Buying entry level road bike.?
I have been trying to get into cycling and am actively looking for a road bike. Since I am entry level I would like to not spend an arm and leg for a bike, yet at the same time get a bike that would not hold me back. I have done some research and found this one bike and with the following components:
Shimano 105 Rear derailleur
Alex AT400 Rims
Specialized Mondo Tires
Shimano Tiagra Flight Deck
Carbon Fiber Seatpost
Specialized Saddle
Carbon Fact Fork
Sugino Cranks
Triple Chainring
Sigma 1606L computer
First question, can you tell how gears the bike has from this? Also how are the components on this bike, anything I should be worried about?
 | US $25.99 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 9:37:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $25.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Tags: bike., buying, entry, level, road
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March 9th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
First off, well done on the interest in cycling. It’ll soon develop form an interest to a passion in no time at all.
What sort of budget are you looking at?
My best piece of advice would be to go with a Campagnolo Groupset. Imo they’re so much better than c****y Shimano lol. A good bet would either be a Campag Mirage Or Campag Veloce. And maybe go for a better computer. Maybe a Cateye Strader.
Could you send us a link to the bike please?
March 9th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
I have Campagnolo on my bikes but any Shimano components are fine for an entry level bike.
If there are 3 gears (chainrings) in front you will be fine. It is the low end gears that you need for climbing and a triple will go as low as you need it to go.
Honestly, it is very difficult to answer your question. I assume this is a used bike? On a used bicycle, the most important aspect is the condition.
In general, my analysis from helping many friends and coworkers choose a bike is that for a comparably priced Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, etc, there isn’t much difference and that is what makes it such a hard decision. Whatever you go with, you will probably be happy.
I bought my first bike for $450. A couple of years later I was riding with a club and then bought a Cannondale which was a great bike.
To better answer your question you would have to be more specific about your price range, how much you plan to ride, your age, weight, general condition, etc.
The most important thing about whether you will enjoy your bike is if it fits you. If it is too small or too large, you will never feel comfortable. It also helps to find a good bike shop who will assist you or at least a friend who is somewhat knowledgeable.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
they have 27 or 30 gears. you could get a Trek 1. 2 that’d be okay or you could get a specialized or giant or whatever. Felt is also good!
March 9th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Shimano 105 derailleur could indicate either a 9 or 10 speed cassette. Thus, the bike will have either 27 or 30 gears.
Otherwise, this looks like a decent ride with nice pieces and parts. Frankly, I wouldn’t worry too much about the components. At each price level, all bikes from companies like: Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Giant, etc. are going to be pretty comparable. The real difference and what you should be concerned with, is how each bike feels when you ride it.
My recommendation is to take an hour or more ride on each bike and buy the one that feels best to you. Note, I recommend an hour ride. A couple minutes around the parking lot is inadequate to turn up fit and comfort issues.
Hope this helps and I hope you love your new bike.