What should I do (want to buy a road bike, can't afford right now)?

Question

In late March I purchased my first real bike. A Trek MTB. I love it! Its great on trails and stuff. I had no idea I would want to ride on the road so much though. I almost feel discouraged every time I think about cycling because riding a mtb on the road feels really weird to me, kindof uncomfortable and out of place. I'd like to ride much longer distances, but don't want to on a mountain bike. Every time I see a cyclist I really want to get a road bike too, it would be soo motivating.

SO right now I can't afford the Trek 2.1 I am saving for (I am a low income, lol, 15 year old by the way). Should I buy a used junker road bike for like $50 or save for like 6-8 months for the $1260 + I need to buy the road bike? If I bought a used crapper than I could have it right away yet still save for the Trek 2.1 I am not willing to change out the tired on my mtb to road tires, I do like riding it on the trails. Please tell me what I should do! Thanks SO much and God bless!

Answer 1

^^ I don't think Max understands the difference between tyres and wheels...

Look on eBay (you might have to get your parents to pay) for a second hand bike. There's LOADS on the UK site, so I can only assume there's even more to chose from for you over in the US.

You could get a decent Steel framed racer from the 80's or something, in good condition, for about $200 odd (equates to about £120)

Why do you need to go for the Trek 2.1 though as your first road bike? Why not the entry level models? Wait till the 2009 models come out and get a discount on the 2008 models.

Answer 2

Perhaps check out your local bike shop and see if they do layaway.

Answer 3

Buy a cook book on 187 ways to make macaroni and cheese, then start saving for that road bike.  :c)

You could get a second job this summer as labor laws allow for your age.  But that does cut into your riding time, and I know the feeling of not being able to ride.  But just think, next year, you'll have that bike and maybe sooner.

But if your really want, do buy a second set of rims and city tires.  When the mood strikes, swap out the knobby rims with the slick tires.  You'll at least be able to ride at a reasonable speed on the street without big knobbies squirrling all over the road.  You may find you prefer the comfort of a mountain bike, but have the speed of a road bike, and there are great alternatives to both such as road bikes with flat handle bars and mountain bikes with narrower tires and smaller or less aggressive tread blocks.

Note:  We're not talking about switching mountain bike rims with road bike rims, we are saying to get an extra set of mountain rims mounted with city tires.

Answer 4

everyone in here who is saying just switch out the tires, it doesn't work that way. The scewers dont fit road bike tires, and they will also not fit the fork. Plus just because there is less surface area on the tires doesn't mean it is going to make everything a lot easier. You also have to deal with a heavy aluminum frame, unstable pedals, big clunky and dirty components, it just doesn't work out.  A trek will be a good starting bike, but when you become good at it you will want to upgrade to a carbon fiber frame etc...but thats just me. I have a Trek 1000 (2007 1.2) and i have been on a Cervelo R3 and there is no comparison. I suggest that if you are going to get a road bike, get one that you will not grow out of and make sure you will love it forever because when you start upgrading it gets pretty d**n expensive. (The cervelo was a total of 9 thousand dollars: Carbon fiber frame, seat post, fork, rims, Shimano Dura Ace component system) Shimano Tiagra and 105 which comes on the 2.1 will last a good while, and after 100 miles or so you will see that the shifting isn't very smooth. most bike shops offer a free tune up with a purchase of a bike so use it only when you know that it is really necessary...watch that 100 Mile mark. So the moral of this is, save up your money, and GET SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE GOING TO KEEP (resale SUCKS for road bikes...as you can tell since there is a bike that you saw for 50 dollars) Good Luck!

Answer 5

Right now I would buy a set of road tires for your Mtn bike, and keep saving for the bike you want.

Answer 6

i do not like treks, i would buy an ocr3 used on ebay for $400.

it is great bike, it was the best bike for the money 2 years ago. plus you can get it painted with the tmobile colors hot pink and you be hot.