Buying a road bike - advice?

"Canucklehead" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike. Loved the whole experience (except
> perhaps some of the hill climbs during training - too hard on an old guy) - and want to do more
> riding. I am looking at doing a few centuries next year, but promised myself I would get a
> 'proper' bike first. So, I would appreciate some advice on what to look for.
>
> I am not going to be doing any racing, just enjoy long rides a couple times a week - nothing
> competitive. I'm a big guy - 6'2" and 230lbs (but slimming down ;-)). If this means anything.
>
> Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended? Looked at Trek, Lemond,
> Klein and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components - SHimano 105? Ultegra?
> does it matter? Would you buy a bike on the web?

A lot depends on your price range. $400? $1400?? $2400???

I wouldn't buy my FIRST road bike off a website; how do you know if it fits or how it rides or how
well it's been assembled?

I suggest you go to a local bike shop (or 2 or 3) and ride different models. Something will emerge
as your next obsession in short order

Bill "congrats on the century, btw" S.

PS: Since you're used to a mtb, you *might* like sticking with a triple. I did (Klein Q-carbon
Team), and although I seldom resort to the granny (so far), it's nice to have for those
tortuous climbs up which my friends drag me occasionally. Have fun shopping!

On Sat, 06 Sep 2003 05:24:44 +0950, Canucklehead wrote:

> Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike.

That takes some work!

> I am not going to be doing any racing, just enjoy long rides a couple times a week - nothing
> competitive. I'm a big guy - 6'2" and 230lbs (but slimming down ;-)). If this means anything.

Not really. But you do need to be concerned about getting a proper fit -- at any height/weight. But
at your height, a properly-fitting bike will be harder to find, and many stores will just try to
sell you their "large".
>
> Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended?

You are not a 150lb 20 year old, so you really don't need a 17lb bike that will last those kids 2
years. Get something sturdy. Some aluminum bikes last a long time. Some don't. Same with any
material. Personally, I would suggest either steel or titanium for you. ti seems pricey, but Mark
Hickey sells nice frames for $695. I have one of his bikes and love it.

I would probably avoid a carbon bike for durability reasons, if I were you. I avoid them for myself.
Also, don't get a bike with an all-carbon fork. A carbon steerer tube is stupid-light for those of
us north of 200 pounds.

> Looked at Trek, Lemond, Klein and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components
> - SHimano 105? Ultegra? does it matter? Would you buy a bike on the web?

Components don't matter all that much. Most out there are pretty darn good. Wheels matter a lot.
Avoid boutique wheels. I bought my Habanero on the web (well, actually, through e-mail), but then I
knew the size I wanted. Do you? If you are the least unsure of your size requirements, deal with a
shop directly.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig... You _`\(,_ | soon find out the
pig likes it! (_)/ (_) |

What's your budget? I'd stick with an LBS so you get proper fit. Sounds like you want more of a
touring setup. Yes, get a triple, you are going to wear down faster than the hills. I prefer my all
steel Paramount over my Aluminum/carbon fork Cannondale. Frame materials aside though, get
something with a good set of wheels, 32-36 hole. As for components, most will work just fine,
however you can tell a difference in quality. My Dale is 105 and the Paramount is DA, the DA group
seems to be alot crisper shifting. If money is no problem, and you love riding check out these
guys: http://www.rivendellbicycles.com Actually check them out anyway, lots of good info on bike
fit, etc..

Good luck

Canucklehead wrote:

> Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike. Loved the whole experience (except
> perhaps some of the hill climbs during training - too hard on an old guy) - and want to do more
> riding. I am looking at doing a few centuries next year, but promised myself I would get a
> 'proper' bike first. So, I would appreciate some advice on what to look for.
>
> I am not going to be doing any racing, just enjoy long rides a couple times a week - nothing
> competitive. I'm a big guy - 6'2" and 230lbs (but slimming down ;-)). If this means anything.
>
> Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended? Looked at Trek, Lemond,
> Klein and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components - SHimano 105? Ultegra?
> does it matter? Would you buy a bike on the web?
>
> Suggestions & recommendations greatly appreciated.

