Novice looking for a new road bike

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Hi,

I'm new to all this, and am thinking of getting a comfortable road bike for general fitness. I have done some preliminary research, and have basically decided on a few features that I'd like to have as a minimum, for a good entry price.

1. Carbon seat stays and carbon forks (or full carbon frame even)
2. More upright dropbar position if possible
3. Not too concerned about the other components really.

I am only 160cm and 45kg :). The sequoia is no longer available in my region (melbourne), and while the Trek Pilot 2.1 seems to fit this description very well, it seems that it can be more expensive than even some full carbon frames from other brands.

Would anyone have any brand with models to suggest for me to look at? Thank you!

Ask yourself why you need a full carbon frame. You say you are "novice". Spending money on a full carbon frame is money that could be well spent on better things.

Cheers.

Go to bike shops and ride different bikes. You should eventually be able to find one you like that is in your price range. I suggest you be familiar with different materials and components but don't let it pidgeon-hole you into something. You want to purchase a bike you are going to ride - with that said it should be a bike that "YOU" like. There are so many opinions about materials and about the different manufacturers while at the same time there are so many different bikes made of different materials from many different manufacturers. Get a bike, don't spend a lot of money on it, ride it, enjoy it, if you stick with it then learn from it (what you like and don't like about it). Experience is the best guide - but to gain experience you have to take a chance and take a first step.

Get a bike and get out and ride.

Go to bike shops and ride different bikes. You should eventually be able to find one you like that is in your price range. I suggest you be familiar with different materials and components but don't let it pidgeon-hole you into something. You want to purchase a bike you are going to ride - with that said it should be a bike that "YOU" like. There are so many opinions about materials and about the different manufacturers while at the same time there are so many different bikes made of different materials from many different manufacturers. Get a bike, don't spend a lot of money on it, ride it, enjoy it, if you stick with it then learn from it (what you like and don't like about it). Experience is the best guide - but to gain experience you have to take a chance and take a first step.

Get a bike and get out and ride.I can't agree more. All of the subleties don't really matter. If you ride enough and get hooked, you will want a new one next year no matter what you buy now. Go to a good shop and just make sure that it fits and that the geometry is to your liking.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.