have been ready for it as it is a very fast bike.

I would highly recommend that you find a good road bike in the $1000-2000 range before you commit to something more expensive. You'll discover what kind of riding you like to do, how far you want to go, and what kind of gears you like. Ride lots of different types of frames- aluminum, steel, carbon (if you can find one for the price)- get the best wheels you can for the money, as well as components. If you ride enough bikes, you will discover which one feels the best. None of us can tell you that part, we can only tell you what we like. If the shoe fits, wear it!!!!

[Cyclesome]

I appreciate all the good advice. I am 5' 5 1/2 ", 144 lbs., average proportioned. I work out at the gym at least 3 times per week and consider myself to be in relatively good shape.

What specific bike would you recommend in the $1000 - $2000 range? LBS shops within my area carry Trek, Cannondale, Giant. Do I need need a bike designed specifically for women or is this just a fad or for the petite woman?

Any advice is appreciated.

[KnottedYet]

Have you considered buying a frame and having a bike built from the frame for you?

I know I've posted this before (sorry everyone!) but I'm also looking for a road bike. I know I want a tourer with a steel frame. Not a speed machine, and certainly not a light weight with skinny wheels and tight geometry. I know the components I want (for the most part). Actually, I'm literally on my way out the door in a few minutes to go to Free Range Cycles to discuss building tourer from a Soma Double Cross or Surly Long Haul Trucker.

"Instant" bikes I've looked at are Jamis Aurora and Burley Vagabond. But I think I'd be happier if I could put exactly what I want on the frame.

www.freerangecycles.com
www.somafab.com
www.surlybikes.com

[Trekhawk]

I appreciate all the good advice. I am 5' 5 1/2 ", 144 lbs., average proportioned. I work out at the gym at least 3 times per week and consider myself to be in relatively good shape.

What specific bike would you recommend in the $1000 - $2000 range? LBS shops within my area carry Trek, Cannondale, Giant. Do I need need a bike designed specifically for women or is this just a fad or for the petite woman?

Any advice is appreciated.

Go take a look and have fun. Im 5'4 and neither of my road bikes are WSD. We are all so different in our body measurements regardless of height that you really need to try lots of bikes including WSD and see what fits your body best.

Enjoy and happy bike hunting.

[bcipam]

Do a search on this site for "bike fittings"... before you consider spending any money on any bike get a fitting. Once you have your measurements then you can start looking at bikes and comparing geometries etc. You may or may not need a WSD bike - its depends on your proportions not your height. If your legs are long but torso and reach short you may want a WSD bike but not necessarily.

You need to understand how you ride, you need to know materials and how they feel when your ride - such as Ti, steel, carbon and alumnium, and you need to know components. Do some internet research. Aluminum bikes are harsh feeling but stiff, can go fast. Carbon, Ti and steel are more forgiving materials generally but can also be stiff. There is also bike design (such as compact frames, touring, race, comfort etc) to consider.

If you need to stay around $1000 - 1500 look for a good steel bike (just my humble opinion) with the best components you can get. Lemond sells a nice steel bike with full Ultegra for around $1500. Although not a fan of carbon (but alot of folks are) you can get a nice, comfortable carbon bike from say Trek for around $2000.

[dachshund]

If possible, shop for the LBS as much as you do the particular bike. I'm not sure all of them approach the fitting process the same way. They don't all have an attitude towards female cyclists that will suit you. I was really surprised by both of these things, and picked the LBS that had the "features" I wanted here.

If you've got plenty of time, then ride lots of bikes! That should make it clear what you like. There are many accounts here of what other women like and own, which did help me when I was shopping. My take on the > $2000 end was that you could get the carbon frames that are "stiff and responsive". In other words, aluminum is stiff, steel is responsive... custom carbon has both features. I never tried one, so I don't know if that's all hype. But it was an interesting concept.

And I agree on bcipam's comment on a good steel bike, but that's just me. Bianchi 2005 Veloce is what I bought. I prefer the Campagnolo components, another personal preference thing.

Let us know how it goes.

[betagirl]

I agree with what the others have said.

I have a 2003 Trek 1200 and a 2005 Lemond Zurich. The Trek is in the $1000 range, give or take. The Lemond was $2400. There are considerable differences in the bikes, including the frame and quality of the components. With that, the Trek is a great bike but I love my Lemond. The reason I upgraded was I knew I was hooked on road cycling so I decided to get the better bike. Now I have 2 great bikes to choose from

Differences include Shimano components on the Trek vs. Ultegra on the Lemond. The Trek is aluminum with a carbon fork and seat post, the Lemond is a carbon/steel combination frame. So it's lighter and smoother on the road than the Trek. But the Trek isn't uncomfortable. The Lemond also just feels more solidly built, if that makes sense. The Lemond also has an additional gear on the back (Ultegra 10), but my understanding is that Shimano has since gone from 9 gears to 10 from when I got my Trek.

If you have $3000 to spend, maybe try a lower end road bike first and see how you like the feel since it is different than a hybrid on many aspects. If you decide you're hooked, upgrade