Cycling: New bike?

Question

Hi, i'd like to start cycling but i don't have a bike yet. Since i'm not planning to enter competitions, i don't want a expensive bike to start with.

1. I'd like to know wich bike will be good for me (no to expensve as i said, not over 950$ / €600)

2. When i buy a bike, on what stuff should i realy pay attention to

Thx for answering!

Answer 1

The most important resource that you have is your local bike shop. Go to one and tell them your budget for the bike and other equipment. Also tell them where and how you want to ride. They are qualified to match you up with the bike that best meets your needs. Make sure you test ride the bike. Go to other bike shops and test ride what they have to offer. Test as many bikes as you can. One will fit better and feel better than all the others. You'll be able to tell soon after sitting on the saddle and test riding for a few minutes. Buy that bike regardless of the name on it. At your price range, competition is intense. Any two bikes at the same price level are very likely to be equivalent values.

The other things you need and should not ride without are a helmet, a water bottle and cage, and a wedge-style bag. In the bag you should have a set of tire levers and a spare tube. Also get a pump. If you don't already know how, the people at the bike shop will probably be glad to show you how to change a tube when you get a flat. If they won't show you, go to another bike shop. Fortunately, none of this stuff is a significant cost except the helmet. Get a good one. It's important.

HTH

Answer 2

First and most important is getting the right style and size frame.  For a starter planning to do non competitive road cycling you want a more relaxed frame geometry, with a higher front end and longer seat stays.  Fit is very important so make sure you have about 3cm clearance when you stand over the frame.  To get the best fit you might need to look at fitting different length seat post, cranks and handle bar stem.  You may get a choice of frame material, steel is more flexible and so will be more comfortable, aluminium is stiffer and lighter so will be faster.

For the components the most important thing to look for is the quality of drive components, derailleurs, shifters, gear cassette and chain rings, bottom bracket, etc.  In your price range you would be looking mostly at Shimano Sora components which are fine for beginners.  Don't be tempted by anything less and if possible look for something with Tiagra components.

Other things to look at are the quality of the wheels, these will need to be pretty solid because as a new cyclist they will probably take a bit of a hammering, and a comfortable seat, although this is easy to change later on.

There are some good deals at the moment of the Giant SCR 3 or you could look at the Specialized Allez 18.

Answer 3

Hello,

If you are note looking for a bike over 950$ (I am assuming american dollars), then you should really looking into any of the following bikes:

- Trek 1.5

- Trek 1.2

- Giant OCR 3

- Giant OCR 2

- Cannondale CAAD9 R6 (a little more expensive closer to the 1,000-1,100$ mark)

For most entry level bikes today, they will come with carbon fiber forks and aluminum frames. However, for this price range, you will be looking at Shimano Sora or Tigra components which is the lower end of the Shimano family. They will shift fine however, since you are not planning on racing or heavy training.

Things to look for (or to pay attention too):

- A good aluminum frame (6061 grade or even better a 7005 grade)

- Gear ratios (depending on your fitness level): bike shops may fit you with a compact crankset or easier rear cassette ratios

- FIT is KEY: make sure they measure you up and fit you to a bike that is comfortable for you (you can often swap seats, etc. for no extra charge).

- Pedals: At this price, most of them will come with toe straps, however, i've always loved going clipless (it's your choice).

DO NOT BUY A BIKE THINKING YOU WILL UPGRADE IT'S COMPONENTS IN THE FUTURE; you must think of a bike as an investment, especially road bikes, and thus, you should really consider how committed you will be and how much you will ride. Upgrading parts will cost you a fortune....so if you plan on getting a little more serious in the future, I would go for a bike costing roughly 1,300 - 1,400$ which will come with a 105 groupo and perhaps even a fill carbon frame, etc.

Hope this helps,

A.

Answer 4

Hi,

It will depend on what kind of riding are you planning *duh*

Is this a bike for commuting?  Will you be going on trails?

There are generally three types of bike: road, mountain and hybrid.

If you are going to go on trails, then I would suggest pick up a mountain bike.  If you are going to just ride around the neighbour or commute, then I would recommend get something cheap and/or a hybrid.  If you are going to go on road riding for hours or want to start a triathlon, then I would say get a road bike.

When you buy a bike, the most important is fit.  Is the frame right for your body? I would suggest going to a local bike store and ask them for advice.  Each bike manufacturer uses different size so a 51 frame for one bike company might be diff than another.

As for gears, do intend to spend some money on them.

Here are essentials off my head:

- helmet (saved me two times) ~$40

- clipped pedals and shoes (trust me, once you ride with these you will never turn back) ~ $100

- bike pump (on bike), tire levers, extra tubes ~$30

- riding jersey and shorts ~$50

- tools, allan keys etc ~$20

You don't have to get all of these at once.  I would get the helmet first for sure.  The pump, tire levers, extra tubes.