What do I need to know to buy a road bike?

[RachelV]

I've been doing more biking this summer than usual, and I'm thinking about trading in my hybrid for a road bike. I really don't know anything about bikes, though -- which is how I ended up with a hybrid in the first place -- and I'd like to at least know what I'm talking about before I go road bike shopping.

So I guess my questions are:
-- Are there any buyer's guides or websites in particular you'd recommend that I can read to kind of get an overview of what's important when you're buying a road bike?
-- Are there any particular bikes you'd recommend for someone in my position? (Where my position is: ride 30-40 miles maybe once a week, ride 15ish miles a few times a week, thinking about doing a century next year, ride mostly in relatively flat places, ride mostly in city traffic on city streets.)

I know this is kind of open ended, but I just want to get a more of an idea about bikes in general before I go out and spend a decent amount of money on one.

(I also feel like there was a thread like this over the past few months, but now I can't find it...)

 

[Robyn]

I think this might be the thread you were thinking of.

But, to add to that. Find a local bike shop that you feel you can trust. If you feel pressured to buy walk away. They should look at a few different fit issues like stand over height, reach and adjust the seat height. Make sure you can do some test riding outside to get a feel for the bike. Do you have a budget? If so what is it and I can give you some ideas for models to look at. You may have to visit more than one shop as very few carry both Specialized and Trek as they are major competitors.

I'll keep thinking but I keep getting distracted so now's not the right time.

 

[RachelV]

Ah, I think that was the thread, thanks.

In terms of price, I think I'm looking on the lower side of the road bike range - hopefully under $1000? But if there's a bike you think is amaaaazing that's 10 or 20% more, that's probably fine. I'm most interested in getting a good bike that I won't feel like I grew out of 2 years from now, which is pretty much what happened with the hybrid I have now.

 

[Robyn]

If I were you I'd look at the Specialized lower end road bikes like their Dolce line. They tend to be a less aggressive stance (not as stretched out) but still good bikes for lower $ amounts. Right now is a great time to buy as everyone will likely be trying to sell off their 2008 inventory. Be forwarned though, prices for 2009 are going up by like 20% from what I've seen so the 2008 models are flying off the shelves as people try to get what they want before they're gone. Most shops around here will offer free life time tune ups with a purchase so I wouldn't at this stage do any internet buying since you don't have the knowledge to do your own bike maintenence. Those tune ups run around $80-$100 a pop so they really are valuable. If you can stretch that budget a bit into the $1200 range I think you'll be better off with better components like Shimano 105 rather than Tiagra.

 

[Little Lightning]

Think fit. The most important thing about buying a bike is getting a good fit.

Check out this thread from Team Estrogen. TxDoc posted a very good list of what a good shop should do to fit you.

https://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=25980

Do some searching on the Team Estrogen forum. There is a wealth of information on buying bikes.

 

[volklgirl]

Fit is THE most important thing when buying a bike!

Go to a shop that takes plenty of time with you. If you feel rushed or ignored, walk away. Don't be afraid to pay a little over your projected price point. Make sure they take the time to adjust your stem, handlebars, seat, and levers before you walk out the door. Ask them questions about maintenance before you leave.

Here's things to consider in terms of materials and components:

• Frame - steel has a very smooth stable ride but is heavy and harder to push up hill. Aluminum tends to have a very "active" and harsh ride but is lighter weight (carbon forks and seatpost can help to quiet the ride). Carbon is to-die for but is big $$$$$. You may not need a "women's" frame, so try all types until you find the right fit. Do NOT be swayed by pretty colors! Given your description of riding, you'll want a frame with relaxed geometry for long distance comfort rather than a frame more "race" oriented for speed and sprints.
• Components - if you're doing tons of up hills, look for a triple or "compact" crankset. Check the reach on the brake levers to see if you can really wrap your hands around them. See if the shifters make sense to you. Make sure that seat is comfy (wider is NOT better)!
• Groupos - here's the general line-up on componentry from lower level/cheaper to highest level/super expensive:

Shimano: Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra/600, Dura Ace
Campagnolo: Daytona, Mirage, Chorus, Record
SRAM: I don't know.
FSA: I don't know.​

 

[LilaBear]

You'll love it. I only wanted one to be ski fit, but now I just want to ride my road bike. I got the Specialized Dolce Comp - and it is a true delight to ride. Smooth and light, and so comfortable. I was nervous about getting the right fit - but when I got on the bike I could tell straight away, and I knew the next bike was wrong for me.

