Hey Kinnzer!
What do you want to know? I have worked in a number of bike shops and currently work for a tri-shop so I can answer just about any bike question you have.
Based on what you have asked so far on here, here is what you can do...
Go to Wrench Science www.wrenchscience.com and go to their "fit system" page, register (it's free) and then follow the instructions on each step of the fit measurement section (you will need a few things including another person to help you with these) at the end the site will e-mail you your measurements so you can keep them on file and then it will make suggestions for four different types of fit measurements.... if you take the top 3 and average out the frame size suggestions the site is usually right on the nose.
Check on some of the Manf websites... Felt makes a really good entry level women's road bike called the Women's ZW5 that retails around $1399 (alloy frame, carbon front fork, SRAM Apex groupo) their ZW5 full carbon retails for about $2299 (Shimano 105). Specialized has the Allez (non specific fit, all alloy) which is comparable as well as the Ruby (in different levels of affordability, alloy up to a full carbon). Giant makes a really nice bike called the Avail which is an alloy (Avail 5 $800 - Avail 1 $1300) the price is dictated by the groupo you choose. Giant also makes the Avail in a full carbon but it starts at $3K so probably not the best choice for an entry level bike. Trek, Orbea and all the other manf's are going to have something in your price range you will just need to shop around and make sure to get the best bang for your buck that you can... and this is the PERFECT time to be doing it too because its the end of the model year and they are going to be wanting to unload their old stock to make room for new.
Don't be afraid to shop around and definately don't be afraid to ask questions especially when it comes to chosing a frame size (fit is everything). Insist that the person selling you a bike look at your Wrench Science measurements and make the best choice for a test ride from those measurements, why trial and error if you don't have to right? When you finally figure out what it is you want... If they don't have the right frame size in stock ask them if they will be getting one in because you want to ride it. Don't commit to a mid-priced bike if they don't have one in stock to ride... a mid priced bike is an easy sell for any bike shop, so if they want to sell you a bike they will get one in for you.
Never, never, never skimp on your groupo.... buy the maximum you can for your money and if it is a matter of a couple hundred bucks to upgrade to the next level groupo... do it, you will never regret that you did. I always tell customers never buy less than Shimano 105 because it is a 10 speed and not a 9 like Tiagra which means more flexability for switching out components in the future (cassettes, chains and even cranks wear out sooner or later) 105, Ultegra and Durace are all 10 speed groupo's, so if you need a new cassette but they don't have an Ultegra in stock you can buy the 105 they do have in stock and it will match up just fine (as long as you know your ratio but they should know this). Yes, you can always upgrade your groupo later, but it is going to cost you more than if you buy it from the Manf. this is why you often see a lot of bikes with multi generational groupo's (Ultegra shifters with a 104 front D and a ultegra rear D)... Buying a "full" groupo bike in my opionon is always best but you do what you can with what $ you have to spend (full meaning everything Ultegra, shifters, breaks, crank, chain, derailluers)
Consider a used bike only if it is an alloy frame. Full carbons are wonderful but if they have been crashed you are taking a risk in riding it, not all problems with a carbon fiber bike are visable to the naked eye and just about the only way to make sure if it is 100% okay is to have the frame x-rayed, so NOT worth the hassle.
If you can get a used bike in the proper size for you and you feel good about it then go for it. I would suggest meeting the seller at a local bike shop and have the mechanic check the bike out to make sure there are no big issues (this may cost a little but well worth it). Also don't discount the idea of buying used from a local bike seller... we sell used bikes all the time and it has its benefits... the mechanics have looked them over, fixed whatever was wrong and made sure the bike is in the best riding condition it can be for resale.
Anyhoooo enough for now, if you have anymore questions... just drop me a note and I will be glad to answer them :)
LBB
I ride a Pinarello FP3 women's specific full carbon with Ultegra and I love that little pink b*tch *lol*
I am an avid cyclist who is also the co-owner and buyer for Low Country Multisport a performance specific F.I.S.T. certified fit studio and repair shop in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. And, I just happen to be married to a retired Marine who is completely addicted to the iron distance. "lord help my wallet!!"
