looking for a new road bike, but...

Philabuster24

Hey all. I am looking to get serious into riding and am trying to decide what bike to get. I've been looking mainly for used Giants and Treks. I don't have that much money to spend since I am a college student, but I want a bike that will last me a long time, and that I won't outgrow in a year (performance wise). I was thinking of trying to find a bike with a good frame and maybe not so good parts. This way I can upgrade over the years and end up with an awesome road/racing bike without having to buy a whole new bike.

Is this a good idea? What other brands/models should I be looking for? Any suggestions when searching for a bike? Any other suggestions about anything at all?

Thanks so much for your responses... I look forward to reading them.

rkokish

Giant and Trek make good bikes, as do Schwinn, Fuji, Specialized, Canondale and most other companies. What you need to realize is that when buying a bike, fit is much more important than the brand name on your frame.

Your plan to buy and slowly upgrade a used bike is okay if you know enough about bike fitting to get yourself an apprporiate frame size, are able to find a used bike you like in that size, are willing (and competent) to buy and install a new stem (if needed), and then adjust your seat position and handlebars apprporiately.

If you are unable to do these things with confidence help from a good bike shop will be invaluable. My local shop for example, uses physical and laser measurements of a customer's various body proportions, has customers fill out a questionaire about the rides they plan to predominently take and their personal comfort preferencers. These data are then entered into a computer program that guides the shop in optimally setting up each bike for each customer. This kind of personal fitting, which they will do for all customers (not just the one's buying custom built bikes) can make all the difference as to how happy you will be on your bike.

senator52

I am in the same position as Philabuster24, hoping to buy a bike and slowly upgrade. I've heard that Felt have good frames, I'm looking at their F80 model. Would the first upgrade I should do be changing the rims? I've seen the Mavic Aksium's they look pretty sweet and relatively cheap are they a good buy, anyone? Thanx.

Clfs

I don't think that buying a bike based on its frame is a good idea. It will end up costing you a lot more to upgrade the parts than purchase a decent bike outright. I wanted to do what you are thinking with my bike, but I scraped the idea cause of the cost. Try looking for older model bikes at bike shops. They sell them for a fair price and you get a reliable product.