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CYCLING Sub-Topic - Buying Advice

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DalmationDexter	CYCLING Sub-Topic - Buying Advice	Lead	[-]
(05/28/09 5:25 PM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None I am finally going to get a road bike. My initial intention was to spend 3.5k - and you can get a lot of bike/components for that price. However, a sewer line replacement and $5k in medical bills have tempered my budget. So, I am going to cap myself at $2k firm. Already have a good wheelset (Easton EA70) and some good specialized pedals - so those don't have to be in the budget. I got a pretty overwhelming walk-through at my local bike shop. He didn't even try to sell me a bike, just educate me on the details. Lots of details to consider and trade offs if I am going to stick at that price. So my question is what trade offs would y'all make? Spend more on frame and less on components? Less on frame and get better components? I am 6' 3" and 225 lbs - so is a lighter frame really going to make that much difference?? I am going to get more input from the pros at the shop, but I like to go in with as much info as possible first, so any input you have would be appreciated. They only carry Specialized and Giant in my price range - still thinking Roubaix. Thanks for any input! Cheers, Mike
StargateDG		#1	[-]
(05/28/09 7:38 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Mike, You can't go wrong with the Roubaix... I am truly enjoying mine. The geometry is relaxed , the ride is great! Mine is a Roubaix Elite Triple ... paid $2000 Dave
Sloppy Picker		#2	[-]
(05/28/09 9:19 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Sorry to hear about the speed bumps in the way of the new ride Mike. What kind of riding will you do, what is the area like? I think the Roubaix is a great choice. In terms of which way to go-parts can be replaced for much less than a frame so shop with that in mind. You have good wheels which is usually one of the things that are down graded to meet a price point. So if the 2K bike has a good gruppo ad frame but heavy-ish wheels your a head of the game. Another area that I see cut backs are the brake calipers-instead of Shimano you'll see a no name (usually made by Tektro) but again this is an easy fix down the road. Have you taken the Roubaix for a test ride? Make sure you do and make sure you feel good with the fit- the #1 most important thing is fit. I've never been a fan of Specialized saddles so if you have a saddle you prefer take it with you to the test and have the shop put it on the bike. Enjoy the process, this is fun! If the shop offers a discount on gear with the purchase have fun with that too! ~Matt 06 OM-28V, 00 Martin/Humphrey C-1R(Humphreyfied!), 83 Alvarez-Yairi DY-41
67D18		#3	[-]
(05/28/09 11:55 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I don't know what Giants your shop has on hand but they make one heck of a bike. I couldn't be happier with mine after about 3000 miles. Not the lightest bike there is but it's light enough and a very, very comfortable ride. And they're so nicely priced. "Well, I'm gone, gone, gone but I don't worry"
DalmationDexter		#4	[-]
(05/29/09 2:26 AM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I am going to take a look at the Giants as well. There are huge instant rebates on the Specialized road bikes for the next couple weeks. I think I might have just moved up a few rungs on the ladder. Thanks for the input guys. Mike
Sloppy Picker		#5	[-]
(05/29/09 7:24 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I saw the rebate info last night Mike, I think it ends this weekend (31st) so you might want to check that in case you have to move things up. ~Matt 06 OM-28V, 00 Martin/Humphrey C-1R(Humphreyfied!), 83 Alvarez-Yairi DY-41
chasmatt		#6	[-]
(05/29/09 10:05 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	At 225 lbs, you do NOT want a light frame or wheels with less than 32 spokes. Any bike that costs $3.5 K is designed for racing. Save the money now - buy a frame with components that will last until you get your weight down to 180 lbs - then buy the lightweight bike. You won't go any faster on a lightweight bike than a bike strong enough for your weight. The 2 or 3 pounds you will save on a light bike is much cheaper and easier to lose from your frame.
12barz		#7	[-]
(05/29/09 10:14 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I suggest you pay attention to the bottom bracket... you're big enough to really lose a lot of energy on a frame with too much flex.
Sloppy Picker		#8	[-]
(05/29/09 12:46 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I wouldn't call the Roubaix a super light race only sled-it's targeted at the recreational rider that puts in the miles for fun and fitness and is plenty stiff so that shouldn't be a problem and since he's not looking at the S-Works version the wheels will be plenty stout (plus he's got EA-70's to swap out). I did think of something else-if the gruppo of the bike you end up with is not the same as the rear cluster you have on the EA-70's then you'll need to get a new rear gear cluster-not a big deal but if it doesn't match up the shifting performance will stink. Oh yeah- we'll need pictures! Not to throw a spanner in the works but are the only choices Specialized and Giant??? I am asking as Jamis offers a really nice steel frame/Ultegra bike that is right in that price range. Not as light as the Roubaix (but really close) but it does have a steel frame which is very smooth (not that the Roubaix isn't). ~Matt 06 OM-28V, 00 Martin/Humphrey C-1R(Humphreyfied!), 83 Alvarez-Yairi DY-41
DalmationDexter		#9	[-]
(05/29/09 2:21 PM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks for the info guys. Matt - good thinking, but if I got my weight down to 180lbs, I would blow away! I have a huge frame (think Dwight Howard - shoulder span is very very wide - and I lift weights a lot) and at 225lbs I don't have more than 5-10 lbs of fat that I could lose. So I will be riding at pretty close to this weight for the rest of my life. That is good info on the bottom bracket 12barz. The shop that I frequent has earned my loyalty many times over with free repairs/fixes/adjustments - while I wait -in pinch situations - plus advice, and help for my wife and kids on their bikes bought from another shop - no charge. Specialized, Giant and Seven are their main lines so that is what I am sticking with. Thanks again for all the good info. I think I am going to close the office at 1 pm for the day to go shopping. Cheers, Mike
Sloppy Picker		#10	[-]
(05/29/09 2:38 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	That was Charlie (nothing against him) that suggested weight loss, at 6'3" 225 your good if you got down to 180 you would be dang near pro skinny-I think George Hincapie is about 6'2" and just over 180 and he is scary skinny-seriously the guy looks abnormal in person-like he has a disorder but most pro's look the same. Good luck shopping-don't forget the pics! ~Matt 06 OM-28V, 00 Martin/Humphrey C-1R(Humphreyfied!), 83 Alvarez-Yairi DY-41
Enrico Spleen		#11	[-]
(05/29/09 4:07 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	My advice is to try out as many as you can, and like guitars, the right one will eventually show up clear as a bell. I got a new bike couple of years ago after trying a bunch and ended up with something completely unexpected, but after being on it last weekend for my first ride of the season, I couldn't be happier. To me, it's about the fit (geometry), which you can't really evaluate on paper. I ended up with a touring bike by the way.