--
Mark Wolfe http://www.wolfenet.org gpg fingerprint = 42B6 EFEB 5414 AA18 01B7 64AC EF46 F7E6 82F6
8C71 When you say `I wrote a program that crashed Windows', people just stare at you blankly and say
`Hey, I got those with the system, *for free*' -- Linus Torvalds

"Canucklehead" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Thanks for your feedback Sorni. Yes, price range would help. My budget (as my better half has
> informed me) is around $1500. You are probably right - I will shop locally and try out some
> different bikes. How do you like your Klein by the way? I was looking at those at the local bike
> shop and they certainly look good - however I didn't get a chance to take one for a spin.

My budget was around $1200. Test rode some nice steel bikes (Fuji, Jamis, etc.) w/mostly 105 group;
all seemed a bit harsh to me.

Next thing you know I'm checking out the Lemond Ti model that was on special for $1999 (no better
half to obey -- but found the Klein Q-carbons equally smooth (and better fit). 105 bike was
around $1100 IIRC; "Team" (full Ultegra w/nice Bonty Racelite wheelset) was sale-priced @ $1849.

*HOWEVER*, it had a nasty chip in that gorgeous Klein paint job (right on top tube, too), so I ended
up offering 'em $1600 (forgoing the "free accessories" usually included with a new bike). Bought
pedals and shoes (and other stuff) from the store, so they made out pretty well as well...

What was the question?

Oh, I love the bike. Did a ~70-miler on Labor Day, and was pretty darned comfortable the whole way
(save for a little butt soreness toward the "end", so to speak).

Now if I could just get some of my buddies to do more road rides! (We've all been mtb-ers
for years.)

Bill "dirt or pavement tomorrow morning?" S.

Looks like you're in San Diego too. There are quite a few rides going on during the
weekends here.

Sorni wrote:

> "Canucklehead" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Thanks for your feedback Sorni. Yes, price range would help. My budget (as my better half has
>> informed me) is around $1500. You are probably right - I will shop locally and try out some
>> different bikes. How do you like your Klein by the way? I was looking at those at the local bike
>> shop and they certainly look good - however I didn't get a chance to take one for a spin.
>
> My budget was around $1200. Test rode some nice steel bikes (Fuji, Jamis, etc.) w/mostly 105
> group; all seemed a bit harsh to me.
>
> Next thing you know I'm checking out the Lemond Ti model that was on
special
> for $1999 (no better half to obey -- but found the Klein Q-carbons equally smooth (and better
> fit). 105 bike was around $1100 IIRC; "Team" (full Ultegra w/nice Bonty Racelite wheelset) was
> sale-priced @ $1849.
>
> *HOWEVER*, it had a nasty chip in that gorgeous Klein paint job (right on top tube, too), so I
> ended up offering 'em $1600 (forgoing the "free accessories" usually included with a new bike).
> Bought pedals and shoes (and other stuff) from the store, so they made out pretty well as well...
>
> What was the question?
>
> Oh, I love the bike. Did a ~70-miler on Labor Day, and was pretty darned comfortable the whole way
> (save for a little butt soreness toward the
"end",
> so to speak).
>
> Now if I could just get some of my buddies to do more road rides! (We've all been mtb-ers
> for years.)
>
> Bill "dirt or pavement tomorrow morning?" S.

--
Mark Wolfe http://www.wolfenet.org gpg fingerprint = 42B6 EFEB 5414 AA18 01B7 64AC EF46 F7E6 82F6
8C71 "Even more amazing was the realization that God has Internet access. I wonder if He has a full
newsfeed?" (By Matt Welsh)

"Mark Wolfe" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...

> Looks like you're in San Diego too. There are quite a few rides going on during the weekends
> here.

Your website scares me.



Bill "running XP and wants to click the 'ruination' link" S.

Just removed that old help protocol problem. Figured after this blaster outbreak people would get
enough of a clue. Maybe, maybe not. Anyway, if you like the page, check out
http://www.wolfenet.org/gallery/Bikes The new (1990) Paramount is on pages 6 and 7.

