looking for a road bike! need advice!

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Hullo! I am relatively new to the world of cycling... I have been riding on a Specialized Crossroad hybrid bike for the past 4 years or so... but its time to upgrade! I am looking for a bike that would be used to do some charity rides, participate in some races (I plan to join my school's cycling team), as well as be something to take around town and on bike routes.

I am looking for something in the $600-$1,000 price range (no more). I have been looking at the Trek 1500 WSD, Lemond Reno Woman's Triple, Specialized Dolce Sport, and the Dolce Elite. I haven't been able to test ride any yet (I plan to, of course, just need to find some time). I would like to stick with those brands (Specialized, Trek, and Lemond) since there is a great bike shop near me that carries mainly those and will allow me to finance it (the only way I can buy one right now).

I would appreciate any advice! I want some opinions not from people trying to sell me something! Thanks

Kristen

Originally posted by kstein84
Hullo! I am relatively new to the world of cycling... I have been riding on a Specialized Crossroad hybrid bike for the past 4 years or so... but its time to upgrade! I am looking for a bike that would be used to do some charity rides, participate in some races (I plan to join my school's cycling team), as well as be something to take around town and on bike routes.

I am looking for something in the $600-$1,000 price range (no more). I have been looking at the Trek 1500 WSD, Lemond Reno Woman's Triple, Specialized Dolce Sport, and the Dolce Elite. I haven't been able to test ride any yet (I plan to, of course, just need to find some time). I would like to stick with those brands (Specialized, Trek, and Lemond) since there is a great bike shop near me that carries mainly those and will allow me to finance it (the only way I can buy one right now).

I would appreciate any advice! I want some opinions not from people trying to sell me something! Thanks

Kristen


Hmmm. The price range that you're looking in does somewhat limit your choices. If you plan on racing I would not get a triple. If you're just going to do some touring a triple would be fine.

In that price range you may have to look for a used bike. You could probably find something really good for a reasonable price that way if you are of a common bike size (not a small woman).

I'd suggest that you cruise the online bike classifieds in your area to find a good used option! :D

the dolce sport is 600.. however the elite is 1200-1299. i have the elite and like it so far.

i'm a new cyclist so i appreciate the triple.

watch out for the trek wsd's.. at least one of them comes with the smaller tires. that means if you are out with other cyclists and need a tire or tube in an emergency.. you won't be able to borrow one.

Hey! I actually test-road a Lemond Reno and a Specialized Dolce Elite. I really liked the feel of the Elite! The bike shop has interest-free financing (gives me 18 months to pay it off) so I can afford to spend the extra few hundred. The Reno was ok, but something about it didn't quite feel right... I felt like I had more control over the Elite. I didn't even try the Sport. They are all out of the Trek in my size and are unable to order more.

I haven't made any final decisions yet... this will be the most $ I have ever invested in a bike! I have been trying to justify and logicalize (not a word, but you get the point) spending this much despite having other things I need to worry about paying for! But ooh how I love bikes! hah

Thanks for the advice!

Kristen