New Bike

[flicker]

My trek vintage 06 aluminum /carbon had maybe 1 inch longer top tube then bianchi. it took maybe 30 rides to get the position right plus changing stem shorter. wheel base longer more space between rear wheel and seat tube. Result rock solid in descents no matter how fast, stiff stable platform. Not as quick witted as the bianchi. I always push the saddle back as far as it will go.
First racing bike colombus bianchi specialisimo circa 1970. Beautiful bike I dreamed Fausto Coppi dreams.

 

[ravens]

If you have a local Connondale dealer, also try out a CAAD9. They are a bang-for-the-buck machine suitable to start racing. Probably have a few bucks left over for clipless pedals and shoes.

I was surprised Cannondale wasn't mentioned sooner.

Off the top of my head, these are all the brands I can think of that are in most cities' bike shops. I would expect each one of these to have an entry level aluminum road frame with sora for between $600 and 900 :
raleigh
schwinn
fuji
specialized
trek
cannondale
giant

I am sure I probably missed at least a few.

The reason I would steer a newcomer AWAY from a higher end frame at this point is this: What you like right now and what fits you right now may (will)change as you get into the sport and I wouldn't want to be married to a 'better' frame that I no longer value because I have changed. Therefore, I'd rather have the 105 on the entry level frame that I can have for later when I jump up to that mid-high range frame. That's just my thinking. Besides I would want to stay on the low side if your $1500 is a TOTAL budget because the combined accessories budget could be hundreds of dollars. And some are necessary.

Lastly, in the first few years, I spent tons (for me) getting just the right accessories/apparel etc. Now I have the stuff I really need and my ongoing budget is almost non-existent. Bottom line, your costs are up front unless you just have discretionary money to feed that jones after you get all the stuff you need.

 

[edwin31]

so I went a little higher and went with 1800 dollars for bike and gear. I looked at the high 1 series and low 2 series of trek. Does anyone have one of these bikes to tell me how they like them?

 

[pedaling squares]

Hi Edwin. Welcome. As you're fairly new to cycling, I'll echo the advice of those who suggest you stay away from the 'net and get a professional fitting. Visit a few shops, and you'll get a feel for what you like in a bike and a shop. You'll also get exposure to many different brands and styles of bikes. If a frame doesn't fit you, swapping stems, posts, saddles, etc might make it better, but it isn't going to make it perfect. There's nothing better for a newish cyclist than a relationship with a good shop. As you're joining a club, you might end up putting a lot more miles on that bike than you think and you'll sure appreciate having the right bike for you. Nothing against the web shops, they can be a great place to buy components and accessories and even frames once you know exactly what you want and need. Good luck!

 

[mherm79]

I am sure I probably missed at least a few.

The reason I would steer a newcomer AWAY from a higher end frame at this point is this: What you like right now and what fits you right now may (will)change as you get into the sport and I wouldn't want to be married to a 'better' frame that I no longer value because I have changed. Therefore, I'd rather have the 105 on the entry level frame that I can have for later when I jump up to that mid-high range frame. That's just my thinking. Besides I would want to stay on the low side if your $1500 is a TOTAL budget because the combined accessories budget could be hundreds of dollars. And some are necessary.

Lastly, in the first few years, I spent tons (for me) getting just the right accessories/apparel etc. Now I have the stuff I really need and my ongoing budget is almost non-existent. Bottom line, your costs are up front unless you just have discretionary money to feed that jones after you get all the stuff you need.

Top advice. Don't spend too much on your first bike, not only coz you might get the size / component mix wrong, but also coz whether you spend 1500 or 2500 - it's not a huge step up in quality. And in the end you'll find you 'need' an upgrade

stick to your budget of 1800 including shoes / gloves / kit and buy the bike that fits with the best running, matching, running gear.

 

[ravens]

so I went a little higher and went with 1800 dollars for bike and gear. I looked at the high 1 series and low 2 series of trek. Does anyone have one of these bikes to tell me how they like them?

I had a co-worker at my last job that got a great deal because he is tall (6' 5") and they happened to have his frame in stock. He LOVES the bike.

That' another point to make, especially for riders who need odd sized frames. If a shop happens to have your size on hand, they will make a good deal to get it out of their inventory rather than hoping another 6' 5" dude comes in looking for the same bike. I think his is a 2.3 and was $1300 if I recall. (it has 105 all around, for that budget I wouldn't get mixed 105/tiagra.)

Although it's purely subjective since I didn't ride it, it seemed fast and he raved about the power transfer. But if a certain brand doesn't feel 'right' keep looking. eg, I know a lot of people love nike shoes, I can't stand them because my toes are squeezed by them. We all have different bodies and our perceptions of comfort can vary greatly.

Make sure you ride more than just around the block (after they have you fitted properly). Take it for an hour or two. Any new toy is a thrill at first!

.

 

[usedtobefast]

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1081554_-1_1509000_20000_1509005

a good value.

 

[flicker]

good value how good are the scattante frames?

 

[usedtobefast]

good value how good are the scattante frames?

as good as any. i have one that is several years old now and it is still great. mine is Columbus aluminum tubing with cfr wishbone and fork. it is not my only bike, but i have not had any quality issues with it ever. it was the first Alu frame i ever had. (all the others are steel)
full Ultegra and with pedals and cages is around 17pounds, with everyday wheels. well worth looking into. frame is made in china, but so are many others, so that is not a worry.
there used to be a shop here in socal called Supergo and Scattante was their in house brand.
Performance bought them out, and kept the line active.

 

[edwin31]

So I went to the local shop and i thought i was dead set on a Trek but I rode a Specialized Allez Sport. I test rode it for a while and loved it!