What is a good starter road bike under $350? What are the main differences from a $2000 to a cheap $300 bike?

Question

What is a good starter road bike under $350? What are the main differences from a $2000 to a cheap $300 bike?

Answer 1

You can go the used route - Craig's list is a good start.  You're probably going to have to spend more time finding the perfect ride - but also factor in repair costs for a used bike.

Avoid the big box stores at all costs!  Do what the experienced guy is telling you - go test ride and at the same time get fitted and have the folks at the local bike shop write down your dimensions.  Now you can compare new, used, etc. and get the right size.

Check out the Trek site.  You can easily spot the difference between $2000 - $300.  Mostly it's components and weight.

But Shimano ANYTHING is usually decent - provided it wasn't contracted out under the Shimano name to meet the demands of say... WalMart.

You'll probably get a better overall quality bike at a bike shop and you'll be surprised how competitive they are with the big box stores.

Hope this helps.  I recommend joining a bike forum and then you can ask folks what they think of models your contemplating. Good luck!

Answer 2

Quality...An entry level bike that's not junk will cost you around $600. Check out the Fuji web site. If you're serious, you can get bikes online for around $700. In the bike world, cheap = junk.

Answer 3

Hm. I suggest that you do this for youself... ride a $350 road bike and ride a $2000 road bike.

The bottom line is that the only similarities between the 2 bikes is that they have 2 wheels. There is no possible comparison.

Answer 4

The name, The Logo, and rarely the manufactured quality, there is a reason why some brands are more popular then others but also some are just newer and havent made it yet

Answer 5

well you can get a gmc road bike for $350-400 but you ask what is the differences from a $2000 and a $300 simple better parts for ex if you go and get a wal mart bike for lets say $150-$200 then the freewheel and chain and bikes itself will last about 5,000 miles but you buy a $2,000 bike then you get better parts and sometimes lighter weight (carbon fiber) that will last you 25,000 miles or more years of enjoyment hope this helps