Hey all! - So as the title says - I'm new here (not only to the forum, but also to the world of biking). I simply found this forum through a google search - so hope it has landed me in the right place.
That being said - let me just get into it! I am looking to get into cycling for the purpose of augmenting my exercise routine mainly for the upcoming warmer months. I've always liked riding bikes as a kid (I'm 29 now), and I thought now would be a good time for me to get more serious. Here are my overall goals:
Anything else that happens after all this is anyone's guess - I will see where it takes me. I just want to get out and ride the bike and see what comes of it.
Now, the bike itself. Here is what I feel - In general, I've been told by a couple salespeople/reps that a road bike is probably going to be better for my use as compared to a hybrid/fitness bike. The area that I am in does have a fair amount of paved roads (realistically no trails and neither am I trying to use this for any trails or anything anyhow). That being said, I guess I would say I am impartial to the feel of the road bike (i.e. being more stretched out, is completely fine with me) as compared to more upright w/ the hybrid. I've tried out some of the bikes at the store - and here are some details:
Bike I tried:
My findings:
Of all the bikes that I tried, the first was the Siruis Base Model. It was pretty good. Then I tried the Allez sport, and elite. The elite felt pretty good, and looked good too. I am almost 6' tall, and the 56" felt most comfortable to me. Don't know about the seat settings, etc....but 56" frame felt more proper for me. I think I am pretty set on getting Specialized as I feel the brand fits me pretty well but then again I've only tried those 2 brands.
My Budget:
Initially when I went into the store, my budget was around $500-600 - but now I notice I may need to augment that budget. I really don't know how much more I would need to spend, but I guess around $1000 for the whole package might be okay. I don't want to skimp on anything only to find out it's going to cost me more or become a headache down the road. So I will remain a bit flexible in this area. That being said - I also have to account for add-on's upgrades. Here are the upgrades in my mind:
So that is pretty much it in a big nutshell. I've done a bit of research online, and now ridden around on some of the bikes in the store. At this point I'm kind of in-between the high end Sirius (felt like it had great components), but for that price, I can snag a entry level Specialized Road Bike also - $850ish) - so what do I need to know here? Anyone that can help me, or point me in the right direction would be very appreciated. Anyone that can help me save some money would really make my day also. This is going to be the first bike I buy that is basically more than $250 (a while ago when I was younger), so I want to treat it as an investment and get the right one for me.
Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to read my post and respond!
That being said - let me just get into it! I am looking to get into cycling for the purpose of augmenting my exercise routine mainly for the upcoming warmer months. I've always liked riding bikes as a kid (I'm 29 now), and I thought now would be a good time for me to get more serious. Here are my overall goals:
- Lose Weight (about 50 lbs - I'm 250 now, trying to get to 190-200 but without sacrificing too much muscle so I will complement cycling with a resistance training routine) Good Idea?
- An excuse not to drive my car/take public transit everywhere - I live right outside of New York City - so it's pretty busy area, lots of people walking around/sidewalks and yes even some bike paths (pavement, not the trail type). Sometimes of the day you can get farther on a bike in shorter amount of time due to the driving congestion.
- Preparation for Bike New York - In 2005 I rode in the 42 mile bike-a-thon (which is not a race or marathon of any kind, but simply an event that usually has about 35,000 attendees for which the City of New York shuts down major roadways and bridges. The bike tour goes through each of the 5 boroughs of NYC). It is usually held in May and this years event was held just this weekend, I believe. For a couple years now I've wanted to get back into it - but I feel I need to prep myself (physically) to get there.
Anything else that happens after all this is anyone's guess - I will see where it takes me. I just want to get out and ride the bike and see what comes of it.
Now, the bike itself. Here is what I feel - In general, I've been told by a couple salespeople/reps that a road bike is probably going to be better for my use as compared to a hybrid/fitness bike. The area that I am in does have a fair amount of paved roads (realistically no trails and neither am I trying to use this for any trails or anything anyhow). That being said, I guess I would say I am impartial to the feel of the road bike (i.e. being more stretched out, is completely fine with me) as compared to more upright w/ the hybrid. I've tried out some of the bikes at the store - and here are some details:
Bike I tried:
- Allez Elite (This I'd say was pretty much my favorite) - $1250
- Allez Sport - (This was not bad till I tried the gears on the Elite, which were much better) $950
- Trek Road Bikes Various Models (I generally did not have a good experience w/ Trek) - 950-1150
- Sirius Models (Tried the base model to the higher end with much better shifters etc....Base --- Elite) $480 - $880
My findings:
Of all the bikes that I tried, the first was the Siruis Base Model. It was pretty good. Then I tried the Allez sport, and elite. The elite felt pretty good, and looked good too. I am almost 6' tall, and the 56" felt most comfortable to me. Don't know about the seat settings, etc....but 56" frame felt more proper for me. I think I am pretty set on getting Specialized as I feel the brand fits me pretty well but then again I've only tried those 2 brands.
My Budget:
Initially when I went into the store, my budget was around $500-600 - but now I notice I may need to augment that budget. I really don't know how much more I would need to spend, but I guess around $1000 for the whole package might be okay. I don't want to skimp on anything only to find out it's going to cost me more or become a headache down the road. So I will remain a bit flexible in this area. That being said - I also have to account for add-on's upgrades. Here are the upgrades in my mind:
- Water bottle holder - def will need this.
- Under Saddle pouch - Going to need this for cell phone, keys, wallet, etc.
- Pedals (I guess they don't come w/ pedals?) I'd prefer a design than can be used with the "clip-on?" shoes, and also flipped over to be used with sneakers for more casual riding. I don't like the ones you have to slide your feet into or there are straps hanging off.
- Helmet - The guy at the store really pushed it, but I'm not a big helmet fan - maybe someone can give me info on that?
- Tools - I would like to be able to change out certain parts if it is not too big of a job, so I figure I would need some type of tool kit for basic things?) Or one of those swiss army type bike tool?
So that is pretty much it in a big nutshell. I've done a bit of research online, and now ridden around on some of the bikes in the store. At this point I'm kind of in-between the high end Sirius (felt like it had great components), but for that price, I can snag a entry level Specialized Road Bike also - $850ish) - so what do I need to know here? Anyone that can help me, or point me in the right direction would be very appreciated. Anyone that can help me save some money would really make my day also. This is going to be the first bike I buy that is basically more than $250 (a while ago when I was younger), so I want to treat it as an investment and get the right one for me.
Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to read my post and respond!