Getting ready to shop for a new road bike

[jack rackham]

I've been riding a road bike for about 8 years. I've had 2, but my LeMond Zurich (steel frame) has been my favorite. I was 275 pounds when I began and I'm now 225. My wife has given me the go-ahead to buy a new bike. My budget is $2,500.

Before I make a fool of myself, what material should I be riding at 225 pounds. I love the look of the Trek 5000, but am I too heavy for carbon? What is the right choice?

 

[StartTday]

You are nowhere near too heavy for a carbon bike.

If you're looking for a Trek 5000, some shops have them priced as low as $1900 (last year's model)

 

[Walrus]

No issue with carbon. I think you'll find that most weight limits are applied to wheelsets rather than frames. Sometimes the ultralight climbing wheels have rider limits, but this is pretty rare. You may find that a certain frame geometry or material may have a better rider quality for you, but that would be revealed in a test ride. Best thing would be to chat to the guy at the store.