What beginner road bike do you recommend?
Monday, December 1st, 2008 at
7:20 pm
lackovizzle asked:
I am currently a recreational mountain biker but I am looking to start getting into road biking and am looking for some tips on a good beginner bike.
I am currently a recreational mountain biker but I am looking to start getting into road biking and am looking for some tips on a good beginner bike.
Tagged with: Beginner Bike • Mountain Biker • Road Bike
Filed under: How to...
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Hi,
There are several important things to consider when you are buying a new bike. First is material, in my opinion.
For an entry level bike, one should invest in an Aluminum frame, as it is cheep and efficient.
Second, is the crank. You need either a double or a triple, get a triple if you need help going up the hills, as it will have a smaller gear, making pedaling easier. If you’re strong enough from the mountain biking, get a double.
I’d get a Specialized Allez, double or triple, entry level. It’s a quality bike, and it will last you for a good while.
Good luck!
Specialized Allez
KHS Flite
Giant OCR
all are good entry level road bikes
try to get at least Shimano Ultegra level components
most of these bikes come with a carbon seatpost and fork, and are aluminum frames
If you are not planning on group rides with the roadie set, I would look at an asphalt style road bike – Specialized Sirrus or Kona PhD/Dr. Dew. Fast, good price point for commuter/fun city bikes, triple cranks, v-brakes – and mountain bike style bars.
In my humble opinion, your first choice should be the shop, not the bike. There are lots of good road bikes out there, many of them would work well for you. The key is to get the bike sized and adjusted to your physique, riding style, types of rides, etc. Having a relationship with a skilled bike shop will also provide you with a source for help if, in the future, you encounter any aches or pains which can be resolved by adjusting the fit of the bike.
Although I mtn bike a lot more than I road bike, I have a fantastic road bike which I am comfortable putting back to back 100 miles rides in on. That is due partially to the inherant fit of the bike’s geometry to my physique, but also due to the fit the bike shop did. I had 3 sessions with them were they measured knee angles, pronation, reach etc on a test rig and then on my bike. That was time well spent!
I am in Denver so I chose a shop here – Wheatridge Cycles and have been very happy with their service. I am sure you can find similar shops with quality service in Colorado Springs, Boulder or Fort Collins if you live in those areas.
regards
well considering you ride i recomend getting a double crank because people will laugh at you if you have a triple. also you should not use a sora group i recomend either a tiagra or 105 group on your road bike. i also recomend spending some money on the frame because parts can be replaced and upgraded but a frame upgrade is more than starting with a decent one.