thinking about buying a road bike

[themandillon]

I know there are some "cyclists" on here. im thinking about getting a road bike for the weekends and maybe riding to work a few days a week since gas is "supposed" to skyrocket this summer. does anyone have a suggestion of a semi decent beginner bike that wont totally break my budget?

also any tips or tricks anyone has.

thanks!

[lordoftheblings]

craigslist, good deals can be had there. Specialized makes some nice bikes. Personally I just mob a 5" travel all mountain bike.
http://betacreate.com/temp/rack-02.jpg

takes the abuse and keeps the smile factor high.

[xoutofstepx]

My friend just got the Trek Soho and it's awesome. It's a single speed and good for a commuter bike. Check it out here: Trek Soho (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/urban/soho/sohos/)

http://www.birminghamcitycycles.co.uk/admin/dbimage.asp?id=1061&s=large

and also what Corey said, Craigslist.

There is a dude who owns a store in Costa Mesa called "The Used Camera Store". He sells/builds bikes there as well. Went there yesterday and he had some pretty cool stuff there. Search for "used camera store" in the OC craigslist bike section. He has some stuff on there, but more in the store. He is a cool guy as well.

The address to the store:

545 W 18th St # A
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 645-9161‎

[gest24]

What is your budget? Trek, Specialized and Fuji all make great entry level bikes. You could also always go the used route and get a deal that way.

[ncttrnl]

Craigslist

Great used bike deals are all over on there.

What kind of commute are you looking at? Is it flat? Are there good bike lanes? Is there a lot of traffic?

If its not an "enjoyable" commute, your bike is probably going to sit in the corner. Keeping in mind that "enjoyable" is different for everyone.

[lordoftheblings]

if its not flat dont start with a SS. If there are off-road trails available do a mtn bike. You'll work harder but its way more fun, plus you can toss some slicks(semi) on it to road.

[themandillon]

that actually doesnt sound like too bad of an idea. i wonder if my friend will sell me his mtb

[karl]

oh yeah, you want to know what size bike you want. i suggest going to a cycle shop and get "fitted" so you know what you want if you craigslist one

[jr_scheiBe]

add one more to the list...

[ncttrnl]

add one more to the list...

I blame Paul really.

[jr_scheiBe]

I blame Paul really.

He cant get full blame.... I mean Kerry was there to add to it. I wanted to for a while and when I found out about Paul...I bought mine in like 2 weeks.

Have you looked at the TCSD website about the noobie 101 meet up? Want to roll with me when I do Nytro in the next could of days?

[gest24]

I've been breatheing bikes for the last 10 years, lol. But it was Paul who talked me onto a road bike.

[ncttrnl]

He cant get full blame.... I mean Kerry was there to add to it. I wanted to for a while and when I found out about Paul...I bought mine in like 2 weeks.

Have you looked at the TCSD website about the noobie 101 meet up? Want to roll with me when I do Nytro in the next could of days?

I've been swamped with work so I haven't had a chance follow up on the noobie meet up. I did check out the TCSD website though. I'm definitely going to join up, I just need to get a couple big projects off my plate at work to get back to a stable workload.

I've been lucky to find time to get out and ride lately. I still haven't found my legs on the hills. I tried biking from my place to Paul's on Monday. Lets just say, my cleats got a little worn down on one of the particularly steep climbs.

[jr_scheiBe]

I've got more than a few things on my plate.. multiple papers and finals and tests...arrgh!
I just need a vacation..seriously.

I guess now after we all chimed in PAUL IS TO BLAME!

what day do you get in kerry?

[Neccros]

PM sent.... I have a road frame, fork, seat, seat clamp, headset, stem, spare hangers, etc willing to sell dirt cheap.... I need to get rid of it!!

[themandillon]

what local bike shops in sd(perferably north county) do you guys go to? im going to go to performance bike either tomorrow or saturday and start my search

[ncttrnl]

what local bike shops in sd(perferably north county) do you guys go to? im going to go to performance bike either tomorrow or saturday and start my search

You can try B&L over in Solana.

http://blbikes.com/

[themandillon]

im gonna cruise over there today and look around. hopefully ill have a bike by next weekend

[themandillon]

well i think im gonna get a specialized allez. my dad knows a guy who can get me a little discount on specialized :)

[gest24]

well i think im gonna get a specialized allez. my dad knows a guy who can get me a little discount on specialized :)

Allez is a great begginers bike. I actually picked up the women's version for Emily last week. But I still believe your biggest bang for buck is Fuji.

[jr_scheiBe]

and then add a twin6 jersey and youre part of the group!

[boragirl]

good choice, i ride a specialized too and love it :tup:

[Neccros]

I ride a Specialized Enduro mountain bike and its awesome... but my old roomate had a Allez Elite and that was a nice bike...

Specialized makes some good stuff

[themandillon]

what are your guys' opinions on this. I dont know much about the components or anything but it looks pretty nice.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/bik/718787322.html

[Neccros]

Not bad, but 105 is a little lower end... not sure what your goal is for a bike...

[themandillon]

im just looking for a fun bike to commute to work/around town and to get me into the sport. if i start riding more than just to work i will be upgrading.

[Ivan]

Dammit This Thread Always Tricks Me.