Cycling Forums - Bike buying advice

Cycling Forums - Bike buying advice http://www.cyclingforums.com/ en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:38:19 GMT vBulletin 60 http://cdn.cyclingforums.com/images/layout/misc/rss.jpg Cycling Forums - Bike buying advice http://www.cyclingforums.com/ Need help to decide against 2 Scotts http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471892-need-help-decide-against-2-scotts.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:52:40 GMT Hi. I am comparing these 2 bikes Evans Cycles | Scott Sportster P55 2009 Hybrid Bike | Online Bike Shop (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-p55-2009-hybrid-bike-ec016318) Scott Sportster Hybrid Bikes Men (http://www.kudubikes.co.uk/shop/305/306/) but do not know what to... Hi. I am comparing these 2 bikes
Evans Cycles | Scott Sportster P55 2009 Hybrid Bike | Online Bike Shop

Scott Sportster Hybrid Bikes Men

but do not know what to look for. One is last years bike and one is this years. Does it make much difference which one?

Thanks for looking for me. ]]> Bike buying advice Ube_Astard http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471892-need-help-decide-against-2-scotts.html Bike for Christmas..Schwinn SS reviews? http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471891-bike-christmas-schwinn-ss-reviews.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:03:44 GMT I'm trying to find a good bike for my boyfriend for christmas that is favorable to his likings and my wallet..his Peugeot is ready to kick the bucket. I've found quite a few on craigslist that I think he would like (he is a little picky - prefers 80's steel frames and down-tube shifters) but I'm not too sure about the bikes themselves. One is a Schwinn Super Sport. I am still waiting to hear back from the seller about the year the frame was made, but from the looks of it I'm willing to guess late 80's-early 90's. I've read a few reviews on the bikes and see good things. It is being sold for $120, has good original paint and full Shimano 600 groupo.
I personally fell in love for the price, the perfect size for my boyfriend, and the fact that its pink...yeah, pink. :rolleyes:

Me and a bike-freak-friend of mine are going halfsies on a bike for him, so I'm not sure if I should throw all my eggs in this basket or wait for a better one to show up. I'm just afraid I won't be able to find another good sized and well working bike in time. Any suggestions? ]]> Bike buying advice niftyshifty http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471891-bike-christmas-schwinn-ss-reviews.html Giant Acapulco http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471869-giant-acapulco.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:32:54 GMT Hello,

This is my first post on the forums.
I bought my first mountain bike last month and have enjoyed it, but I was looking for a cheap bike to ride on the rail-trails and around the neighborhood. It doesn't have to be a great bike, just something to jump on once in a while when I don't feel like doing single track/technical stuff.
I have a link to a bike I saw on Craigslist below. It's a Giant Acapulco for $50. I have never heard of the bike before, so I wanted some advise on whether it is worth even looking at (I'm out of town for a few days and can't see it right now). I'm not sure of the year or components, etc. but it looks like it might be a decent buy for me. I was planning on putting hybrid/slicker tires on it.
I'm 6' and 215#

Thanks for any help

26" Giant Mt. Bike - $50 (Greentree, PA)

26" Giant Mountain Bike

21 Speed Grip Shift

Quick release front tire

Many extras

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]]> Bike buying advice bluesideup http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471869-giant-acapulco.html A Bike Dilemma - can you help? Bike - can I have http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471863-bike-dilemma-can-you-help-bike-can-i-have.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:54:24 GMT Hi Folks, I’m looking to buy a new bike. I’m a 35 year old with a multisport background getting back on the bike after some time on and off over the last two years. (The odd mountain bike expedition and sprint distance triathlon/time trial excluded). I use a regular road bike for training... Hi Folks,
I’m looking to buy a new bike.
I’m a 35 year old with a multisport background getting back on the bike after some time on and off over the last two years. (The odd mountain bike expedition and sprint distance triathlon/time trial excluded).
I use a regular road bike for training and racing. It is a BH, Aluminium frame and basic entry level gear. Many of the teeth on the crank, rear derailleur etc are worn and broken so I need some level of durability as this only happened after 3,000 miles at best. The rear wheel is also a little knackered at this stage but will get me through most of the winter, or until I get a new bike.
I also use a turbo trainer.
Long cycle at the weekend was 3 to4 hours in past, but is likely to only be 2 hrs plus for the next while, until I get back in shape.
Weight is not a big issue in the bike (I could do with loosing a stone). Comfort is a bigger issue as most of my riding is training.
Races in the future will be triathlons, longer slower events (not races) and training.

Anyways, my delimma is as follows. I have narrowed my choice down to two bikes with less than €100 in price difference.

