New or second hand?

[Aisling]

Hi,

I'm in a slightly different position to many new riders, so would really appreciate some input.

I've signed up to do a 1,000km charity cycle in New Zealand next September. I will be provided with a high-quality bike when I go to New Zealand for the cycle itself, but will need to get a road bike to train on in the interim.

I know that the sky's the limit when it comes to road bikes, but given that I'm going to be doing a serious amount of training over the next few months, I want to get a bike that I won't need to upgrade immediately - what should my main considerations be?

I'm 5'7 and got measured and told a 52cm frame (20.5 inches?) would be a good size for me. Obviously, the bike shop are keen to push their top of the range lines, but how do I find a happy medium? I'm happy to invest for a good ride, but I'll never be an Olympian!

I'm hoping to make a purchase fairly soon, to take advantage of the discounted 2010 frames that are around at the moment. I considered going second-hand too, but I'm not sure I have the expertise to properly check out a bike - or to know whether it's a good fit.

Am I overthinking all of this? Where's a good starting point?

Thanks so much for your help,

Aisling

[Owlie]

I'm not sure I'd ever want to do distances like that on a bike that wasn't my own.

As far as the training bike goes, the best bike is one that you enjoy riding. You aren't going to enjoy riding as much if it doesn't fit you properly. (I speak with some experience in this regard. ) So, first, determine if you need a WSD bike or not. (This is based on your relative proportions--you might need WSD if you have long legs and a short torso). You can start trying out bikes based on that. The number they gave you is a starting point. Ride lots of bikes, even the ones that you probably won't consider buying. Once you've got a couple that fit (and some that don't), you can go online and look up the geometry charts and compare them. That way, you can find out which features work for you and which don't. If you decide to get a second-hand bike (which can get you a lot more for your money), you can use this information to determine if a bike might fit. I'd still ask to test-ride it.

Your main consideration will obviously be the fit. This can be tweaked--new stem, new seatpost, new handlebars... Once you get a list of bikes that work for you, look at the frame material, components and gearing. Shimano 105 (or the equivalent) is a good place to start. As far as the frame material goes, that's an individual preference and it depends on how much you're willing to spend and the roads on which you'll be riding. Gearing...talking about that is not my area of expertise.

I'm sorry to have written a novel. If there's something I left out, I'm pretty sure someone will come along and add it. Happy shopping!

ETA: Go to a bunch of bike shops. Tell them what you want--a mid-range road bike. If they keep pushing the high-end stuff, leave. It means they want the sale more than finding a bike that works for you.

[Aisling]

Hi Owlie and Muireann,

Thanks so much for your replies. You've certainly given me plenty of food for thought! I guess the next thing for me to do is to go harass some local bike stores and try some bikes - I'll let you know how I get on, and keep all the things I've learnt about sizing in mind!

Thanks again

[tulip]

I cannot add anything to the great advice you have received so far on purchasing a bike.

You will need to take both your saddle and your pedals with you to New Zealand. You definitely don't want to do that ride on a strange saddle.

[Bluetree]

Try to buy a cheaper version of the same bike you will be riding. That way, the geometry will be the same and you have time to solve any sizing and fit issues.

I went to Hawaii and found a Specialized shop that rented road bikes. Their rental bike in my size (aluminum) had the same geometry as one of my carbon bike at home. Before I left, I wrote down all my measurements and packed my stem, saddle, pedals and shoes. When I got the rental bike, I borrowed their tools and was able to swap out everything important, including removing all the spacers. The difference in handlebars was negligible and the seatpost had the same setback (I called beforehand and asked).

When training for a long ride, even the smallest changes can lead to discomfort or worse. Preparing for it with the closest possible equipment will save you from a lot of potential problems.

(And I agree, the 52cm sounds a bit small for you. But if that is your only option, it's all the more important to solve your fit issues before you leave, such as needing a longer stem)

[Kiwi Stoker]

Some info about NZ roads-

They are mostly chip seal so see if you can get a carbon or steel bike and purchase well padded gloves.