Sorni wrote:

> "Mark Wolfe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>> Looks like you're in San Diego too. There are quite a few rides going
on
>> during the weekends here.
>
> Your website scares me.
>
>
>
> Bill "running XP and wants to click the 'ruination' link" S.

--
Mark Wolfe http://www.wolfenet.org gpg fingerprint = 42B6 EFEB 5414 AA18 01B7 64AC EF46 F7E6
82F6 8C71 God gave man two ears and one tongue so that we listen twice as much as we speak. --
Arab proverb

"Canucklehead" wrote:
> Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike. Loved the whole experience (except
> perhaps some of the hill climbs during training -
too
> hard on an old guy) - and want to do more riding. I am looking at doing a few centuries next year,
> but promised myself I would get a 'proper' bike first.

Good idea. Doing centuries on an MTB must be murder!

> I am not going to be doing any racing, just enjoy long rides a couple times a week - nothing
> competitive. I'm a big guy - 6'2" and 230lbs (but slimming down ;-)). If this means anything.
>
> Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended? Looked at Trek, Lemond,
> Klein and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components - SHimano 105? Ultegra?
> does it matter? Would you buy a bike on the web?

Frame material should *not* be the first consideration. Good (or bad) frames can be made from any of
those materials.

Look for a bike that's appropriate for the kind of riding you want to do. Since you're interested in
doing long rides, but not racing, comfort and proper fit should be high on your list.

As a first time road bike buyer, buying a bike online is not a good idea. Go to a few bike shops and
test ride a some bikes. Look for bikes with enough frame/brake clearance to accept a 700 x 28 tire.
Make sure the bars are high enough for long-distance comfort, and that the stem has the proper
extension (not too stretched out). Shimano 105 probably gives the most bang for the buck. If you do
hills and have difficulty with them, get a triple. The cost difference is negligible, and it's nice
to have that granny gear even if you rarely use it. As a big guy, you should avoid "stupid light"
frames and wheels.

Art Harris

Canuck-<< I am looking at doing a few centuries next year, but promised myself I would get a
'proper' bike first. So, I would appreciate some advice on what to look for. >><BR><BR> << Many
questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended? Looked at Trek, Lemond, Klein and
was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components - SHimano 105? Ultegra? does it
matter? Would you buy a bike on the web? >><BR><BR>

Get a fit first, a genuine one,, on a fit cycle, with a fit person, first. Then try to see which
framesets/stems will fit ya. Materials and components(altho Campagnolo would be my choice) are minor
when compared to fit.

Peter Chisholm Vecchio's Bicicletteria 1833 Pearl St. Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535 http://www.vecchios.com "Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"

David-<< I would probably avoid a carbon bike for durability reasons, if I were you. I avoid them
for myself. Also, don't get a bike with an all-carbon fork. A carbon steerer tube is stupid-light
for those of us north of 200 pounds. >><BR><BR>

This should be qualified to 'some' carbon framesets. Many are just fine for .1 offa ton riders as
are most carbon steerer forks(Like a Reynolds).

Nelson Vails, not a small guy, has a Calfee Tetra, with a Reynolds fork(1 inch) and has had zero
problems. The entire 'Lotto(?) teams used Reynolds carbon steerer forks at Roubaix, then used them
the rest of the season.

Peter Chisholm Vecchio's Bicicletteria 1833 Pearl St. Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535 http://www.vecchios.com "Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"

In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] (Qui si parla
Campagnolo) wrote:

snip
>
> Get a fit first, a genuine one,, on a fit cycle, with a fit person, first. Then try to see which
> framesets/stems will fit ya. Materials and components(altho Campagnolo would be my choice) are
> minor when compared to fit.
>
>
>
> Peter Chisholm Vecchio's Bicicletteria 1833 Pearl St. Boulder, CO, 80302
> (303)440-3535 http://www.vecchios.com "Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"

As Peter says get a PROPER fit, then maybe get another. In the end (no pun intended) you the rider
are the only one who will really know if the bike fits.

