How do I choose a new bicycle?

Question

Well, I’m looking for somebody to give me a clue. Because I don’t HAVE a clue…

I’ve been riding the same Nishiki Kodiak (“Baby”) since I bought her in Korea in 1990. I bought a mountain bike because the roads were rough and sometimes I found myself on dirt roads. She has held up well.

But now I’m thinking I’d like a road bike. Baby is great for tough, but she weighs 30 pounds! I’m riding almost totally on pavement these days, so I’d like something a little easier to ride.

How do I choose a new bicycle? I look at the feature lists of various bikes, and the names have all changed. I’m not sure I want to spend $2500 either. Somebody tell me how to learn this stuff.

Thanks…

Earl 5 years 0 Answers 1637 views 0

Answers ( No )

    0

    Find a local bike store, hang out ask questions and test ride a variety of bikes. If the store is good they will help you with correct fit/size and let you try bikes out. When test riding go for good half hour or longer ride if they will allow it. A few laps of parking lot is not the way to do it. Some good shops rent bikes so you may be able to rent option you are thinking of and ride it for several days. My shop often discounts the rental fees off of bike if you buy it after renting it. Start with what you can afford – see if you really get into it or not – then upgrade bike. My shop offers if you trade back in and upgrade – they give you what you paid towards upgrade in 1st year.

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    Talk to friends who ride and know bikes. Take one with you to look at used bikes. Buy a used bike and pay no more than half its value new. Enjoy your new (to you) bike. Buy a new bike a few years down the road when you have developed your own preferences… everyone likes different bikes. For instance, I prefer the shifting of Campagnolo levers, but Shimano and Sram work perfectly fine as well… just a matter of what you like.

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    You'll find that a new "road" bike at the price point you mentioned would be at the lower end of quality riding experiences but worth the expense.
    I rode a $600 giant hybrid for four years untill my cousin encourage me to upgrade my bike. Here is the method and parameters he suggested oh so many years ago.

    1. Find a geomerty and bike size that fits the way you ride.
    2. Ride every quality class bike in that style. I rode 10 bikes.
    3. Narrow the field to three bikes and ride each at least 15 to 20miles to see how they perform. Don't hold back, ride hard.
    4. Componets matter, nothing less than shimano 105s or better or scram
    Equivalent.
    5. Quality rims matter
    The outcome will be a experience that lasts for years or untill the n+1 bug hits again.
    .

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    U have to test ride and do it with a few different bike companies… visiting your local bike shop would be ideal…

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    Check Craigslist, if you spot something you like, do your research on the model and thoroughly inspect the bike before you buy it.

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    Get educated on types of road bikes and how YOU plan to ride. I mostly ride Mtn bikes like to get out for social rides on pavement some as well. I found the Endurance class the best fit for me. I've got a Giant Defy and have used it for everything from quick socials to a double century.
    http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/endurance-bikes-buyers-guide-216736

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    ️️️
    Here's what you do, go to your local bike store/shop (lbs) and tell them what your new bikes purpose is for. They will recommend you the proper one with along a proper bike sizing (not bike-fitting). Try out several bikes see what you like. Each bike geometry is different and each style is design for different purposes just like the way you knew your Kodiak is more for dirt then road and now you're doing more pavement looking for something more smoother and more comfy.
    If you're just commuting to and from work in the city with leisurely cycling then maybe a hybrid bicycle would be the best choice. A hybrid cycle is one that can do pavement with some sort of minor off-road like gravel, grass etc… Non-pavement grounds. It's got skinnier tires then a mtb tire usually in the 25mm-28mm width and maybe a flat bar for more control and up right position for city cycling.
    Next could be a cycle cross or gravel bike which the bike style is similar of a road bike with drop bars but it's more intended for off road, dirt, single tracks or gravel riding with a drop bar. These tires are usually ranging from 30mm-40mm width with some have small knobbies or snake skin style tread pattern. It's also excellent on pavement since the tires are still skinnier then mtb tires and much lighter as well. Make sure you get a proper bike fit for this type of bike.
    If you think you'll be doing a bit more long distance riding for normal health training or stay in shape fitness then you can possible look into a entry level road bike and for this you definitely must get a proper bike fit to maximize your fun and performance on a road bike.

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    Cheap older frames of top quality 6061t6 should be up for grabs somewhere, look for disk mounts as they the overbuilt stuff..

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    Where do you live? Maybe someone in the group can recommend a good shop in your area

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    Go to your local bike shop. Ask a lot of questions and take some test rides.

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    So I want to turn you on to Sheldon Brown, a great resource, he's gone now but his sight is a wealth of info.

    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

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    Wait until January when the shop will be selling off their 2017 stock at a discount to get new stock in. Go for Shimano 105 as a min standard for components. Invest more into the frame as you can later up-grade wheels and components.

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    Bicycling magazine usually has a good entry level road bike list you can check out.

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    Consider a cylocross race bike, since you're not a road racer a road bike isn't needed.

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    Like you I have been writing a 30 year old Schwinn road bike. My jaw hit the floor when I was told the Specialized bike that I took out for a test spin was 900 bucks. After riding a carbon fiber Specialized hybrid that cost $1250 I bought it! Sooooo smooth. I bought their Sirrus Sport. Upright bars but at my age I'm not concerned about flying down the road anymore. Its nice because I can take it down a hard packed trail also.

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    One thing I hate about voice texting, no matter how hard I try to say RIDING it always comes out as writing. LOL

    0

    Great advice from all parties. Yes go and ride some different bikes. A catch phrase now is all road bikes. They can handle larger volume tires with an efficient ride. Trust your gut when u swing a leg over a bike. You will know what's right

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    price Matters Very much on Road bicycle, even Touring bicycles , which I own 3 of…so Saying not 2500$ which is fairly Cheap for a Racing bicycle..so don't listen to all the crap about ride with love an heart… if you could define your a question a bit more..( what are you ready to spend in real life..what style of ridding , racing long range touring etc etc..) your a Frugal man that's for sure, but more real info would help.Otherwise Peace an Love..

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    I suppose I'm going to have to sock away a bit more money. I've taken the past several hours to get used to the idea that bicycles don't cost $500 any more. I'll be back……….

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    OK. I think I have more of a clue than I had.

    I'm hoping to spend between $800 & $1000, maybe up to $1250. At this point (I'm 63) I doubt I'll do any racing.

    What I think I'm going to do is just plain riding on pavement, perhaps as much as a century ride from time to time. No dirt, no gravel, just pavement. Some of the roads in this area are finished with chip seal, so I'm not sure the ultra skinny tires would hold up with that.

    Maybe something light, or at least lighter than the 30-pounder I'm riding now.

    Gotta sock enough money away so I can buy for cash though. Might take a month or two.

    Any thoughts out there?

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    There are plenty of options for a decent bike in the $1000-$1300 range. Three posted above. I would give the Gravel bikes serious consideration.

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