I can get an aluminium frame with carbon front forks, with mainly ultegra groupset, (Trek 2.5 (2010 version)). Or a full carbon bike with mainly 105 groupset,. (Trek Madone 2.4)

In light of my background/use, what would you recommend?
Comfort is important. Is carbon necessarily better for this?
How about durability? I don’t want to be faced with knackered cogs/frame after a couple of winters riding.
I would be obliged for any other comments or ideas.

Many thanks.

FYI, The following is the spec on each bike.

(Trek 2.5 (2010 version)). Specification:
Frameset
Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm
Frame Alpha Black Aluminum
Fork Bontrager Race, carbon; SpeedTrap compatible
Wheels
Wheels Bontrager Race
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, 700x23c
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Ultegra STI, 10 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Crank Shimano Ultegra 50/34 or 50/39/30
Cassette Shimano 105 11-25 or 12-27 (triple), 10 speed
Pedals n/a
Components
Saddle Bontrager R2
Seat Post Bontrager Carbon
Handlebars Bontrager Race VR, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Race Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, integrated, sealed, alloy
Brakeset Shimano Ultegra w/Shimano Ultegra STI levers

Or a full carbon bike with mainly 105 groupset,. (Trek Madone 2.4)
Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62cm
Frame TCT Carbon,
DuoTrap compatible
Fork Bontrager Race Lite, carbon w/E2 aluminum steerer
Wheels
Wheels Bontrager SSR
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, 700x23c
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano 105 STI, 10 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Crank Shimano R-600 50/34
Cassette Shimano 105 12-27, 10 speed
Pedals n/a
Components
Saddle Bontrager R1
Seat Post Bontrager Carbon
Handlebars Bontrager SSR VR, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Race Lite, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset w/cartridge bearings, integrated, sealed, alloy; 1-1/8" top, 1.5" bottom Brakeset Shimano Tiagra w/Shimano 105 STI levers ]]> Bike buying advice SmokieJoe http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471863-bike-dilemma-can-you-help-bike-can-i-have.html <![CDATA[So what's the street cred: Specialized WorksTarmac SL-2?]]> http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471848-so-whats-street-cred-specialized-workstarmac-sl-2-a.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:45:05 GMT An '07 Specialized Works Tarmac SL2 just dropped in my lap for what I think is a decent price- would appreciate some opinions on the whole enchilada (goods/known others)

1. Campy Record group- just found out the damn chain tool is $150...YGTBSM. Shifts like a dream, tho, and getting used to the thumb shifters. Stops on a less than a dime...guessing there's a perennial DA/Record debate on here somewhere that I need to read...

2. Has that S-works integrated stem/handlebars...not a fan so far...prefer a narrower grip and how the hell is the bike supposed to break down to get in the travel case (I currently have to loosen the stem on my Madone and rotate it to get the lid to close)

3. Ksyrium SSC SL 'Tour De France' wheelset. Weighs about 6oz less than my FSA RD400's, but feels like there's glue in the hubset...the FSA's roll forever and and a day and the K's come to a halt pretty quickly on the stand....

4. Bike probably has about 500 miles on it...orig drivetrain and chain specs as new. No chips anywhere on the CF frameset (none under the top of the front tire/bottom side of front downtube)

Ride impressions: doesn't 'come out of the hole' like my Madone 5.2...feels like it is pulling a small anchor...attributing this to the rim hubs...would ceramic bearings cure this ill?

Shifts like a dream...drivetrain very quiet/smooth and as mentioned, the bike stops, like, yesterday...tracks truer than my Madone and doesn't feel as stiff as a Ridley Damocles that I rode last month. Curious if the power txfr is equivalent and the Ridley just rides rougher or?

Bike comes in at a hair under 16 lbs w/ pedals and no toolbag. Has a specialized CF compact crankset and comes w/ a campy 11/23 and an off-brand 11/26 (needed for Monterey and Boots Rd...).

Appreciate your thoughts, comments (and smart remarks, Roadhouse). What's a decent price for this sled?

~John ]]> Bike buying advice teamgomez http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471848-so-whats-street-cred-specialized-workstarmac-sl-2-a.html Indestructable Bike http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471838-indestructable-bike.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:38:31 GMT I need a bike I can't destroy.

Or more accurately, I bike that I only need to put a reasonable amount of maintenance into... about once a month, for an hour, if I ride it a few times a week through the Canadian winter. That's about what I have to put into a car, and more than I have to put into my computer to keep them in working order, so while I know a high performance racing bike is a finicky creature of delicate temperment, I want nothing to do with them. I want a bike that I can ride, not a bike I have to mollycoddle.

