beginners bike

I assume that the GMC Yukon is made by Kent like the Denali? I haven't heard many good things about those. Most people would just tell you to buy a used bike (ebay, yard sale, etc) but I can tell you that in some parts of the country (like Louisiana) you will not find any good brand road bikes for sale at goodwill or yard sales. I am in the market as well, and would really like a nice road bike, but can only afford a hybrid. I had even tossed around the idea of the wal-mart schwinn varsity, but for my size (6', 245lb) I don't think it would hold up. Maybe for someone smaller they would hold up, but from what I gather, it depends on the type and volume of riding that you do. Check this thread out for some information. cyclingforums.comt328446.htmlOpen ↗

Oh, and just a foot note, I haven't been able to find a decent road bike for less that $700 (Trek 1000, Specialized Allez). It's kinda strange that I can walk into a bike shop and pick up a high-end MTB for around $500, but cant touch a good road bike for less that 1K.

What about a Raleigh Sport? I'm still researching them, so I can't comment on the quality, but I'm looking into getting one for my fiance as she's entry level and needs something budget minded. I've found them online for under 500 bucks.

Hmm. the trek 1000 looks good and so does the raleigh sport but my friend just recently got a new road bike from his parents and he said they also had to dish out a huge amount of money for insurance. Can someone enlighten me about this insurance stuff?

xynotx916 said:

Hmm. the trek 1000 looks good and so does the raleigh sport but my friend just recently got a new road bike from his parents and he said they also had to dish out a huge amount of money for insurance. Can someone enlighten me about this insurance stuff?

Insurance? Don't leave it outside! There shouldn't be any liability insurance coverage required for a bicycle, unless NJ has some really unusual laws.

I ride a Trek 1000 ... it's really a nice entry-level bike. The Raleigh Sport noted above looks like it may be slightly cheaper and in the same ballpark component-wise. Whatever you get, make sure it's well-fit to you!

I just joined this site while searching for info on new models of Azzurri bikes (I own one). I believe Azzurri and Raleigh are one and the same - just different markings and paintjobs.

My Azzurri Uno has Shimano 105 groupset and brakes, Shimano wheels, carbon forks, Ritchey seatpost and headstems and Wellgo pedals. It's a great bike and cheap for what you get, according to my mate. He rides for a team and I consulted him before buying my bike. I took his advice and can't be happier.

Next bike won't be an Azzurri as I want something that looks a bit different. I'm not sure what it'll be, but after riding for a year I now know enough to recognise a good bike when I see it!

[quote="trainee champ"]I just joined this site while searching for info on new models of Azzurri bikes (I own one). I believe Azzurri and Raleigh are one and the same - just different markings and paintjobs.QUOTE]

That's why I'm still a trainee! Was thinking of Learsport, I don't think Raleigh is the same bike. sorry!

Wow that's honestly a sexy bike. And for around $350?? I didn't know nice, cheap road bikes existed!

[font=Times New Roman] [/font]Within your budget range you should look at last years models from you LBS, they would be discounting these. Just find a mainstream recognised brands like Trek, Giant for quality and value for money.

These models should be in the price range after discount and are comparable to the Trek 1000.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?year=2006&model=11332

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?year=2005&model=11027

craigslist, ebay, garage sales, check out the garbage on recycling days.

Once you get the used bike get a book or take a course on bike repair. After that you will be an expert.

Consider getting a job at a bike shop. You will learn about business, bikes, and get an employee discount.

xynotx916 said:

they also had to dish out a huge amount of money for insurance. Can someone enlighten me about this insurance stuff?

Sounds more like family health insurance cover rather than actual insurance on the bike. Probably some clause they got to abide by which says they have to declare road-biking activities otherwise they cannot claim any cover for possible accidents. Adverse selection/ moral hazard blah blah..

What kind of insurance?

Homeowners insurance has a small amount of theft and liability insurance that might apply to a bicycle. If you have expensive stuff you want insurance for you must purchase and additional policy that increases the limits for fine art collectables ect.

Confirm whether it is replacement cost, or actual value. If you paid $5000 for a bike, and it is stolen, and a used on sells for $2000 on ebay, do you get $5k or $2k.

You should also make sure you have a personal umbrella policy ($1M min.), just incase you kill someone.

BTW if you need theft insurance on a bike, and you are not a professional, you have a bike that is more than you can afford to own.