First post - Hi all ... And could use some opinions on road bikes

Dorm57 · Oct 28, 2010

Hi all ... first post to the forum for me. I'm new to the sport and have been cycling for about 5 months now. Currently I ride both road and MTB applications. Some numbers on me are I'm mid fifties, 6' - 1" and weigh in ~ 250 lbs. I enjoy spinning at the local gym and ride mostly on the weekends - both road and mountain bikes.

I'm in need of opinions on road bikes and mainly related to comfort. I like to go fast, so can ones weigh in on speedy and comfortable road bikes out there? Opinions on Felt, Fuji, Specialized and/or the Motobecane models are much appreciated ... at this point I'm just not experienced enough to know.

I've been doing quite a bit of research and understand the importance of weight and that with frames; while not all are created equal ... it's the bolt-on hardware, the wheel sets, the shifters, et al that really make the difference. Look forward to your responses.

Ciao ...

kdelong · Oct 28, 2010

Felt, Fuji, and Motobecane are all good respectable bikes. Specialized is an exceptionally good bike but they tend to be a bit overpriced due to the name. I'm not going to try to steer to toward any specific models of these brands. You will need to decide which one you like best and the only good way to do that is to ride them. Nearly any bike shop will allow you to take a spin around the parking lot on a specific bike to see if you like it. Sort of like a test drive when you are shopping for a car. You should be able to get a ride on the Felt, Fuji, and Specialized fairly easily. Unfortunately Motobecane is primarily sold over the net, so getting a test ride is impossible unless you happen to know someone who owns one.

This website should provide you with all of the road bike opinions that you need: http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviewscrx.aspx

McLoki · Oct 30, 2010

The weight thing is way overblown in my opinion. Your average speed will be similar on a 15pound bike as it will be on a 25 pound bike. (although climbing hills and accelleration will be a little quicker on a lighter bike)

Get something that fits and you like the look of. I would not try and get the lightest weight bike you can find as overall strength is often the tradeoff for lighter weight. Something with a good fit in the 18#-22# weight class with a strong frame and wheels appropriate for your 250# would work out much better to first get into things.

As you get more into riding and can decide what kind of riding you really like to do (racing, touring, general fitness riding, hill climbs, commuting, etc.) you can get something better focused for your needs. For now though - something comfortable that will work for whatever you like to do will make for a better introduction to cycling.

Just my opinion,

Michael

CalicoCat · Oct 30, 2010

Originally Posted by McLoki .

The weight thing is way overblown in my opinion. Your average speed will be similar on a 15pound bike as it will be on a 25 pound bike. (although climbing hills and accelleration will be a little quicker on a lighter bike)

Get something that fits and you like the look of. I would not try and get the lightest weight bike you can find as overall strength is often the tradeoff for lighter weight. Something with a good fit in the 18#-22# weight class with a strong frame and wheels appropriate for your 250# would work out much better to first get into things.

As you get more into riding and can decide what kind of riding you really like to do (racing, touring, general fitness riding, hill climbs, commuting, etc.) you can get something better focused for your needs. For now though - something comfortable that will work for whatever you like to do will make for a better introduction to cycling.

Just my opinion,

Michael

+1

Fit is the number one most important thing. So do go to an LBS (or 2) and test ride bikes.

All the brands you listed are good. With everything else equal (fit, price, etc) choose the LBS you like best and buy from them. I've said it a million times before and I'll say it again, a good LBS is worth its weight in gold!!!! They'll look out for your needs, give you deals, "lend" you parts (I am running a "borrowed" cassette, and my pedal wrench isn't really mine), wash your bike, let you store food in their fridge, and "forget" to charge your for things . . . That is why I don't recommend buying a first bike on the internet.

Dorm57 · Nov 1, 2010

Thanks for all the comments. As was my suspicion, a lot of which 'brand' to pick depends on personal feel, opinions, experience, et al. So, I'll just have to do my own looking, testing and such and go from there.

Ciao ...

NorwegianBlue · Nov 3, 2010

There is a relatively new subcategory of road bikes called "plush." These are full-fledged road bikes whose geometries have been tweaked to provide a more comfortable ride and riding position. Hardcore racers likely wouldn't ride them since the comfort usually comes at the expense of liveliness and sharp handling, but it's a great solution for strong club riders who don't race. Sounds like you would be a great candidate for one.

Bicycling Magazine has a host of bike minireviews, including a bunch of plush bikes here: http://bicycling.com/gear/channel/1,7992,s1-16-0-0-0,00.html

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First post - Hi all ... And could use some opinions on road bikes

Dorm57

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kdelong

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McLoki

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CalicoCat

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Dorm57

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NorwegianBlue

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