I don't care about weight, comfort, or gearing, or anything else really beyond ease of maintenance. 3 speed bike? Great. Weighs 50 pounds? Awesome. As long as I don't have to spend endless hours repairing the tires, dicking with misaligned wheels, endlessly lubing the chain and adjusting the gear shift in the vain hope that maybe I can finally get it to change gears properly, etc etc etc.

Any suggestions? I've got a budget of up to $1000, which I would think is sufficient, given an ultralite carbon-fibre frame with high performance racing bearings (or whatever makes those bikes so damned expensive) is a liability, not an asset. ]]> Bike buying advice CthulhuChild http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471838-indestructable-bike.html First Road Bike Dilemma http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471817-first-road-bike-dilemma.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:04:37 GMT I've asked this question on other forums but I received very biased info. So I'm looking to purchase my first road bike. I taken a test ride on many different bikes and I can't say that I particularly like any of them a lot more than the next.
So I'm in need of help deciding and some bike fit/size help

Part 1 - The bike.
So here's were I stand. Caad9-5 vs Synapse5 vs Fuji Roubaix ACR-2
Just when I thought I had everything figured out I see Fuji's new lineup for 2010. I'm really torn now. They both seem to have very comparable features. Price, BB30, Carbon Fork, Shimano 105's, similar frame geometry. I've had a test ride on each and I'm really stuck on how to decide between the two. Only issue for me is that the Fuji has carbon seat stays which I seem to feel is more a gimmick than really needed on an AL frame.

So when these bike are extremely similar what features do you look at more to make a decision. Any and all input would be helpful.

Part 2 - The Fit
I'm 5'6" and have a 30"(76.2cm) inseam a bike fit measurement not from a tailor. I've pretty much settled on purchasing a 2010 Caad 9-5, although I would also be happy with a Synapse. I've test rode quite a few different bikes and I liked the ride on this one the best. Only issue is frame size. When I test rode some Cannondale's at my LBS I rode a 54cm Caad9, 54cm & 51cm Synapse. There wasn't a 52cm Caad9 in stock to ride.

Clearly for me the 56cm in either frame is way to large. So I've ruled anything larger then 54cm out. The 51cm Synapse is the only frame I had any clearance on the stand-over height of 74.4cm although the handlebar width felt to narrow. All other frames I cannot stand flat footed at all I need to be on my toes or lean to one side to avoid castrating myself. The seat post had a very small distance from the top tube to the saddle. Almost to the point that it would be difficult to attach a seat bag under the saddle. Other than that they all felt good on the test ride.

So how do I decide between the 54cm or 52cm Caad9 or possibly the 54cm or 51cm Synapse. This will be my very first road bike so I'd like to make sure I have some assistance making an educated decision.

Thanks in advance. ]]> Bike buying advice dennisa http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471817-first-road-bike-dilemma.html New to Cycling Need Advice http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471801-new-cycling-need-advice.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:48:03 GMT Hello there, first post on these forums, just decided to get into cycling because my doctor says that I need excersise or I'm going to die, and I have always liked cycling.

Im 22 years old and around 300 pounds, wondering what kind of road type bike would best suit my needs, I'm going to ride it every day at least 10-12 miles and I live on the beach, so I would like something that can handle that type of climate though it will be kept in a garage, looking to spend around 300$ would appreciate any suggestions. ]]> Bike buying advice Particals http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471801-new-cycling-need-advice.html chainless bike http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471788-chainless-bike.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:46:45 GMT I am thinking about buying a new bike. Has anyone heard of the dymanic synergy bike from Massachusetts. It is a chainless bike but has the same ratio and derailers as a chain bike. Thanks Lorraine I am thinking about buying a new bike. Has anyone heard of the dymanic synergy bike from Massachusetts. It is a chainless bike but has the same ratio and derailers as a chain bike.
Thanks
Lorraine ]]> Bike buying advice sailwill http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471788-chainless-bike.html The Pros Closet http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471744-pros-closet.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:46:31 GMT I just purchased a bike for the ebay store, The Pros Closet Read about The Pros Closet in velo news and those guys are great and have a pretty cool story, two ex pros that have networked and gotten a ton of great gear that I could never find here at my local shops. I shop with them all the... I just purchased a bike for the ebay store, The Pros Closet

Read about The Pros Closet in velo news and those guys are great and have a pretty cool story, two ex pros that have networked and gotten a ton of great gear that I could never find here at my local shops.

I shop with them all the time and they are truly "Pros".

