Shopping for a road bike. Help!

I know nothing about road bikes except that I need one. The area I live in has a long paved bike path along the Bay. This time of year I can't MTB ride during the week, so I want to get a road bike to sneak in rides after work.

So, what should I look for in a road bike?

My budget is around $700 or less. I don't really care about weight since I will not be racing anyone, just riding solo for fun and miles. I'd like a bike that is fun, reliable, and comfortable to ride for several hours.

Give me your best advice. Thanks.

 

Giant Defy 3
$750

 

What size mountain bike do you ride?

 

$700.00 for a road bike. You may have to stick to an SS. I like my Kona but there are others.

http://www.konaworld.com/09_paddywagon_u.cfm

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/925.htm

http://www.bianchiusa.com/09_d2_san_jose_single_speed.html

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38444&eid=109

 

Large usually. A 24 to 24.5" effective top tube works great for me.

I am more concerned about components, set up, and the like. Sizing will get done at my LBS when I decide what I want.

EDIT: My LBS sells Giant, Specialized, Felt, Marin and a few other brands. I'd like to stick to these, but am willing to branch out.

 

I think the most important thing to consider is the bike fit.

Getting the right size frame and getting the seat and stem positions dialed in will make the biggest difference.

Mountain bikes are a lot more forgiving when it comes to size and fit than road bikes.

Once you are confident about the size frame you are seeking......there are a ton of good deals on used road bikes.

Other considerations would be the frame material. I have Aluminum, Steel, and Ti road bkes, and they all have a completely different feel.

Test ride a few materials to see what feels best for your style of riding, and once you are set on the size and the material......start checking for used deals.

Thanks!

 

I just bought a Specialized Allez Comp. You can get the base model Allez for around $850. You would ride a 56 or Large size like me. I keep going back to Specialized road bikes when I want a road bike they just simply ride better and have great solid frames. You can always upgrade components. I rode everything I could find in the 1000-1500 range and this bike rode the best.

 

Get a steel cross bike!

Or the Tricross...

 

Buy used... You'll get a better bike...

I would not suggest a SS...

Cheers,

C.K.

 

I probably won't go SS, but I'll see what's out there used. My LBS has some demo Felts they will be selling soon.

 

too bad you missed the SF Veloswap last weekend, coulda found something cool and used fo sho.

 

Something else just to keep in mind.

Mountain Bike Components compared to Road Bike Components - Levels

Shimano 105 group = Shimano LX group
Shimano Ultegra group = Shimano XT group
Shimano Dura Ace group = Shimano XTR group

SRAM Rival = Sram X9
Sram Red = Sram X0

I dont know much about the Campy stuff but I know the Record group is the high end for them.

I am not a true roadie but this seems accurate from what I have seen/rode.

 

I have a Kona Paddywagon that I love. It is a single speed but does not have the track gearing most come with. If the path you ride is mostly flat you will have a blast on it. I ride the riverbed from Anahiem stadium down to huntington and have a blast. It's a simple, steel single speed. I had a full Dura ace cannondale I sold because after buying the Kona thats all I rode. And you can pick them up for under 600.

 

Check out bikesdirect.com
Great deals..

 

you forgot about SRAM Force it's right in between Rival and Red

 

I bought an 09 Specialized Langster for $750 a few months ago from The Path. I got the polished/silver one. It's a SS and I ride to work each day (6 miles round trip). I've got some hills but even I can do it on an SS.

If you're not going to do centuries then an SS might not be so bad. Eventually I'm going to buy a geared road bike, but for now this thing is perfect for my daily commute.

 

Seriously i would check out a cross bike like the Kona Jake or spend a little more for a jake the snake so as that way you could take it off road when time permits if you end up enjoying the road invest in a seperate set of Road wheels and tires to swap out

 

+1 on this. That's what I ended up doing.

 

Slicks

Put some thin slicks on the m-bike for the winter. Save the $$

 

Check out the Kona Honkey Tonk. It is a nice steel frame with old style DA down tube shifters. Fun road bike with style on the cheep.