In search of Road Bike Recommendations

[MMcG]

How many of your ride a roadie, and if so, what kind/brand?

I recently sold my house and I'm now an apartment dweller, so I have some proceeds from the sale of the house (long story on the house sale, apartment thing) and I was thinking of putting some of it towards a road or cyclocross bike or one of those new rigs that look like a road bike, but utilize flat bars etc. etc. (an example of this would be a Kona Dr. Dew -that thing even has Disc brakes!)

The reason being is that I could utilize the road bike to just ride from my apartment and I could get my legs and lungs in better condition for the trails. After riding 'Nam with C.P. IF_Rider, IAB, Splat, Evil:Bota, SloMoJo, and Crashpot, some guys with mad skills, I decided I want to be able to at least keep up with their pace and eventually their skill level. But in order to do so I need to get in better shape.

What would you guys recommend in terms of a road oriented rig that would primarily be used for training rides and perhaps a few charity road rides/treks etc? More of a rig to get me in shape for the trails, yet to have fun on going fast, yet providing a ride quality that is light and comfortable.

I currently have an old 80s era Univega road bike that I bought as NOS over the winter for $170 and I like it for treks to the convenience store and winter riding, but it just won't cut it for longer training type rides.


Can I get anything decent for around a grand, or better yet, perhaps even a little less?


Any suggestions, recommendations,and or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Mark

[AA]

No better way to get in shape than the road bike..................

Make sure to get a bike that fits properly.

If you want to get a good deal look at Ebay or road bike review classifieds. In general road bikes dont get abused like mountain bikes.

If you are going to get a bike to ride on the road get a real road bike as opposed to the Dr Drew type bike, trust me it does make a difference.

I would stay away from the cross bike unless you need to do some rugged commuting (pot holes, bad roads, winter conditions).

I know that people are anti Shimano but IMO their road components are better than Campy in the lower price points.

Most people cant tell the difference between a steel and a aluminum frame so go w/ alum, it's much lighter.

A carbon fork is a great way to make a road bike ride smoother.

If you buy used dont buy a "vintage" bike that was top of the line 15 years ago, it's not worth it.

[MMcG]

No better way to get in shape than the road bike..................

Make sure to get a bike that fits properly.

If you want to get a good deal look at Ebay or road bike review classifieds. In general road bikes dont get abused like mountain bikes.

If you are going to get a bike to ride on the road get a real road bike as opposed to the Dr Drew type bike, trust me it does make a difference.

I would stay away from the cross bike unless you need to do some rugged commuting (pot holes, bad roads, winter conditions).

I know that people are anti Shimano but IMO their road components are better than Campy in the lower price points.

Most people cant tell the difference between a steel and a aluminum frame so go w/ alum, it's much lighter.

A carbon fork is a great way to make a road bike ride smoother.

If you buy used dont buy a "vintage" bike that was top of the line 15 years ago, it's not worth it.


AA,

Thanks for the tips. I don't want the Ebay hassle. I have cash in hand that I thought I could use to my advantage at a local bike shop.

I would use this bike for smooth roads and training rides. If I wanted to hit the road to commute etc. I'd either take the old Univega or my Nail Trail (I still don't know exactly what to do with this hardtail - it just sits there and somehow the front wheel got F'd up and I haven't ridden it on a trail since I got my Belair - go figure!).

What do you ride on the road sir?

Okay, a real road bike it will be, at least I have that part narrowed down a bit. ;D

[AA]

My current road bike is a Cannondale CADD3, I bought the frame & fork in 2000 at Gearworks in Leominster for cheap $$ & bought a Shimano Ultegra group on line & built it up. Not the best bike in the world but it works great for me.

I'm looking to upgrade my wheels, I sent Sparkster a PM looking for some info, Sparkster you out there............ hello?

[C.P.]

No better way to get in shape than the road bike..................

Make sure to get a bike that fits properly.



True true...

Mark,
I ride the road bike on a club ride weeklyhttp://www.northeastbicycleclub.org/. (sometimes more) we do intervals or hill training...It's really the only way to push my aerobic/recovery/endurance conditioning...and I'm a big guy. Can I recommend that if you really want to persue road riding that you join in on club rides. I find that mixing it up with a group in a paceline can really help to accelerate your conditioning and get you in shape.

