Buying my first road bike!

Mark_E

I was wondering if you all could give me some advice on what to look for in my first one? I'm not looking for a top-echelon bike, but I do intend on taking part in maybe a few amateur type shenanigans. I mainly want it for faster commuting. I'm hoping to not spend more than $200, but I am willing to spend what it takes to ensure a good bike, or even if you all could give me good leads for parts, it'd be really appreciated.

To give you all an idea of what I ride now:
1984 TREK 890
Shimano Deore 24spd System 3 front cogs 8 on the cassette
1.5 Slickasaurus Tires
Everything is steel, and I do mean everything but the pedals. Handlebars, seat post, fork, the cogs, and whatever else is supposed to be metal.
I can only imagine the weight on this thing.

I thank any help I receive in advance

Scotttri

Unless your planning to buy second hand, I think you might have to stretch your budget a little

Mark_E

Hm, ok then. What would you recommend?

Scotttri

Entry level road bikes from makers such as Giant, felt, Orbea etc... would be fine for what you want to do, they range from $700-900 here in Australia, obviously cheaper in the states, uk etc. Other wise you can buy a decent second hand bike for bout $500 Aus.

Mark_E

Thanks for the pointer!

What type of components would you all recommend I try and get on the bike if at all possible? I hear a lot of people telling me to get either 105's at minimum or some campy gear.

Also, are there any distinct disadvantages I'd notice with a triple crank? And could I combat them by merely removing the granny gear?

Scotttri

No disadvantages with a triple crank only that, all the serious cyclists use doubles ( tripple is seen as the easy way out ) 105 is great will be more expensive, sora or tiagra would do fine as an entry bike. All depends on your goals and if your planning to upgrade your bike in the near future or not.

Mark_E

Ok, big news! My family's putting in a thousand to help me out and I'm putting down half a thousand. I've got 1,500 to get myself a good racing bike with and here's what Also, I got recruited for a local cycling team, I suppose they got tired of me passing their racers on the path or something, ha ha.

At any rate, my coach said I need a minimum of 105's and should try to have as much carbon on my bike as possible.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-CARBON-FIBE...1QQcmdZViewItem

I was thinking of getting that one, anyone else have an idea?

coneofsilence

I would be going to a local bike shop and getting a bike unless you definately know the size of the bike your after. Fit is the most important thing about a bicycle. If it doesn't fit you, it doesn't really matter how good the bike is, you will never enjoy it. Just something to think about. Definately go 105 or better.

Scotttri

I wouldn't be going for a triple ( 30 speed ) And definately go and get yourself fitted properly.

Mark_E

Ok , everyone. just a couple more things to ask, but again, thanks so much for all the help.

1. If I did get triple crank, could I then just remove the granny gear, or would this cause me some issues?
2. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but in order of effectiveness, does it go: 105, Ultrega 6600, Ultrega SL, and then Dura-Ace 7800 as the best?

Nubes

1st..go to LBS and get fitted....you should buy new, then your not stuck with someone elses problems and almost all bike shops offer one-year free maintenance a few offer free maintenance for the life of your bike...if you want 105 group on a new bike your probably going to spend atleast $800 minimum

Scotttri

Just dont buy a tripple. I'm sure a coach wouldn't suggest a tripple.
And yes Dura ace, Ultegra, 105.

ceedee

What a load of rubbish! Its okay for people to say buy a double but they might not have any hills to climb and might be fitter or younger.


If you need a triple then buy a triple, I have ridden a Sora triple groupset for 4000 miles with no real problem, now its wearing out I am replacing it with 105 but I dont expect that much more from a 105.

Mark_E

I have a training road bike right now with a double and I can ride it just fine, but the problem is, for my competition bike I'm literally finding tons of great deals on these bikes (105 or better and full CF), but a lot of them are triple crank.

I really am considering buying a triple and then jsut removing the granny gear, but how much trouble would this then raise for me?