Make sure whatever tyres you have are REALLY bullets proof and tell the organisers that you will need a few spare tyres- the chip seal and glass on the roads slahes your tyres up big time.

Buy and use a rear mirror- there are large trucks (milk tankers for instance) on small country roads you need to watch for.

There are big hills to climb and wind is a factor, so make sure some of your training includes these.

Also be aware that there's a huge debate happening at the moment (and it doesn't look like it's going away) about cyclists being on roads. There is a LOT of NZ drivers that are not pro cycling. Ride with caution.

Have fun and enjoy the scenery- I love cycling in NZ.

[Aisling]

Wow, thanks so much for all the help and support, I'm feeling a lot less intimidated and a lot more excited by the purchase now!

Tulip - Thanks for the pointer on the saddle and the pedals. I'll definitely keep it in mind

Bluetree - You make a really good point. The ride is being organised by one of my local bike shops, so I think I'll go and try to get some more info with them about what exactly we'll have to use out there.

I'm not sure about the 52cm - they took my measurements and said that's what would be the right size for me - but I haven't been able to go out on any test rides yet because the roads are covered with snow and ice at the moment. It's very uncharacteristic though and hopefully will clear in the next few days - I'm getting so impatient!!

Kiwi Stoker - Wow, thanks for the local knowledge, I'm sure it will prove absolutely invaluable I'll definitely be sure to mention the points about the roads and the tyres to the organisers. I'm so excited to be getting down to New Zealand, everyone I know who's been just raves about it.

Muireann - Thanks so much for all the links - I had a rough idea of the key terms from talking to some cycle-keen friends, but the links really clarified things in my head, and the female-specific information was much appreciated! Sheldon Brown is some resource - seems to be a one-man encyclopedia, but lots of great articles

Once again, thank you all so much for taking the time to reply, and the consideration you've given to your responses, I feel like I'm in a much better position to ask for what I want now!

[Aisling]

Hi, just wanted to give you all an update - I think I've found my bike, the Trek Lexa SL. It's a new model for 2011 so there aren't many reviews online yet, but it's very similar to the Trek 1.5 range which seems highly regarded. Also, according to the people organising the cycle, it's what we'll be using out in New Zealand, so that's another plus.

For sizing they measured me again, and I come pretty much mid-way between a 52 and a 54, so I think I'll go with the 52cm because apparently it would be easier to adjust the handlebar stem.

So on Monday I need to go and get work to sign off on the necessary paperwork, and then I can officially place my order. It's a bit of a hassle, but it will save me 50% off the 'ticket price' so well worth it!

The only thing then is to decide on the colour:
'Gloss rage'


or 'Satin White'


Think I'm already leaning toward the red though!

[jobob]

What an interesting thread! Aisling, that's a great adventure you're starting. I hope you keep us informed of your progress.

And if it matters any, I like the red one too.

[Aisling]

I just wanted to drop by an give you all a quick update on my progress - it took a while to organise, but I finally picked up my new bike after work on Tuesday, it was so exciting! Here it is in my sitting room (still nameless, alas!)



I was itching to get out on it, but unfortunately had another commitment yesterday (argh!) so today was my first little cycle. I didn't do anything too major, just a 15k circuit around my house, to get used to cycling a road bike, the new positions, gears etc.

And it was amazing! I had so much fun - I would have stayed out for longer except I started to have trouble shifting the gears on the front cogs (sorry, I'm not down with all the terminology yet!). I'm going to go consult Sheldon on how to fix it now, I presume it will just be a matter of tightening something a little.

In any case, I can't wait to get out for my next ride

[Owlie]

Very nice! I've been looking at that bike's "big sister" (the Lexa SLX) as my next bike. I must say, though, that I like that color better! Many happy miles (kilometers? ) to you!