Robyn was wonderful in helping me choose and being my specialist adviser. All of the Divas are providing great advice here.

Last Saturday I heard myself tell someone I think I like it as much as skiing .......... how can that be true? Of course on Sunday when I was pushing it up the longest hill in the world I felt different - but I still didn't hate it and the downhill was a rewarding thrill.

I got two great tips - buy very good shorts, and sit further back on the saddle if you experience discomfort.

 

[Little Lightning]

Shimano also has Sora components which is lower than Tiagra, I believe. As you go up the ladder in components the weight ratio goes down. Often on lower end bikes the companies will cut the quality of components by mixing higher end with lower end resulting in a heavier bike. A friend of mine bought a bike from Bikes Direct. He bragged that he had "Ultregra" components. Yes, the shifters were Ultregra but the rest of the components were a mix of Tiagra and Sram. You get what you pay for.

Look for 9 or 10 speeds, 8 speed cassettes are becoming obsolete for road bikes.

Bikes in your price range will most likely have Tiagra components. To give you an idea, I was just shopping with a women at a local bike shop. She paid $1700 for a Cannondale carbon frame with Shimano 105 components. It was marked down from $2,200. The next level down, on sale, was $1,500 but was all Tiagra components. She tried some aluminum frames but likes the carbon best.

Try to ride the bike on the road, you can't tell a lot from riding around the parking lot. A 2-3 mile ride will tell you more about how the bike handles than a few spins around a lot.

Frame materials will ride differently but it has a lot to do with the size of the tubing and design of the bike. Higher end bikes will have better tubing, be lighter in weight and ride better no matter what the material. Don't rule out traditional frames, my friend demoed a relaxed geometry and didn't care for it but I have another friend who loves hers. It just depends on what fits you and feels good.

Keep in mind that the type of rider you are now can change so buy the best in fit, comfort and frame that you can afford. Otherwise, you'll be lusting for a better bike much to soon.

 

[volklgirl]

Shimano also has Sora components which is lower than Tiagra, I believe.

Yup, you're right. I'm not a roadie, so I was a little rusty. My list has been updated. Thanks!

 

[RachelV]

Thanks everyone -- this is all super-helpful so far. Looking forward to going to the shop and trying some out.

I will also definitely dig around the teamestrogen boards a bit later and see what I can learn there.

Last Saturday I heard myself tell someone I think I like it as much as skiing .......... how can that be true?

;)

 

[Little Lightning]

Yup, you're right. I'm not a roadie, so I was a little rusty. My list has been updated. Thanks!

Don't feel bad, I'm not a Shimano fan and I only remembered it because I saw it on one of the bikes my friend demoed. I was surprised to still see an 8 speed cassette though.

 

[Little Lightning]

You'll love it. I only wanted one to be ski fit, but now I just want to ride my road bike. I got the Specialized Dolce Comp - and it is a true delight to ride. Smooth and light, and so comfortable. I was nervous about getting the right fit - but when I got on the bike I could tell straight away, and I knew the next bike was wrong for me.

Robyn was wonderful in helping me choose and being my specialist adviser. All of the Divas are providing great advice here.

Last Saturday I heard myself tell someone I think I like it as much as skiing .......... how can that be true? Of course on Sunday when I was pushing it up the longest hill in the world I felt different - but I still didn't hate it and the downhill was a rewarding thrill.

I got two great tips - buy very good shorts, and sit further back on the saddle if you experience discomfort.

I agree that changing positions on the saddle is important but you should be pretty solid on the saddle anyway. Sitting further back on my bike puts me pretty far over the back of the saddle as I'm pretty balanced on the saddle. Just wondering, how well is your bike fitted? Did the shop check your kops (knee over pedal) position by comparing where the boney part just under your kneecap aligns with your foot. Knee and leg position is the first position they should adjust then handlebar height.

