New road bike!

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

Let us know what your cycling goals are. Planning on racing, doing charity/endurance events or just tooling around town?

Not racing. I'm just looking for a bike to workout with. Get up in the morning and put in some miles before I go to work and on the weekends go on longer rides.

[bkonken]

I may be persuaded to purchase a cool PP jersey as well.

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by MMARSH

Not racing. I'm just looking for a bike to workout with. Get up in the morning and put in some miles before I go to work and on the weekends go on longer rides.

Here's one in LA. I don't know how tall you are but this should fit someone between 5'9" and 5'11". I bet you can bargain it down to $500. There are cheaper bikes for sure but this one has good components and should serve you well until you're ready to upgrade to carbon or Ti.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/532312536.html

[HardDrive]

Bike just shipped. I'm like a kid waiting for Santa I'm so excited.

I picked up a pair of Keo Sprint pedals for it.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

Here's one in LA. I don't know how tall you are but this should fit someone between 5'9" and 5'11". I bet you can bargain it down to $500. There are cheaper bikes for sure but this one has good components and should serve you well until you're ready to upgrade to carbon or Ti.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/532312536.html

That looks good. Im right at 6'0". I'm going to give him a call and take a look at it.

[nostatic]

most people buy bikes that are too small for them. Bike shops tend to size people according to old lore which unfortunately puts your body in a pretty uncomfortable position. I'm a big fan of bigger frame sizes and getting fairly upright. Unless you're racing, the only thing you have to lose is sore wrists and arse.

For instance I'm 6'1" any I usually go for about a 62cm frame. Back in the day I used to race a 58cm Davidson Stiletto. Big difference in comfort between the 58 and 62. The Salsa I just ordered is a 59cm but due to the sloping top tube is effectively a 62cm frame. Top tube length is another consideration, but a higher rise stem can help to bring that back towards you (and again, will increase comfort).

http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/fit_sizing_position

http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/choosing_a_frame_size

[HardDrive]

Frankly, I would avoid aluminum of any flavor, even with carbon stays and forks. I find aluminum frames deliver a harsh ride, and have an overly stiff, dead feeling to them.

Just my opinion.

If you are willing to ride an older bike, find a 1970s Motobecane. These are fantastic bikes. My father and I have a Jubliee Sport. The steel frames are like butta'. A bit tough to find in good condition, but you see them on craigslist and E-bay for $150-$450 depending on condition.

[cantdrv55]

True, aluminum can be a harsh ride. New steel is expensive though and, if you go with old steel, you've got some work to do to make it as functional as the Lemond above. Best thing is to scour craigslist for a well-cared-for old steel.

[herr_oberst]

I like the steel too. I'd like a new steed, but these are still going fine for me. I'll make do for a while longer.

[jtkkz]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

I like the steel too. I'd like a new steed, but these are still going fine for me. I'll make do for a while longer.

Nice Breezer MTB bike, I have not seen those in a long time...

I use to sell those in my bike shop many years ago...

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Frankly, I would avoid aluminum of any flavor, even with carbon stays and forks. I find aluminum frames deliver a harsh ride, and have an overly stiff, dead feeling to them.

Just my opinion.

If you are willing to ride an older bike, find a 1970s Motobecane. These are fantastic bikes. My father and I have a Jubliee Sport. The steel frames are like butta'. A bit tough to find in good condition, but you see them on craigslist and E-bay for $150-$450 depending on condition.

I'm completely clueless when it comes to this stuff. Will a novice like me be able to feel the difference? Does that seem like a good price for that bike?

Should I go get fitted at a bike shop first? I was just going to go see how it fit me and go from there. At this point, I don't really know what would be comfortable for me, But, riding the Ducati I'm used to leaning forward quite a bit.

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by nostatic

http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/fit_sizing_position

http://www.rivbike.com/article/bike_fit/choosing_a_frame_size

Good Info, Thank you.

[nostatic]

Michael, it is different than a motorcycle because your legs are churning. What works on a bike won't necessarily work on a bike...if you get my drift.

The main advantage is that your neck muscles are strong. Definitely read the links at Rivbike...I think it provides a decent starting place. If you're 6', I'd be looking at around a 60-61cm frame. When you straddle the top tube, you should be able to put your feet down flat but it is ok if it is tight to your junk (despite the old school wisdom). Unless you're oddly proportioned (especially long/short torso or legs or arms), that size frame with a 10-11cm stem (preferably with some rise) and standard bars should work. Also check where the seat is mounted on the post. It should be about midway on the rails, or maybe back from that. Don't slide the seat all the way forward to try and shorten the reach to the bars. That'll wonk your pedal stroke.

