Switching from MTB to Road bike and have questions?

kmac27

I just started riding my MTB all around town since about april since then I've ridden somewhere from 700 miles to 1000 miles I didn't keep track only knew how much each ride was. I can't compete in soccer anymore because I broke both hips and baseball is hard to get back into since highschool is over. I want to get into the long rides that road racing allows, I'm looking to get a bike that is respectable when you go to races and I know I'm going to have to pay at least 800 for a good aluminum bike. I had a few questions though, I ride Bikes everywhere and it would be a hastle to have to carry around clip in shoes, Can you use power grips on a road bike and will I need special pedals for them?

Any suggestions on brands to choose from also? I'm going to the LBS and want to steer clear from the pieces of junk or lesser looked at bikes, I know shimano and ultegra are good parts that good bikes have any other hints or tips?

Z06C5R

I'm in the same boat as you. In fact, I have a thread with almost an identical title, lol. Anyway, here's what I've found thus far:

It's going to be tough to get a decent road bike for $800. The lbs told me they exsist (and I've seen a few myself), but you don't get a spectacular bike for it. Get measured at your lbs, and then look around for a used bike that fits - you'll probably get more for your money. Around a grand, you can find some nice lower end bikes (just lookes at a nice '07 Cannondale CAAD8 optimo 2 for $1075 yesterday - all tiagra components, but with shimano wheels and fairly light at ~19lbs). Any bike that's running ultegra is probably gona be in the $1500 range at least. 105 is also good for a bit less money, as as far as I've heard, tiagra is about as low as you want to go.

Clipless shoes are probably not good to be walking around in since they're really stiff and have cleats sticking out. There are double sided pedals out there with one side for street shoes and one for clipless - good for a multi-use bike where you commute weekdays and ride hardcore weekends.

That's all I got. Hopefully it helps some... I'm not one to answer advanced questions, but I figured since we're in the same boat I'd lend you what I know thus far. Responses can be a bit slow here.

kmac27

I beg to differ. you can get a bike for 800 that is fairly decent. 950 I might spend but that means more time to save up ;-(