If your fit is good and your still having problems maybe a different saddle is in order.

 

[abc]

Buy used!

You're VERY likely to outgrow your first or even second road bike! Might as well get a used one from someone your size. Take the money saved to take the bike to a shop and get it (semi-)fitted for you. Most riders riding style tend to change the first few years of their getting a bike, if they stick with it, that is. So, whatever you think you need now, you're likely to need something different a couple years down the road.

If you're not a member of either 5bbc or nycc, you're missing out a great deal.

 

[Quiver Queen]

A few thoughts--
For as much riding as it sounds like you'll be doing, I'd recommend 105 over Tiagra.
Don't judge a bike by the saddle, and don't hesitate to get a better saddle than the one that comes on the bike (my favorite is the Specialized 'Jett,' which comes in different "sit bone" widths) if it's not perfect for you.
Buy from a local reputable dealer--it'll save you time, money, and aggravation in the long run.
I agree, carbon forks and stays will help soften the ride of an aluminum bike.
Don't hesitate to ask to test ride.
Hopefully you'll be riding with good quality bicycling shorts (and nothing between you and the chamois) and clip-in pedals as these will make every mile more enjoyable.
Now's a good time to buy, but only if the bike fits, with or without a formal fitting.

I love giving bicycle advice--if you haven't gotten enough here & elsewhere, PM me!

 

[LilaBear]

If your fit is good and your still having problems maybe a different saddle is in order.

Thanks for the advice, the point I was making is that I have had no problems whatsoever thanks to the great and early tips I got from these lovely ladies. As a newbie I tend to slide forward as I get eager and tense, so just getting comfortably back on my saddle - but not over the back, makes a huge difference.

I rode 32 miles on Sat, 27 miles (including a ten mile long uphill section) on Sunday, I rode a horse for an hour last night, and I rode 15 miles tonight and I am not having any discomfort - much to my amazement. I would never ever have known about commando if I hadn't found out on this site and my bike would now be gathering dust in the garage as another tried and failed hobby.

 

[Little Lightning]

Someone once told me that your body seeks its most neutral postion on the bike. When my old bike had fit issues, handlebars too low, I felt more comfortable in a more forward position but then I was riding on the nose. I would slide back to get off the nose but then I had to much extension in my legs. It was a constant back and forth movement. When I had my bike fitted correctly, saddle with kops position and handlebars raised, the back/forth business stopped. I could ride comfortably for hours. Climbing I do move slightly backward but essentially I maintain the same position on the saddle.

As you ride more and gain experience you will be able to determine what is working or not working for you.

 

[Swamp Dog]

don't be afraid to try bikes that aren't woman-specific too. It is all about the fit so don't rule out anything until you try it. I'm partial to Specialized. I had 2 different Allez and now ride a Ruby. The Allez probably has something in your price range if you find a good fit.

 

[RachelV]

You guys are getting me all excited to go out and get a new bike. I'm going to try to find some time this weekend to get to the shop and try a bunch out and see what the prices are like.

 

[volklgirl]

WOOT!!!

 

[RachelV]

Ok, back from a trip to 2 bike shops and have some questions.

- Compact double vs triple chain rings: do I care? I guess a compact double is lighter, but you get fewer gears, but they're sized to give you the most useful range? So if I have a triple I can go up to 30 gears with a 10 speed cassette, whereas with a compact double I can only go up to 20. Is that right? NYC is pretty flat, so I imagine I'd want to get a compact double to save the weight if I can, yeah? And honestly I only use the middle 8 of the 24 gears I have on my hybrid now.

- Tiagra vs 105 components, etc: Why are the better ones better, exactly? Is it mostly just weight? The guy at one store today was saying that the lower-end ones only support 8 or 9 speed cassettes, so if I got a bike with Tiagra components and a 8 or 9 speed cassette, and later I wanted to put a 10 speed cassette on, I'd have to upgrade to 105's. Is that true? I'm just generally kind of unclear on what is better about the better components besides weight, and whether it's worth the extra money for me at this point.

Thanks for all the advice so far! I felt like I could actually ask intelligent questions at the shop today as a result.