Only 3 bike shops locally. I would rather buy locally then go to another city or purchase online. I like being able to take something back if I have to. Plus it's just nice to have the whole community thing going on.
That being said. I have two choices in my price range. Trek or Raleigh. One store deal specifically in Trek. The other store has other brands WAY out of my price range and Raleigh.
I have to stay under 1k. That's just my budget and I must live with it for now. So locally my only options are Trek 1.1, 1.2 and Raleigh Revenio 1.0 and 2.0 (I think).
I have read a lot about the differences between Trek 1.1 and 1.2. I know 1.2 has the carbon fork and better gears. I'm not convinced that I really need that in an entry level bike. I have been riding steep hilly rides on a $300 Schwinn mountain bike for years. It's been a great bike. What ever bike I buy must last me for the next few years. 3-5 years at a guess. I enjoy long rides and I live in a very hilly part of town. I have been doing 2-4 hour rides on a mountain bike. I'm guessing making the switch to road is going to be like entering heaven.
Raleigh I have done less research on so I'm not sure if they are a good brand or not--one of the reasons I'm posting here asking.
That being said. I have two choices in my price range. Trek or Raleigh. One store deal specifically in Trek. The other store has other brands WAY out of my price range and Raleigh.
I have to stay under 1k. That's just my budget and I must live with it for now. So locally my only options are Trek 1.1, 1.2 and Raleigh Revenio 1.0 and 2.0 (I think).
I have read a lot about the differences between Trek 1.1 and 1.2. I know 1.2 has the carbon fork and better gears. I'm not convinced that I really need that in an entry level bike. I have been riding steep hilly rides on a $300 Schwinn mountain bike for years. It's been a great bike. What ever bike I buy must last me for the next few years. 3-5 years at a guess. I enjoy long rides and I live in a very hilly part of town. I have been doing 2-4 hour rides on a mountain bike. I'm guessing making the switch to road is going to be like entering heaven.
Raleigh I have done less research on so I'm not sure if they are a good brand or not--one of the reasons I'm posting here asking.