A great street/ road bicycle?

Question

I currently have more of a mountain bike than a street bike. Its pretty heavy, the tires are pretty thick, and it can take a lot to get it going. I'm looking for more of a street bike with changeable gears as opposed to a single gear. Something that is lighter, has skinnier tires, and preferably has vertical handlebars as wells as the traditional horizontal ones. I'm looking for the style that the racers in the Olympics use (style, not the exact high performance bike). I would appreciate the brand that a bike like that is, and if they have many lines of bikes, the model as well. I would like to keep the price under $1,000. I'll use it more for going on bike rides ranging from 2-10 to 15-30 miles, around my neighborhood, to some restaurants and shops near my house, and to hang out with friends. Again, something light, comfortable, and quick would be ideal. Thanks, cheers!

Answer 1

Hey there!

I am a avid cyclist and I think i could help. Rob is right about the fact that the Specialized Allez is a good first road bike. If you want a well-known brand-name bike, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, and Giant are the most common. if you check those out, you will find a decent bike under $1000. There is this website though called BikesDirect.com. They have better bikes for under $1000 than the brand-named ones. These bikes are relatively lighter too. The catch is that you will need to assemble them so you might have to take it to a shop. The derailers or what you might call shifters are of better quality and all the components are the next level up. I own a road and mountain bike from that site and i love them both. the road bike i use is a full carbon kestrel for $2000 and on bikes direct, a better bike with the best quality components can be as low as $1200 which is the price i paid for the road bike from there.

i would surely consider this site and i wouldn't doubt their products one bit. they are extremely reliable and a good deal. If you are looking for a quick solution and a brand-name item, i would go to a local shop and pick out a bike there but don't overlook this site you won't regret it.

Good luck and keep cycling!

- Laurent

Answer 2

I heard that a Schwinn Katana has great looks and is a good bike for its price - $320. My friend currently has it. He says its a great bike. Another bike that i heard is good is the Specialized Allez for $820-$840. These both have vertical bars. Both brands have many bicycle models. The Schwinn Katana is only 22 lbs.