As for bike choice, go to your favorite LBS and get one of the road experts to select the proper fit/size bike. Fit is much more critical to enjoyment on a road bike, as you are seated for much longer periods of time then when riding a mtn bike...poor fit=misery on longer rides.
Take a look at the larger manurfacturers (Giant, Specialized and Trek) at a local shop. They have the best value, and all make great road bikes in and around the 1000 price range.

Giant - OCR-1http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?bikesection=8830&range=138&model=1 0655

Specialized - Allez Elite - just over 1k.
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03AllezElite27&bl=road&JServSes sionIdroot=m8kwodvdg1.j27001
Trek just over 1k http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2003/road/2000.jsp.

AA probably got more bike for the money buying frame/fork then group, (there are tons of online deals) and I encourage you to do that if you have the wherewithall to do it, you'll save on your cash outlay and get "more bike".

C.P.

[MMcG]

True true...

Mark,
I ride the road bike on a club ride weeklyhttp://www.northeastbicycleclub.org/. (sometimes more) we do intervals or hill training...It's really the only way to push my aerobic/recovery/endurance conditioning...and I'm a big guy. Can I recommend that if you really want to persue road riding that you join in on club rides. I find that mixing it up with a group in a paceline can really help to accelerate your conditioning and get you in shape.

As for bike choice, go to your favorite LBS and get one of the road experts to select the proper fit/size bike. Fit is much more critical to enjoyment on a road bike, as you are seated for much longer periods of time then when riding a mtn bike...poor fit=misery on longer rides.
Take a look at the larger manurfacturers (Giant, Specialized and Trek) at a local shop. They have the best value, and all make great road bikes in the 1000 price range.

Giant - OCR-1http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?bikesection=8830&range=138&model=1 0655

Specialized - Allez Elite - just over 1k.
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03AllezElite27&bl=road&JServSes sionIdroot=m8kwodvdg1.j27001
Trek ditto.

C.P.



C.P.

Joining a club is a great idea and thanks for the recommendation, could also be a good way to expand my social circle abit as it relates to meeting women who enjoy riding. ;)

Thanks for the tips on some bikes to look into as well.

And once again, it was a pleasure riding with you on Sunday!

Mark

[C.P.]

Mark,
Here are some great club links - care of Narragansett Bay wheelmen. (they have great road rides too). I'm sure you can find a few club(s) with weekly rides in your area...somewhere on this list.

Clubs will definitely enable more chances for those "choice encounters" ;)

http://www.nbwclub.org/links.html#clubs

C.P.

Oh no not again.


One things certian; This forum topic is finally going to see some serious posting.

I have a sugestion. Have you tried locating a smaller bike manufacturer, perhaps from outside the country, that might be looking to get some local exposure in trade for a part time sales rep position. Just a thought ;)

[MMcG]

Oh no not again.


One things certian; This forum topic is finally going to see some serious posting.

I have a sugestion. Have you tried locating a smaller bike manufacturer, perhaps from outside the country, that might be looking to get some local exposure in trade for a part time sales rep position. Just a thought ;)


Yeah,

If only Balfa were adding a road bike to their lineup for 2004 instead of a BMX frame set, I'd be all set! ;D

Hmm.....I wonder what those DeVinci road bikes are like?? ;) ;D

I promise not so many questions this time Bill. Really, I do.

[I Are Baboon]

Giant - OCR-1http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?bikesection=8830&range=138&model=1 0655


Mark, the wife owns one of these and loves it. It goes for about $1000 and has mostly 105 components. I tested this bike and liked it, but I did not buy one because I didn't want to own the exact same bike as MBC (we'd look like tools).

As far your conditioning goes, yes, road riding will help your conditioning and endurance, but it's not going to help with your MTB handling skills. The only way to get better at technical MTB (rocks, logs, etc) is to ride that mountain bike and keep trying new things. You're going to fall and get banged up in the process, but that's how we've all learned. ;)

[MMcG]

Giant - OCR-1http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?bikesection=8830&range=138&model=1 0655


Mark, the wife owns one of these and loves it. It goes for about $1000 and has mostly 105 components. I tested this bike and liked it, but I did not buy one because I didn't want to own the exact same bike as MBC (we'd look like tools).

