My first road bike :-)

That bike will be fine, assuming it fits properly and you like the way it feels on the road. The only upgrades you should really be concerned about doing are upgrades to contact points, should the stock bits not work for you. By contact points, I mean the saddle and handlebars...and while it's not contact point, a steering stem change is a possibility if the bike fit isn't quite right.

You need to think about what sort of pedals you're going to use, given that the bike doesn't come with pedals. You'll also want a helmet (I assume you'll want a helmet), maybe gloves, water bottles, and water bottle cages. Decide whether or not you'll want a bike computer (it's not a necessity). You should also purchase a flat repair kit; a mini pump, frame pump, or a CO2 inflator; and a spare inner tube or two. You might want a seat pack to put the repair kit in. After all, you need to be prepared to fix flats out on the road

Thanks for the reply. I think I remember them mentioning a package where I get 10% back to put towards equipment. I am definitely going to purchase a flat repair kit along with some extra tubes and a pump. Not sure what kind of saddle to get but I am open to suggestions and I am aware that it all comes down to what is comfortable for "my butt". I am most comfortable in a hunched over aerodynamic position instead of upright. I also like to adjust my position in my seat (forward and back). Again, suggestions🙂 As far as clip-ins, having had them on my MTB, I am use to them. What kind should I look for or does it just come down to whats most comfortable? I will say that I like to be able to free my feet as quickly and easily as possible so as to avoid oblivious drivers. Also, I wanted to get some tough tires to avoid flats. I have read that the Armadillos are a good tire. Any recommendations? THANKS!

I live in Greenville SC and had the opportunity to see two young riders from the Trek Livestrong U23 team sweep both days of the USA Pro Cycling Championships. On Saturday Taylor Phinney beat Levi Leipheimer in the individual time trial winning by only .14 seconds. Sunday Ben King was in a three man break for about the first half of the race then dropping the two riders on Parris Mountain. Despite spending nearly the last half the race on a solo drive, King held off attacks from former champion George Hincapie (BMC Racing), Levi Leipheimer (Team RadioShack) and Carter Jones (Jelly Belly) winning by 1:35. I wonder what pro contracts they will sign for next year? Wow two great days of racing not to mention the days leading up to race weekend with pro teams riding all through and around my town of Greenville SC.

Quote:
Originally Posted by f1943r [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I live in Greenville SC and had the opportunity to see two young riders from the Trek Livestrong U23 team sweep both days of the USA Pro Cycling Championships. On Saturday Taylor Phinney beat Levi Leipheimer in the individual time trial winning by only .14 seconds. Sunday Ben King was in a three man break for about the first half of the race then dropping the two riders on Parris Mountain. Ben then rode alone the last 50 miles of the 112 mile route winning by 1:35. I wonder what pro contracts they will sign for next year? Wow two great days of racing not to mention the days leading up to race weekend with pro teams riding all through and around my town of Greenville SC.

 
It sounds like Ben King had an epic ride to win the title, hopefully he has a big future. Phinney comes from good stock, he should win a few GT's [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/cool.gif[/IMG]

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by f1943r [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I live in Greenville SC and had the opportunity to see two young riders from the Trek Livestrong U23 team sweep both days of the USA Pro Cycling Championships. On Saturday Taylor Phinney beat Levi Leipheimer in the individual time trial winning by only .14 seconds. Sunday Ben King was in a three man break for about the first half of the race then dropping the two riders on Parris Mountain. Despite spending nearly the last half the race on a solo drive, King held off attacks from former champion George Hincapie (BMC Racing), Levi Leipheimer (Team RadioShack) and Carter Jones (Jelly Belly) winning by 1:35. I wonder what pro contracts they will sign for next year? Wow two great days of racing not to mention the days leading up to race weekend with pro teams riding all through and around my town of Greenville SC.

Both riders show promise, but the guy in this clip is going to take 2011 by storm.
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Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by pennstater [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Both riders show promise, but the guy in this clip is going to take 2011 by storm.
 

Ha that guy has some amazing skills!

Given that I'm older than both of those two, I feel like a failure.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by genedan [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Given that I'm older than both of those two, I feel like a failure.

Good lord man. Now I feel like a failure since I'm older than both those riders. Thanks a lot Gene. I thought I was living the good life until your post. I own a sweet huffy and just got me a new mail-order-bride from Alabama, which mean nothing too me now thanks to you. I've hit rock bottom...