Yo! Peter.

Do you know of a carbon fiber crank(set) triple that is compatable with a Campy record 10s??

Saw Campy¹s 10s carbon fiber crankset - all $800 worth - at the LBS, but WTH it was on a Moots
Psyclo-YBB! The owner will keep the bike at her villa in Itally...

--
³Freedom Is a Light for Which Many Have Died in Darkness³

- Tomb of the unknown - American Revolution

Canucklehead wrote:

>Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike. Loved the whole experience (except perhaps
>some of the hill climbs during training - too hard on an old guy) - and want to do more riding. I
>am looking at doing a few centuries next year, but promised myself I would get a 'proper' bike
>first. So, I would appreciate some advice on what to look for.
>
>I am not going to be doing any racing, just enjoy long rides a couple times a week - nothing
>competitive. I'm a big guy - 6'2" and 230lbs (but slimming down ;-)). If this means anything.
>
>Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended? Looked at Trek, Lemond, Klein
>and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components - SHimano 105? Ultegra? does
>it matter? Would you buy a bike on the web?
>
>Suggestions & recommendations greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
As far as frame materials, I'd stick with steel -- can take the most hard use/abuse with fewest
worries. Like most of us, saving a pound or so on the frame isn't worth the potential disadvantages
or fussiness of the other materials. A good steel frame is still plenty light and will serve well.

For someone who isn't contemplating keeping a complete stable of bikes on hand, get something with
maximum versatility. To me that suggests the "touring bike".

So, what I'm saying is "Steel touring bike".

I wouldn't get a bike without a triple chainwheel. Again it's an issue of trading a few ounces for
maximum useability. A no- brainer as far as I'm concerned, but there are those who will suggest that
"real riders" don't need no sissy granny gears. If you can get over the passes in a
42/24 god bless you. The only reason to not get a triple IMO is if you'd NEVER use it. That depends
on you. Having replaced the small ring from wear; that's not my situation.

In article <[email protected]>, Canucklehead <[email protected]> wrote:
>Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike.

My first century was on a 35 lb mid-80s mountain bike. The road bike riders I passed up hill
looked ******!

Beleive me, any road bike you get is going to be more comfortable for road riding than a MTB with
no bar ends.

>Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame?

Any will work. It's the construction more than the material. For example I have an old Vitus 979
aluminum frame made from normal sized aluminum tubing that's very comfortable and flexible... the
opposite of what people who have only seen oversize aluminum frames think about aluminum.

Ti frames can be made to ride very nicely, but might be a bit out of your price range. I have a Ti
Airborne Zeppelin which I love. Their less expensive Ti road frame with 105 would be a pretty nice
bike. They do sell through local bike stores in addition to the web site.

> Triple recommended?

Yes.

>Looked at Trek, Lemond, Klein and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components
>- SHimano 105? Ultegra? does it matter?

It does a little. But once you get to 105, the amount of quality improvement per unit of added
cost plummets.

>Would you buy a bike on the web?

If you have a good idea what you want and how bikes fit you, mail order can be ok. Otherwise, go to
a LBS. Or perhaps Mark at Habanero. I've heard a lot of good things about him.

Eric

Canucklehead wrote:
> Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike. Loved the whole experience (except
> perhaps some of the hill climbs during training - too hard on an old guy) - and want to do more
> riding. I am looking at doing a few centuries next year, but promised myself I would get a
> 'proper' bike first. So, I would appreciate some advice on what to look for.
>
> I am not going to be doing any racing, just enjoy long rides a couple times a week - nothing
> competitive. I'm a big guy - 6'2" and 230lbs (but slimming down ;-)). If this means anything.
>
> Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended? Looked at Trek, Lemond,
> Klein and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components - SHimano 105? Ultegra?
> does it matter? Would you buy a bike on the web?
>
> Suggestions & recommendations greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> --
>
>>--------------------------<
>
> Posted via cyclingforums.com http://www.cyclingforums.com

Just received my new road bike: Marinoni Ciclo, with Campy Veloce 10 speed. It's a steel frame (but
fairly light), carbon fork, slightly relaxed frame geometry which gives it a softer ride. Basically
this is a "sport" touring bike. Quite zippy enough for me, but a smoother ride than a true "racing"
bike. Perfect for a guy like me at 48 years old and over 200 lbs.