It is worth checking out before you pay retail

eBay Store - theproscloset: The Pros Closet, Cycling Clothing, Bike Parts

My new Superfly is thanks to the crew at The Pros Closet... Love it.

jp ]]> Bike buying advice johnpricebldr http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471744-pros-closet.html DaVinci bike!? http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471713-davinci-bike.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:08:07 GMT Hi folks, im starting road racing for the first time after a few years with my MTB, I have a deal and its possibly great or possibly a lemon!! The bike is called a Da Vinci 7005v, its a full aluminum frame (it says 7005 series heat treated aluminum frame) with carbon forks and Gipiemme wheels.... Hi folks,
im starting road racing for the first time after a few years with my MTB, I have a deal and its possibly great or possibly a lemon!!

The bike is called a Da Vinci 7005v, its a full aluminum frame (it says 7005 series heat treated aluminum frame) with carbon forks and Gipiemme wheels. The guy in the shop (and i will say, fair props to him, he's straight up and he knows his stuff) says that these wheels are a deep set wheel and are above average for a road bike of this kind. says thats a major advantage when you're big like me as it tries to minimize buckling etc. He has offered to set me up on it and has given me a years service and fitting on it. Its completely a plain black frame with a few stickers on but they look a bit odd-like a bit of an after thought so i would probably look to take them off or snazz it up just a little myself but we'll see. They give the impression its italian made--There is a little Italia flag on the front and the same italian colours are worked into the Da Vinci sticker on the frame. (the main point is there's no fancy paintjob!) But it defo is the full sora groupset-everything from brakes to gears, all mechs etc. There is nothing about this bike online-it doesn't look like its a brand that exists at this spec!? (there is a davinci custom bike builder but this isnt that!!!)

In short, this looks like a no-name 59cm aluminum frame bike with carbon forks, full sora groupset and decent wheels with fitting and maintenance for a year! (it also comes with pedals so thats another 50 bucks saved apparently!!)

My main question would be-would you reckon its a decent buy as a starter bike for 795 euro in comparison to your Treks, Cubes, Spcialised, Giants etc at the same price bracket and spec!??:confused:
I have a pic but its off the phone so...if you wanna look let me know but not sure how much help it could be?!

Thanks in advance for any advice folks,

Al ]]> Bike buying advice snapster http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471713-davinci-bike.html diamondback edgewood 2008 http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471654-diamondback-edgewood-2008-a.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:13:23 GMT I am a beginner cyclist looking for a bike to ride on paved trails and easy off-road stuff. I saw a diamondback edgewood 2008 used for sale in my area. Anyone have a review for this bike? I am a beginner cyclist looking for a bike to ride on paved trails and easy off-road stuff. I saw a diamondback edgewood 2008 used for sale in my area. Anyone have a review for this bike? ]]> Bike buying advice woundpt http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471654-diamondback-edgewood-2008-a.html Biking across the country http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471568-biking-across-country.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:38:55 GMT I am going on a cross-country trip next spring from Seattle to San Diego. I am needing to buy a good road/touring bike, am 5'1", and will be packing probably about 50 pounds, maybe not that much. I have narrowed it, I think, down to a Specialized Comp or a Giant Avail. Can anyone give me any suggestions as to these, or of others that might be a good ride? I would like to spend around $1200. Thanks all! I will have lots of prepping questions as time goes on too! ]]> Bike buying advice murcos http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471568-biking-across-country.html Advice for beginner http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471526-advice-beginner.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:08:11 GMT Hello all...

I'm in the process of moving to a new city and in doing so...have decided to pick up mountain biking as a hobby. To be honest, I've always wanted to do it but just never pulled the trigger.

I've been looking at a lot of different bikes online and to be honest, have no clue what I'm looking at...

I'd really like to stay in the $300-$400 range. I currently have my eyes set on the Specialized Hardrock brand. Does anybody know the difference btwn the hardrock and hardrock sport?

Just looking for anyone's advice on good beginner bikes. Any fellow beginners and what you may have purchased...?

Thanks in advance :) ]]> Bike buying advice SSSteele http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471526-advice-beginner.html Buying A New Or Second Hand Bike http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471460-buying-new-second-hand-bike.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:42:02 GMT Which is best to buy a new or second hand mountain / road bike and what are the best brands to look out for When buying a second hand bike what do you check for on the bike to be sure that you are not buying a defective / poor quality bike Which is best to buy a new or second hand mountain / road bike and what are the best brands to look out for

When buying a second hand bike what do you check for on the bike to be sure that you are not buying a defective / poor quality bike ]]> Bike buying advice Top Dog http://www.cyclingforums.com/bike-buying-advice/471460-buying-new-second-hand-bike.html