Howdy OzCableguy,
Been in the same position, done the same thing.
Started cycling on a hybrid 8 months ago. As a fat overweight 50yo with
a bad back, did just 3 km in my first week. Kept at it, and was doing
100 km weeks in 4 months (with less back trouble, too).
Bought my son a Giant OCR1 for his 21st. Went for a 40 km ride with him
last month, and he disappeared into the distance - gotta get myself a
road bike.
Bought me a Giant TCR1, and we now race 2x weekly with Coffs Harbour
Club doing crits with my son.
I did lots of research before spending my bucks.
1. The frame must fit. Only drawback to Giants is there are just 6 frame
sizes. Most manufacturers have a limited range of sizes, and if you
can't get the right size, you'll have to pick something like Cannondale
that has incremental sizes.
2. Giant is the best value, period. Volume works. Avanti is next best
for value, the rest cost some more, to lots more, for the same spec.
I'll get flamed for this, probably, but it's true.
3. A lot of manufacturers might use a splashy derailleur where you see
it, and [censored] for parts where you don't. Just know what you are paying,
or not paying for, as the case may be to know if you are getting value.
My TCR1 is just out of your price range - paid $2300 (list $2450)- but
it came with pure Ultegra - brakes levers bottom bracket crank - the
works. Similar spec in other brands runs $200 to $2000 more. My frame
will last the same as any other frame, so I couldn't see much advantage
paying more. The OCR1 was $1900 with a wireless computer.
The OCR1 has Shimano 105 9 speed. The TCR1 with Ultegra is much nicer to
use, feels much nicer, crisper to change, and brakes way better (I've
ridden both, obviously). I've been told the new 105 10 speed is good.
I'm hoping the 2007 range (which will be out in September 06) might have
105 10 speed on the OCR1 - I want to get the smaller 'w' model for my wife.
I was worried that I might not be able to ride the more extreme geometry
of a racing bike, but it has turned out OK. Started off with the stem
turned over, to raise the bars a little, and as I adapted, have now
reversed the stem to normal position, and am even getting used to riding
in the drops. Am much faster into a headwind on the drops.
The OCR has a slightly more relaxed geometry, with a higher stem and
longer wheelbase. It races just as well as the TCR (we are club racing
for fun, and not life or death on the Tour). The OCR1 does have carbon
forks and rear end, which makes it more comfortable, but now I've got my
TCR1 adjusted for me, I don't notice a lot of difference (TCR1 = carbon
front and aluminium frame and rear end). I prefer riding the TCR1
though, as the Ultegra is just nicer to use. Oh yeah - the only
deficiency of the OCR1 is crappy Tectro brakes - need a much harder pull
to stop. With Ultegra brakes I can crash stop with just 2 fingers on
each lever.
Just out of interest we weighed our bikes - OCR1 = 8.7kg TCR1 = 8.4kg.
The less rotating mass, the faster the bike. Cheap heavy wheels will
keep you slower. Double chainring weighs a lot less than triple
chainring (OCR2 and down have triple). Remember, the total weight of the
bike matters less than the rotating mass.
If you need lower gears (don't know if you are an old fart like me, or a
super fit elite athlete), the dealer can put different ratios on the
rear cluster. Standard is 11-23. I got 12-27. I could use the 11-23 on
the track, but on the road, with the hills around our place, 12-27 was
more realistic. My son manages fine with 11-23. Didn't cost extra for
the gearing change.
We are starting to do bunch rides. Both bikes work well. I've just got
to keep my engine in good shape.
My experience is that even with quite different geometries, when
adjusted correctly, both bikes are effective, and give a good ride. I
suspect that will be the same going from brand to brand, so for me, the
actual nature of the frame became less important than the gear on the
bike. The Ultegra is high quality, and the bike was pure Ultegra,( not
just some Ultegra) for the price. No other pure Ultegra bike came close
for price.
If your budget can stretch, see if the dealer can swap out the Shimano
550 wheels for 600 wheels - maybe $200 more. This would make it a weapon
for the money. I'm going to get some 600 wheels for use with the
standard Michelin Pro2 Race tyres on the track, and use the 550 wheels
for training and general road rides, with rugged Continental GP4000 tyres.
The Bike Buyers Guide in the newsagents has the specs on thousands of
bikes - it might help.
You've got plenty of time to choose, and the '07 bikes start becoming
available from September, so the models will change later in the year.
Hope this helps.
Keep the black stuff down,
Ashley
OzCableguy said:Ok, the kilos are coming off and the times are coming down so sometime in
the next 6 to 12 months (probably closer to the latter) I hope to get to a
level of fitness where I can get in on some bunch rides. Naturally starting
off on some recovery rides and working up to the quicker ones over time. So
the time has come to start putting away some $$ for an appropriate roadie of
some sort.
Initially I was thinking something around $1-1500 or so like a Giant OCR
type thing but there seems to be some groovy stuff in the $1500-2000 bracket
like the Specialized Allez Sport type of bike.
So, how much should I be spending to get a reasonably competitive bike with
a reasonable level of comfort? Am I looking at the right types of bikes for
the task? Which price bracket represents the best value for money?
Seems to be hundreds of makes and models to choose from. I guess the main
thing is to get the one that fits and feels the best once you're in the
right price bracket to get the right quality, but any pointers will be
appreciated.
