Never thought I would be doing this!!

So as I am back in school at ASU this year Ive been very active with our MTN Bike and Triathlon team. There are many races here I want to compete in but I'm lacking the road bike.

So I'm looking for somewhat an entry level Road Bike for a few races and for training rides. I've been looking the Bianchi's, Felts and Specialized. They all make some sexy bikes.

Whats everybodys opinion on a first time Road bike?? Im trying to keep it between 1,000 and 1,500$$

Anyone know a place that is closing out 07's maybe?

thanks STR

 

Matt, I dont know who you are anymore.

jk!

 

strictly athletic reasons and training reasons, no lycra involved

 

I'd suggest probably trying a Trek 1000 or similar. You can also buy a Specialized Allez for around that price.

Oh, the Felt 4FC or something? It's blue.. it's full carbon with decent components that you should be able to pick up for less than $1500. Jenson is probably also still blowing out Bianchi or similar road frames.

If all else fails, hit up a Performance and get a Scattante.

 

How about a CX rig and throw some road tires on it for the road stuff.

 

Felt no longer makes this bike. The F4 is now the "budget" carbon at $2249

Lots of bikes available under $1k. Check out the Felts. Lots of bike for the money.

 

I defintely will check out Felt. There bikes are soo sexy looking. I've also heard they give you great components for the money.

Where would be a good place to buy a Felt?

 

I hear you dude. I'm building up a road bike to help me train for Counting Coup. I never thought I'd see the day...

 

PM JamR, I think he was selling a sweet Klein recently.

I think it's probably about your size too.

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/market-place/7375-parting-my-klein.html

 

How do you do triathlons without any Lycra? I'll bet that within a few months of having a road bike, you'll be wearing it. It's faster, more comfortable and more practical... I'm just sayin'...

Bianchi's are badass, but any of their good bikes are going to be out of your price range.

Specialized and Felt both make good bikes that you can afford. Best bet is to ride them and see which ones feel more comfortable and fit better. In the 1,000 - 1,500 range, you're going to find the bikes running simmilar compontents, so it's going to probably come down to personal taste and comfort. Good luck.

 

Switchback Cyclery :welcome:


You cannot buy them online, so you have to go through a shop.

 

You're welcome.

 

specialized

Well I've been doing some internet research tonight. It seems Specialized has a ton of models out.

What is difference between the Roubaix and Allez class. It seems the Roubaix has a slacker more comfortable geometry. Another question is what does 'double' and 'triple' mean in the lineup?

The Allez Elite looks a like a sweet ride for $1100. 07' BTW.

-FUTURE ROADY- :beer:

gimme the hate!!

 

Three chainrings in the front like most mountain bikes versus two chainrings. Triples will have a third small ring on the front to aid in climbing those steep grades.

Grab a 2008 Specialized catalog. Very complete and informative. It's almost better than porn...

 

hmm didnt know it was that simple!!

 

Yup.

Though no self-respecting roadie would want to be caught riding a triple.

 

Felt also has a Triathalon bike that starts at $1200.

Felt T43

The Felt S32 seems to be a decent value, too, for $1349.

Though I'd just throw some clip-on aero bars on a road bike. Your rig would be a bit more versatile and you don't have to contend with finding tubes and tires for those stupid 650c wheels...

 

Neither of those bikes runs 650c wheels, both have 700c's.

 

Whats the difference between a tri bike and a road bike?

 

I think it's mostly rider position. Tri-bikes, or road bikes setup for Tri have the rider in a more aerodynamic position to cut down drag. They're all about going as fast as you can for shorter distances than pure road racing bikes.

Road bikes I believe the rider position is more upright. These bikes are more comfortable to ride and the position is better for all around riding especially hill climbing.