I won't have my frame for a few weeks but if you haven't found one by then you're welcome to come by and check it for fit. Or if there are bikes around west LA that you find I'd be glad to check them out for you or with you. Despite my lack of car mechanic skills, I actually know my way around bicycles, having worked in a shop and built quite a few from the ground up.

[fhernand]

I finally pulled the trigger on the system six. I have been very happy with the half aluminum and half carbon frame. I use it for commuting to work. The stem will be replaced soon with something more upright. For comfort and pep, this is the best of both worlds.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Frankly, I would avoid aluminum of any flavor, even with carbon stays and forks. I find aluminum frames deliver a harsh ride, and have an overly stiff, dead feeling to them.

Just my opinion.

If you are willing to ride an older bike, find a 1970s Motobecane. These are fantastic bikes. My father and I have a Jubliee Sport. The steel frames are like butta'. A bit tough to find in good condition, but you see them on craigslist and E-bay for $150-$450 depending on condition.

If any one is interested in a small frame Motobecane with cross over (straight) bars, I have one to sell/trade to help finance a new road bike. I may also be letting my Cilo & PPV go

[cantdrv55]

My son is 6' and I just bought him a 56 cm Trek. He isn't oddly proportioned or anything. He fits that bike just fine. We used a bike fit website similar to the one above for advice. In comparison, I am 5'8" and I ride a 52 cm bike.

Also, please don't go to a bike shop, get fitted and then not buy a bike from them. I don't know how those guys stay in business. The shop I use locally charges such cheap prices for services that I'm hoping they don't close down.

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by fhernand

I finally pulled the trigger on the system six. I have been very happy with the half aluminum and half carbon frame. I use it for commuting to work. The stem will be replaced soon with something more upright. For comfort and pep, this is the best of both worlds.

That's a sweet bike. Hey, I just noticed I'm across the water from you in Benicia.

[fhernand]

Thanks for the compliment. I saved for a long time to get into this bike. It's worth every penny for me. When you are in the area shoot me an email and we can do some miles up Mt. Diablo : )

The older I get, the softer the ride is needed. Fitting is a very important step in buying a bike so, my advice is do the homework. Test ride the bike over and over and over. Know up front what type of riding you want. There are some companies out there like REI that will take your bike back if you are not 100% satisfied with the bike. I love this place and have had nothing but good experience with them.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

My son is 6' and I just bought him a 56 cm Trek. He isn't oddly proportioned or anything. He fits that bike just fine. We used a bike fit website similar to the one above for advice. In comparison, I am 5'8" and I ride a 52 cm bike.

Also, please don't go to a bike shop, get fitted and then not buy a bike from them. I don't know how those guys stay in business. The shop I use locally charges such cheap prices for services that I'm hoping they don't close down.

+1 Support your local Bike Shop, they are one of the last truly family business's left!!!
Mine, http://www.worldfamouscitycycle.com/
Is owned by a friend that I raced BMX against since we were about 12, he worked at some of the best shop (I worked at the others) and went on to make it his life. Many real cyclist are like Drew, they will do any thing to help you, can fix anything and really know what you need, sometimes it cost a bit more, but this isn't walfart with slapped together POS bikes, but built & fitted and maintained (just like our Porsche's) by people who know what they are doing and have families to support.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

My son is 6' and I just bought him a 56 cm Trek. He isn't oddly proportioned or anything. He fits that bike just fine. We used a bike fit website similar to the one above for advice. In comparison, I am 5'8" and I ride a 52 cm bike.

Also, please don't go to a bike shop, get fitted and then not buy a bike from them. I don't know how those guys stay in business. The shop I use locally charges such cheap prices for services that I'm hoping they don't close down.

I agree about the fitting, but there also are shops that will do a fitting for a fee. However, I've seen guys doing it that either didn't really know what they were talking about, or were racers that thought everyone should fit a bike like a racer. Ymmv.

Without see you or him on the bike it is hard to say, but 52cm seems *really* small for someone 5'8". And like I said, a 6'1" I used to race a 58cm, but a few years after I quit racing I found that bike quite uncomfortable. My 61.5cm Moots fit me like a glove, and a 63cm Rivendell was damn comfy too.

My guess if that if you used the pubic bone measurement as detailed on the Rivendell site you'd calculate out to a much bigger frame. Imho if you have much clearance over the top tube (>0.5") while standing flatfooted you're on too big of a frame. Mtn bikes are a totally different story though...