Which road bike is best?

Question

I want to get into cycling and am having trouble deciding between these road bikes. Which one do you think is best?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5751048

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5751045

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5751042

Also are there other bikes I should consider in a similar price range to those above? (I don't want to spend too much money on a new bike).

Answer 1

Yes there are other bikes you should consider - Bikes from your local Bike Shop (LBS)

Seriously, don't buy from Walmart, for your sake. If you're gonna spend up to $1600 on a bike, you need the advice of a pro in a bike shop.

Answer 2

NONE of them. Never buy a bike from Walmart, ESPECIALLY a road bike which is a precision machine.

Instead, find a contact for your local bike club. I'll bet there are at least a couple of people willing to sell their used but good quality rides for way under market value. You may find this info at a local bike shop.

The kind of money you want to spend would be much better  at a local shop if you want to spend as much as $1600. I have personal knowledge of the Corsa... it is just terrible.

Just a few days ago I answered a similar question and laid out the reasons and other options. If you want a copy email me and I'll get it to you.

Answer 3

None of them, just asking this question shows your inexperience on bikes.  Go visit your local bike shop and see what they have.  For that amount of money you could get a nice bike that fits you and is tuned up and you would be much happier.

Answer 4

I completely agree with the previously answers. If you are going to spend anything more than 800 for a bike, I would go to a local bike shop. You need to think of your bike (or future bike) as an investment. Same as buying a car or anything else for that matter that you plan on keeping for a while.

If you are comparing components, for example, ultegra is a great groupo from the shimano like. BUT, components are only one part of a road bike. The frame itself is a whole other issue. Although the walmart bikes read "corsa" or whatever it is, my bet is that they are not built in italy (but most likely taiwan or china). Compared to say a Cannondale CAAD9 R5, trek 2.1, giant A1 alliance or even C3, etc., they have these walmart bikes beat for sure (i.e. better grade carbon, better grade aluminum and welds). AND THEY ARE ALL IN THE SAME PRICE RANGE, even a little less in some cases.

As well, one of the key things in road cycling is the fit of the bike. And I can say with confidence that a LBS with measure you up precisely and accurately (I wouldn't put my money on a 16year old salesman who's only doing this as a summer job).

So please, save yourself the headache (or potential headaches) and purchase from a local shop. Their expertise and quality guarantee on their bikes is worth it.

Best regards,

A.  

Answer 5

if you're willing to spend that kind of money, you'll do better at your LBS. after all, will walmart give it a free tune-up after 300 or so miles? these bikes aren't sold in the stores, on-line orders only. so who's putting the bike together for you? who's making sure it fits you properly? an experienced mechanic will cost you. also, since it's a web order, the manufacturers warranty is void! what will you do when the size you thought would fit you, doesn't? now you'll have to take the bike apart, box it back up, and try again! are you disassembling and recrating, or are you pay the bike mechanic, again? you can get a better bike for the money, and a long-lasting relationship with a bike mechanic, at your LBS..