Road Bicycle Recommendations

[cegerer]

My brother is looking for a new road bike. Under $1000, maybe closer to $750. I've been out of road bikes for a while. What would you buy?

[BGCarrera32]

Proper fit is most important regardless of price range, also buy one with a pretty/cool paint job (really, he'll be more apt to keep riding it).

All that aside, Trek is probably a good bet. When I sold bikes at the Schwinn dealer a few years ago they had some good buys...

[Jay H]

My brother in law is a lead welder at Trek (and Klein). They do have their act together. They are investing in having you 'try on' a bike at the dealer to get a good fit, then uploading those dimensions that you need right to the production floor (and the actual welding rig) and custom make a frame for your body (maybe others are doing this already??).

I've been through the frame plant in detail and it's quite interesting to see all the technology that is going into these bikes.

[turbo6bar]

If you know exactly what size you need, buy used off Ebay or classifieds. If you don't know what size, go to a shop, get sized, and buy from them. Make sure the shop knows proper fitting. At that price-mark, you should be able to find plenty of in-stock models.

[KNS]

I bought my first Trek in '86, long before anyone had heard of Lance. Very nice road bike. Several years later I broke a chainstay and needed to get it fixed. I called Trek and told them the problem but also said that I had no warranty information of any kind. They said no problem, that I was to go to my nearest Trek dealer and pick out a color from the latest catalog and leave the bike with them. A few weeks later I got the repaired bike back with a new factory paint job at zero cost to me! I was impressed and after 16 years replaced that bike with another Trek.

[911pcars]

Reputable bike manufacturers are concerned with both potential liability issues as well as good customer relations. Good move on the part of Trek. That's the good part of buying new (warranty) and I would seriously consider it if it involved carbon fiber.

Resale value on a bike is fairly poor unless it's a limited production, high end model and in pristine condition. Except for these examples, you should be able to find more value in the used market. However, you should know what you want and be patient. If you're not, enlist someone who can help you or buy new from a good shop. BTW, most bike shops don't sell a wide variety of brands. It's not just the frame. There are hundreds of models to choose from with numerous combinations of equipment quality (handlebars, brake/shifters, cranks, forks, seats, deralliers, pedals, seat posts, etc.).

Hope this helps,
Sherwood

[Jay H]

Originally posted by 911pcars
It's not just the frame. There are hundreds of models to choose from with numerous combinations of equipment quality (handlebars, brake/shifters, cranks, forks, seats, deralliers, pedals, seat posts, etc.)

Very true and I agree. Even some manufacturers (such as Shimano) have different levels of quality. They'll make stuff suitable for a $55 bike you buy at Wal-Mart along with top notch hardware for very expensive bikes.

[CamB]

If he wants a warranty, new, and after sales service (especially bike fit which is, IMHO, mandatory), he should look at his local bike shop (LBS) for a 2004 model on special as the 2005 models come out. In NZ we have the 2005 Specialized already, for instance.

For $750 he might find a Shimano 105 (or better) equipped bike, alloy frame, carbon fork. Certainly for $1000. Pedals and shoes (also mandatory IMO) are more $$$. For example, Specialized Allez Elite is MSRP of $1000 and is (i'm told) a good bike for the $$$. It comes in a double front chain ring or a triple (helps if it is hilly and/or if he is, um, "bigger").

Alloy isn't especially comfortable, but $50 of carbon seat post can help that.

He can buy my 2001 Giant TCR2 for about $750 , because I'm getting a new bike (tonight - practically new Specialized Roubaix - hence I'm keen on Specialized's today).

[nostatic]

what do they want to *do* with the bike? That is the first question. To me the most important things for a potential owner are fit and comfort. I highly recommend reading info at this site:

http://www.rivbike.com

regarding bike fit and comfort (in the bicycling 101 section). Assuming that you don't want to race but rather ride, I find Grant's thoughts to be spot on.

[greglepore]

Depends, but based on the current market, classic used steel might be tremendously undervalued. All of the go fast guys want light alu or carbon bikes. The fleamarket at the velodrome in Trexlertown yesterday had some very odd (for me) sales-ie 98 Colnago Masterlight, almost perfect paint, 98 Campy record, albeit an oddish size (59) went for only 500 bucks-a year or two ago, that was a $1200 bike. Now, if you're not after a beater, that sort of thing is hard to beat. OTOH, if you want something to not worry about and you're not the self maintainence sort, then whatever Eastern-built brand your local shop (ie not Performance/Supergo/Nashbar) sells is fine-Fuji, Giant, etc. The build cost on those frames is scary low, and they have really great retail bang for the buck as a result.

Trek builds some fine bikes, but not at that pricepoint.

[cegerer]

The bike would be for occasional 'fitness' rides - no racing. My brother and I have both owned some interesting road bikes over the years (Bob Jackson, Assenmacher, Masi, Colnago, Lemond, etc.) but switched to mtn. bikes several years ago. To my untrained eye these days, some of the $600-$750 Treks, Giants, etc. look like tremendous value for the $. I guess I'm looking more for a specific model recommendation in that price range.

[CamB]

Could you throw out a few options? Then the peanut gallery could rate them

Second hand is the best value, new is... new. I wouldn't get less than Shimano 105 (as I said above) and I would insist on a carbon fork too. Beyond that, while I haven't ridden many I would guess that the big brands are much of a muchness at that price range ---> the main difference is whether the (somewhat) harsh ride of less expensive alloy bikes is ok for him.

[turbo6bar]

Buy what fits him and is fun. Don't buy for components or frame. In my opinion, the frame and components hold back very few bicyclists. The only thing a common brand has to offer is a look and warranty. Practically, any bike in the $750 is going to be perfectly find for occasional use. You aren't going to wear out parts any time soon. You're looking at a $50 frame built in Asia. After your friend has spent time in the saddle and knows what he wants (provided he doesn't get bored), then be picky about frame and components.

Giant and Trek offer great bikes for the buck. You can't go wrong with either, as long as the fit is good.

Cam, I think you will really like the Roubaix. I'm in love with my TCR Composite. It fits me better, and ride is so nice.