As far your conditioning goes, yes, road riding will help your conditioning and endurance, but it's not going to help with your MTB handling skills. The only way to get better at technical MTB (rocks, logs, etc) is to ride that mountain bike and keep trying new things. You're going to fall and get banged up in the process, but that's how we've all learned. ;)


IAB,

Thanks and I plan to do as much of both (road and MTB) as I can in order to get in better shape and to get better skills. ;D

JustBill's comment, coupled with the fact that I am a self proclaimed do gooder and I like MMcG, has prompted the following:

In MMcG's pursuit of a road bike, I felt it only fitting to revert back to some of the questions posed during his newbie days regarding MTB's (seasoned veteran these days!). I did a "random sampling" if you will, of some his past questions. Needless to say, there were many "?" in the text and I merely copied a few. I would like to add it was a trip down memory lane and provided some me with some good chuckles.

So in essence of NEMBA unity, good clean fun, chance to get in a few cheap shots and an opportunity to spout what you know (or think you know), read below and think how it might relate to potential questions regarding MMcG's road bike pursuit.

Here goes:

I'd love to hear some tips, recommendations, suggestions for getting the most out of riding in the winter, being as prepared as possible and having as much fun as possible.

Do you run different tires? lower tire pressures?

Is it difficult to ride a geared rig in the winter? Do you have to worry about chain slip, freezing cassettes etc. etc?

1.Should I go for a dedicated SS rig, or do a conversion of an old frame (a great way to breath new life into an old rig IMO)?

2. If conversion is recommended, can you recommend some good old frames/bikes to keep an eye out for? Seems like steel is the real deal for SS.

3. Rigid fork or Front Suspension?

4. Wide Risers or flat bar with bar ends for leverage?

5. Gear ratio for NE riding conditions?

6. Platform pedals or clipless?

Do you know where I can find it on tap in the Greater Hartford area? The Half Door perhaps?

Also, anyone know anything about Barracuda frames/bikes? Were they any good in their heyday?

Whattya think, are 29 inch wheeled mountain bikes a fad of the day or the Real Deal?

Anyone riding one? What are your thoughts?

Grip Shifter for the front and rapidfire for the rear derailleur?

Anyone run this type of set up?

Man Couch!
How many bikes do you currently own?

How does one find one of those snazzy avatars that are so prominently featured by so many posters here in the forum??

And to add something bike related to this post: What tires are best suited for our New England trails and riding conditions?

What is the reasoning behind the DH in the back and the Manuraptor in the front? Is that supposed to be Mutanoraptor? And what's up with WTB and all the different raptor names for their tires

And what does NOO stand for anyway!?

What are the advantages of riser bars over flat bars with bar-ends? Or are their no real advantages or disadvantages....just one's personal preference?

would love to receive feedback on the pros and cons of a single pivot design versus a 4-bar design for a full suspension frame. I'm sure a single pivot design is simpler and lower maintenance, but what are the other differences in terms of performance between the two predominant FS linkage designs.

What should I be looking for when I take some FS rigs out for test rides and/or ideally demo rides?

Did he like it more than his Titus though?

How did it differ from the Quasi-Moto?

Has anyone ridden the older version of this bike the 78 Special??

Anyone know of any good Canadian Microbrews? Or is that an American thing?

How much does a decent light set-up cost?

So it's definitely not the Bomber Girls then eh GW?

Does anyone ride a DeVinci?

what would be the Marzocchi fork of choice in the 100MM of travel category?

Which brand of bleach do you prefer to clean your Camelbak bladder? Clorox or will generic grocery store brand bleach do just as well?

know you regard the Tiogas highly, but can you elaborate as to why you prefer them over other brands? For example Panaracers or those MTB Weirwolfs I put up there above?

[I Are Baboon]

http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/rofl.gif

http://websmileys.bei.t-online.de/lachen78.gif

[AA]

That is classic!

Mark, we only pick on you because we like you.

[MMcG]

People in my department wondered why I suddenly broke out laughing out loud right in the middle of the afternoon doldrums!

And the real kicker is that is only a sampling of my questions!

If this rain stops tonight, I'm going to test ride a bunch of road rigs at Pig Iron in Glastonbury. I may return home and to the forum with a new road rig to talk about.