chasmatt		#12	[-]
(05/29/09 10:59 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I wasn't trying to be snotty - just making an honest observation of the bike industry. Most of the really lightweight bikes are not designed for the folks that buy them, or for the typr of roads they will be used on. Lightweight components break - the pros and supported amateurs get them for free. Lightweight frames are good for 10,000 to 15000 miles - max. 20 and 24 spoke wheels will not survive being ridden on rough roads by someone who weighs 225 lbs. There is a reason that pro teams take 6 to 10 wheel sets for each rider on a Grand Tour - lightweight wheels break - easily - even when an emanciated pro rider is using them. I used to officiate races after I stopped racing. When I was first racing we drilled holes in our handle bars, cranks and brake levers to lighten the bikes. Most of us stopped because the bars and cranks tended to fail. When I was officiating, the drive to ultra light bikes and components started. I saw a lot of components and frames break - and not just from crashes. The recreational rider does not need ultra light bikes or components. I raced on Colnagos with Record or Dura Ace componnts, but now I ride a Bianchi Eros with Campy Athena components - It is more than enough bike. - Oh and I weight 220 lbs - much moooooore than the 162 when I raced.
DalmationDexter		#13	[-]
(05/30/09 12:13 PM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	"I wasn't trying to be snotty" Wasn't taken that way at all. I actually got a good laugh thinking of myself at 180lbs. Will report back later today as to what bike I wind up with. Cheers, Mike
Sloppy Picker		#14	[-]
(05/30/09 1:38 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	You sound like you raced in the same era I did Chas- 1983-1990 for me (until the college grades indicated that I needed to spend more time with books and less training). Those are very good and very true points. I get amused when I see a guy show up at a group ride with a 10K lightweight speed machine complete with deep dish carbon hoops-for a CLUB RIDE! I sure wish I had that kind of $$ to blow. What out Mike-if you ride enough it's possible yo just might see that 180! (not that you need to) ~Matt 06 OM-28V, 00 Martin/Humphrey C-1R(Humphreyfied!), 83 Alvarez-Yairi DY-41
Sloppy Picker		#15	[-]
(06/02/09 7:52 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Well.....how did it go Mike???? ~Matt 06 OM-28V, 00 Martin/Humphrey C-1R(Humphreyfied!), 83 Alvarez-Yairi DY-41
DalmationDexter		#16	[-]
(06/07/09 7:34 PM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Well, I liked the geometry of the Roubaix, but really the Allez felt so much more responsive to me. Maybe because I am heavier? I was in the process of buying the Allez, and happened to ask about any other bikes he would recommend - and there was a 2007 all carbon Giant that was marked down $600 - that I took out for a ride and was in love. More detailed and pictures tomorrow. I rode the local heartbreak hill (about 40 minutes of straight up hill) on my Tricross today and hope to hit it with the Giant tomorrow afternoon. Man, I think I have found a true love in cycling. Cheers and thanks for all the good info. Mike
12barz		#17	[-]
(06/08/09 6:37 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	One Giant step for a man... just one more recommendation: it sounds fine like it is, don't try a bone saddle!
67D18		#18	[-]
(06/08/09 11:55 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Yep, that was the same "mistake" I made with mine... I took it out for a ride (to keep my wife company while she was testing a couple of bikes out). I just wanted to know what this "carbon thing" was all about. "Well, I'm gone, gone, gone but I don't worry"
jbrajkovich		#19	[-]
(06/08/09 5:21 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	In selecting a bike, I would really try to stick with a local bike shop that offers excellent and friendly service (those two don't always come together). I've used ultegra components for decades and have never had one fail-I can't see the value in moving up (although there are probably some 105 fans who'd say the same to me....). I have a triple and kind of wish I'd gone for a speed compact set-up. If you haven't bought the bike yet, you should at least road test each to avoid regrets later. I've thought about converting but it costs $1000! And, most important of all, make sure you get a good bike fit. Good luck!
DalmationDexter		#20	[-]
(06/09/09 12:18 AM) Local user Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The bike I chose was a Giant TCR C2. I am having second thoughts though. I test road a bunch of bikes. The Roubaix was really comfortable - but sluggish. The Allez was less comfortable, but fast. The TCR C2 was super fast and you could barely feel the road. I didn't even really notice how comfortable it was when riding test, because I was so happy to be zooming around downtown. I think I was seduced by the lightning fast TCR - when in fact my goal was to get a comfortable bike first and then maybe have something a little faster. Fortunately I just paid for the bike and brought it home tonight so I can always go back in the morning. This Giant is by far the fastest bike I have ever ridden. I just don't know if it will be comfortable for a two hour ride. I wonder if maybe I upgrade the wheel set on the Roubaix it would make it a little zippier? I am a total newbie with all this. Cheers, Mike

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