Starter Bike

[danski]

Hello Everyone!

Just wondering what everyone thought would be a good starters road bike for somewhere between $1000-$2000?

Looking to get fit and with any luck be able to join some lower level competitions with a few years of training.

Look forward to your replies!

 

[VoidSix]

Hello Everyone!

Just wondering what everyone thought would be a good starters road bike for somewhere between $1000-$2000?

Looking to get fit and with any luck be able to join some lower level competitions with a few years of training.

Look forward to your replies!

Felt F4 would be my suggestion. Probably a little more than $2000 new, but well under if you get one from a previous year.

 

[TheDude]

Cannondale CAAD9 has a couple options in that range.

 

[Greyhound Velo]

I usually tell people looking for road bikes under $2000 to find a good used one (and I work in a bike shop). Just like cars, you get a hell of a lot more bike for that kind of money if you don't mind that it's a year or two old. In the past year I've sold a Cervelo Soloist with a full Record 10 speed group for $2400, a custom Steelman with Dura Ace for $1800, and a Trek 5200 with Dura Ace for $1200, all used of course, so I know that the market for used bikes is definitely in the buyer's favor. Just don't buy one off Ebay or wherever without seeing and riding it first. You need to know that it will fit you and that the description is accurate before dropping the cash.

 

[VespistaCiclista]

I usually tell people looking for road bikes under $2000 to find a good used one (and I work in a bike shop). Just like cars, you get a hell of a lot more bike for that kind of money if you don't mind that it's a year or two old. In the past year I've sold a Cervelo Soloist with a full Record 10 speed group for $2400, a custom Steelman with Dura Ace for $1800, and a Trek 5200 with Dura Ace for $1200, all used of course, so I know that the market for used bikes is definitely in the buyer's favor. Just don't buy one off Ebay or wherever without seeing and riding it first. You need to know that it will fit you and that the description is accurate before dropping the cash.

Thanks for this tip, I'm in the same market as the original poster here. My question is where to connect with these sellers? Does the LBS typically have connections to people who are looking to offload used bikes, because it would seem to me that they would rather sell their in-stock stuff than refer people to a used bike. I mean, a person could get lucky on Craigslist, but often the price and/or fit just isn't right. And Ebay is a real crapshoot.

Thanks.

 

[oldborn]

For me choice is Cervelo S1 2010 Ultegra.

 

[steelciocc]

C'dale

Cannondale CAAD9 has a couple options in that range.

I second the CAAD9 suggestion.

Find a shop that will listen to what you want, your fitness goals, etc. and not try to "upsell" you to too much bike. Lower level components (i.e. Shimano Tiagra) are more than acceptable for someone starting out. Plus, as you get more serious, upgrading is fun (start with wheels).

 

[TopCarbon]

Specialized, Trek, Giant all make good value bikes with good components in that price range.

 

[Notso Swift]

Thanks for this tip, I'm in the same market as the original poster here. My question is where to connect with these sellers? Does the LBS typically have connections to people who are looking to offload used bikes, because it would seem to me that they would rather sell their in-stock stuff than refer people to a used bike. I mean, a person could get lucky on Craigslist, but often the price and/or fit just isn't right. And Ebay is a real crapshoot.

Thanks.

LBS first, check out a few and find someone that suits you (LBS that is)
Bike clubs usually have a classified
There are specialist sites around as well, so find out (LBS is a good place to chat) what is popular for your area

 

[danski]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I will have a look into all of them. Definately something to think about.

Probably will go into a shop and get fitted and see what they recommend and come back.

Cheers again people!

 

[Notso Swift]

Just remember that your LBS will also want to sell you a bike, which is understandable, but resist. You want to be on their right side, a good LBS is worth its weight and service and spares (upgrades or replacement for wear)
There are shops that are happy to focus on that, generally the better ones, actually

 

[twothirds]

If you go to a shop to get fitted, then please pay for the fitting. At least this way you are not leading them on thinking that they have a paying customer who then ends up walking out the door and buying a frame on the net with the advice they gave you. Most shops will do the fitting for free with purchase, or waive the cost of a previous fitting if you end up looking around and purchasing a bike from said shop in the end.

 

[Notso Swift]

Agree with that (part of keeping them on side) even get them to build and fit as part of one deal, let them know what you are up to. Taking advantage is never cool and one day the Karma will bite

 

[Hmmmmm]

Agree on getting "fitted". Go to shops and ride as many different bikes as possible and note the different characteristics. Also note the components and do a comparison. Lots of decent bikes in your price range so it will boil down to what is comfortable or to your liking in feel, what fits right, and the most bang for your buck - or at least feeling like you got your dollar's worth. You want to ride it so make sure the damn thing fits and make sure you like it.