Cheers,

Mark

[I Are Baboon]

If this rain stops tonight, I'm going to test ride a bunch of road rigs at Pig Iron in Glastonbury. I may return home and to the forum with a new road rig to talk about.


Good luck Mark!!! 8)

Anyone know of any good Canadian Microbrews? Or is that an American thing?



;D This one makes me chuckle for some reason but did get me thinking. I was in Ottawa for business a few weeks ago and had Rickards Red (I got hooked on it)...I thought it was some sort of local brew but learned it was a Molson Beer....besides peoples basements...i wonder if local beers are big up there....

[MMcG]

If this rain stops tonight, I'm going to test ride a bunch of road rigs at Pig Iron in Glastonbury. I may return home and to the forum with a new road rig to talk about.


Good luck Mark!!! 8)


Back from a week's vacation with my sons Liam and Connor and thought I'd post on my new road bike.

I spent two great evenings at Pig Iron Sports in Glastonbury and tried out several road bikes including an aluminum K2, an aluminum DeVinci, and a 631 Reynolds Steel Jamis. It was great getting to ride each one for a 20 minutes or so to compare the fit and feel and ride qualities of the bikes. All three were really sweet, but I found the Jamis Quest to be the one that stood out in terms of fit and ride quality. All three bikes were spec'd out with 105 groups and all offered nice wheelsets and carbon forks. What it came down to was fit and feel and the Jamis took the win in these categories!

I'm stoked about my new road bike and I highly recommend Pig Iron Sports in Glastonbury to anyone looking to purchase a new mountain or road bike. They treated me right, took a lot of time with me and swapped out stems etc. etc. to get the best fit for me. A great shop!

I've been out on the Quest a few times now (couldn't get out that much when I had the kids with me last week) and I'm enjoying the road experience.

Riding a bike - whether it be a mountain bike, a road bike, a cruiser bike, whatever - is just good fun! ;D ;D ;D

Cheers,

Mark

[C.P.]

Sweet!

Mark, If you'd like to join in on a Monday night road ride up my way (we go out of Wrentham), we do about 35miles every mon night. 5:30 out of Wrentham center.

Chris

Congrats Mark! Road riding is accessible and it helps fitness wise...plus its cool to see how fast you can go on those skinny tires....

The problem with more bikes is finding the time to ride them ;) I haven't spent enough time on my road bike this year and it shows....road, trailbike, urban/park...decisions!

[MMcG]

Sweet!

Mark, If you'd like to join in on a Monday night road ride up my way (we go out of Wrentham), we do about 35miles every mon night. 5:30 out of Wrentham center.

Chris


Thanks for the offer Chris, but I could never make a 5:30 ride out of MA (I'm in CT!). I do hope to hook up with some group rides out of some of the local bike shops near work and/or my apartment as well as Pig Iron group rides as well (although those rides are usually for very hard core roadies).

Cheers,

Mark

[EricM3]

Just make sure you get something relatively light with a brake/shifter combo. Frame material doesn't matter, or brand. Riding the road is about 1% bike 99% rider.

The only important thing is MAKE SURE YOU BUY THE RIGHT SIZE BIKE! go to a shop - a good one. If they try to size you by having you stand over the frame and checking for an "inch" walk away. The correct way to size a bike fitting is by sitting the rider on the bike and looking at the position.

Check the points of the elbow at realxed bend while sitting on the sadlle with your hands on the drops and your fott closest to the handlebars within the rotational circle. Set your correct saddle height first by checking for ~15-20mm max heel drop when your leg is fully ectended.

Proper size comes from the top tube length, not the seat tube.

As a rule of thumb,

Aluminum is stif and light - but it does not make for a "quicker accellerating' bike. I'll argue anyone on this second part don't f*ck with me. it just feels faster. Al piunsa the crap out of you.

you can pair it up w/ a carbon fork but I think that is a band-aid fix.

Steel is cheap strong and can be made light. rides real nice. Steel forks are good too.

titanium is real light, real strong and real expensive.

I have a love affiar with handmade carbon frames a'la Calfee but they are big money. Worth it in my opinion.

Carbon forks a re nce and light and they absorb vibration well.

just get a bike that foits and ride it, you'll get fast.

[EVIL BOTA]

I just put some fat boys(kevlar lined road tires) on my Hardrock and use that for the road.The pig weights about 35 lb's So you know I'm getting a work out..lol