I want to get into cycling and do some road races - what is the best starter bike to get?

Question

I want to get fit doing it first then start doing a few races and maybe join a cycling club. I can cycle to and from work and I have a lock up at home and at the office.

Answer 1

I'm surprised no one said this first: Join a bike club now!

You'll get the best advice (better than here even, lol) and you'll have immediate access to a lot of folks who were in your position (getting started). They're the people who can sell you an appropriate, used bike at a reasonable price because they're the ones who have used, outgrown racing bikes to sell.

In addition, you'll almost certainly have easy access to good coaching since every bike club worth it's salt is affiliated with a coach. A coach can help you get a good bike fit, suggest a training regimen, give you realistic goals and offer encouragement.

Bike clubs also collect some of the nicest people in the world. Everyone will support and encourage you as well as teach you technique...they want you to start winning races as much as you will.

If you supply the enthusiasm you'll receive the support.

Answer 2

Don't waste a lot of money on a bike if you plan to upgrade in a couple of months - get what you will want in a couple of months now. You're going to want to get a road bike if you plan on doing races. I would look at getting a good used road bike that fits well (this may be hard to find) or a bike that has racing geometry, with a mix of tiagra and 105 components, and probably an aluminum frame with a carbon fork. That will give you a lot of bang for your buck.

You can start out by getting just the bike, but eventually you will want to get pedals and shoes before you actually start racing.

Answer 3

well i'd start off by getting a cheap bicycle first and then cycle round ur estate or going for a 1mile or 2 mile bike ride with ur wife/ girlfriend/boyfriend / fiance/ kids/ OR ur friends....

and just gradually getting use to the cycling also going to the gym will help u!!!!!! but a best way to start up my dear friend wud be get a cheap and cheerful bike for the starters !!!!!!! ur decision for the bike my advice is 2 u !

Answer 4

welcome to the sport! until you are a savvy bicycle shopper, do not buy online! get fitted properly at your LBS. they will help you get a bike which fits your needs and budget. many shops have riding club s and offer discounts to club members! the club will help you to improve your handling skills, and get you used to riding in a peloton, especially important since you want to race! you're road/racing bike will be fine for commuting.

Answer 5

Buy the best bike that you can afford right now. At this stage of your interest/development you will not notice a lot of difference in component performance.  If you go to a reputable bike shop (ask around for opinions from bike riders you see) they will help you pick the best starter bike you can afford. Manufacturer (Trek, Giant, Raleigh, Cannondale, etc) won't make a lot of difference in the same price range. The shop will help make sure it fits you. An ill fitting bike is the most common cause for people losing interest.

As you increase your capabilities you can upgrade the components as necessary. Usually the first item to be improved that will make the biggest difference is the wheelset. Particularly if you want to race eventually. You'll probably want to get a set of super light wheels just to race, keeping the original wheels for training and race day spares.

If you buy a bike with midrange components (Shimano 105 or Campy Centaur) you can go a long time before you'll need to think about upgrading.

Good luck

Answer 6

me too!!!! hahaha....i want to cycle!

Answer 7

Jeff S gave you some helpful info.

My only concern is how comfortable you will be commuting with a race bike.  While there are many fit cyclists that do so, the riding position is typically a bit too agressive for the average commuter's comfort.

Answer 8

hey ive just started up myself.  ive ended up buying a specialized dolce bike (just google the brand) not the cheapest but not too extortionate i think.  Also the main thing is its a road bike shaped for women!  even the seat is different shaped and its easier to stretch out into a cycling position than on a mens designed bike.  its good for training but can also be raced on.  as with the other advice I would join a cycling/triathlon club asap then use the member discounts to shop for a bike and you'll get a world of advice from people in the know!  Also depending on your fitness levels I began my cycling at the gym and used spin classes to improve my ability to climb hills.

Answer 9

The 'best' bike is the one that fits you.

Racing and commuting are two very different roles for a bike to play. I would recommend a bike aimed more at road riding/racing. You can easily adapt it for commuting.

If you're in the market for something new, look at Specialized, or Giant if your budget allows. You can also scour eBay although that can be risky. Your best bet is your local bike shop. Tell them what your goals are but don't let them sell you a high end race bike right away. As you're just starting out you don't need that.

When it comes to frame material carbon is the best but also the most expensive. There are cheaper carbon frames but you get what you pay for. There are very nice titanium frames and aluminum as well that cost less. The more you can spend, the better the frame.

Components are not a huge issue. Shimano makes several different price levels and the cheaper one is still very good quality.

Converting any bike to a commuter is easy. You can buy clip-on fenders and lights. Add a backpack for your work clothes and you should be set.

Good luck!

Answer 10

You should buy one with a comfortable seat, mountain bike, you need to look out for severals factors.

- Comfort of seat

- number of gears, chain levels and rear cogs multiplied

- Disk Brakes - Much better, guaranteed instant stop

Equipment to buy

- Suitable locking cable, or similar

- Multitool spanner, to make adjustments

- Front and rear lights, rechargeable halegon costs more

You can spend loads on a bike, but some things you need and some you don't. Furry dice for example.

Gemini_DJ.