The price was $2300 Cdn, which translates to approx $1650 US at todays rate. I have only just put
the 1st hundred miles on this bike, but already I love
it. I was measured at the bike shop for perfect fit, and then waited six weeks for delivery. :-( Oh
well, it was well worth the wait, and it was delivered on the exact date it was promised. Made
in Montreal Canada. You can find a lot of good reviews of Marinoni if you do a google search.

http://www.bikespecialties.com/marinoni/ciclo.html

Always deal with a shop.

Find a bike that fits, really well, and propose to it. How do you know when you've found one that
fits? Usually, it just feels right. Tracks straight, not scary in the corners, brake levers not too
far away, etc. Use the force....

Steel, ti, alum, carbon... doesn't matter, it's usually a personal preference. You can't get a bad
bike if you deal with a shop.

Have you ever heard anybody say they don't like their {steel, ti, alum, crabon} bike?
Neither have I.

Triples are like having a shotgun under the bed. Maybe you won't need it, but it's good to know
it's there if you do. If you find a bike you like, but it's a double, negotiate with the shop to
change it out.

Munt an inexpensive set of 25c or 28c tires. Steel beads are just fine. Pump 'em up hard for fast
rides, deflate a bit for comfort on long ones. Don't believe the marketing hype about bigger tires
being too heavy or having too much rolling resistance, it's hogwash. You can finish a hilly century
in 6:05 (including stops) on an RS-11 with Continental 700x28 Sport 1000's.

Then ride, but don't become obsessed. Swim, run, play tennis, pickup basketball, whatever. Balance
is the key, all things in moderation.

I've probably told you how to build a watch.

Mike

"Canucklehead" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Just completed my first century on an old mountain bike. Loved the whole experience (except
> perhaps some of the hill climbs during training - too hard on an old guy) - and want to do more
> riding. I am looking at doing a few centuries next year, but promised myself I would get a
> 'proper' bike first. So, I would appreciate some advice on what to look for.
>
> I am not going to be doing any racing, just enjoy long rides a couple times a week - nothing
> competitive. I'm a big guy - 6'2" and 230lbs (but slimming down ;-)). If this means anything.
>
> Many questions ... alum vs steel vs carbon frame? Triple recommended? Looked at Trek, Lemond,
> Klein and was interested in the Scattante (on Supergo website). Components - SHimano 105? Ultegra?
> does it matter? Would you buy a bike on the web?
>
> Suggestions & recommendations greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> --
> >--------------------------<
> Posted via cyclingforums.com http://www.cyclingforums.com

<[email protected]> wrote:
> MAY I SUGGEST SOMETHING LIKE THIS BIKE

That's not a bike; it's a quad.

Art Harris

In article <[email protected]>, jero7 @webtv.net says...
> MAY I SUGGEST SOMETHING LIKE THIS BIKE
>
>
> [image/jpeg,Video Snapshot]
>

NO.

Harris <[email protected]> wrote:

: Look for a bike that's appropriate for the kind of riding you want to do. Since you're interested
: in doing long rides, but not racing, comfort and proper fit should be high on your list.

Sounds like another recumbent-friendly set of requirements But it depends, I guess it boils down
to what kind of an image you want to project: whether you want to look like L. Armstrong or whether
you're more attracted by something different, cool and geeky.

FWIW I have a 53/39 Sora double and 11-23 Ultegra on my trike, but then again we have "rolling
hills" if even that and my rear wheel is only 20" so I get the low gearing more easily.

If you can do a century on the old MTB (tires make a difference too...) you'll be doing doubles on
the new bike in no time

--
Risto Varanka | http://www.helsinki.fi/~rvaranka/hpv/hpv.html varis at no spam please iki fi