What do you want to know? I have worked in a number of bike shops and currently work for a tri-shop so I can answer just about any bike question you have.
Based on what you have asked so far on here, here is what you can do...
Go to Wrench Science www.wrenchscience.com and go to their "fit system" page, register (it's free) and then follow the instructions on each step of the fit measurement section (you will need a few things including another person to help you with these) at the end the site will e-mail you your measurements so you can keep them on file and then it will make suggestions for four different types of fit measurements.... if you take the top 3 and average out the frame size suggestions the site is usually right on the nose.
Check on some of the Manf websites... Felt makes a really good entry level women's road bike called the Women's ZW5 that retails around $1399 (alloy frame, carbon front fork, SRAM Apex groupo) their ZW5 full carbon retails for about $2299 (Shimano 105). Specialized has the Allez (non specific fit, all alloy) which is comparable as well as the Ruby (in different levels of affordability, alloy up to a full carbon). Giant makes a really nice bike called the Avail which is an alloy (Avail 5 $800 - Avail 1 $1300) the price is dictated by the groupo you choose. Giant also makes the Avail in a full carbon but it starts at $3K so probably not the best choice for an entry level bike. Trek, Orbea and all the other manf's are going to have something in your price range you will just need to shop around and make sure to get the best bang for your buck that you can... and this is the PERFECT time to be doing it too because its the end of the model year and they are going to be wanting to unload their old stock to make room for new.
Don't be afraid to shop around and definately don't be afraid to ask questions especially when it comes to chosing a frame size (fit is everything). Insist that the person selling you a bike look at your Wrench Science measurements and make the best choice for a test ride from those measurements, why trial and error if you don't have to right? When you finally figure out what it is you want... If they don't have the right frame size in stock ask them if they will be getting one in because you want to ride it. Don't commit to a mid-priced bike if they don't have one in stock to ride... a mid priced bike is an easy sell for any bike shop, so if they want to sell you a bike they will get one in for you.
Never, never, never skimp on your groupo.... buy the maximum you can for your money and if it is a matter of a couple hundred bucks to upgrade to the next level groupo... do it, you will never regret that you did. I always tell customers never buy less than Shimano 105 because it is a 10 speed and not a 9 like Tiagra which means more flexability for switching out components in the future (cassettes, chains and even cranks wear out sooner or later) 105, Ultegra and Durace are all 10 speed groupo's, so if you need a new cassette but they don't have an Ultegra in stock you can buy the 105 they do have in stock and it will match up just fine (as long as you know your ratio but they should know this). Yes, you can always upgrade your groupo later, but it is going to cost you more than if you buy it from the Manf. this is why you often see a lot of bikes with multi generational groupo's (Ultegra shifters with a 104 front D and a ultegra rear D)... Buying a "full" groupo bike in my opionon is always best but you do what you can with what $ you have to spend (full meaning everything Ultegra, shifters, breaks, crank, chain, derailluers)
Consider a used bike only if it is an alloy frame. Full carbons are wonderful but if they have been crashed you are taking a risk in riding it, not all problems with a carbon fiber bike are visable to the naked eye and just about the only way to make sure if it is 100% okay is to have the frame x-rayed, so NOT worth the hassle.
If you can get a used bike in the proper size for you and you feel good about it then go for it. I would suggest meeting the seller at a local bike shop and have the mechanic check the bike out to make sure there are no big issues (this may cost a little but well worth it). Also don't discount the idea of buying used from a local bike seller... we sell used bikes all the time and it has its benefits... the mechanics have looked them over, fixed whatever was wrong and made sure the bike is in the best riding condition it can be for resale.
Anyhoooo enough for now, if you have anymore questions... just drop me a note and I will be glad to answer them :)
LBB
I ride a Pinarello FP3 women's specific full carbon with Ultegra and I love that little pink b*tch *lol*
I am an avid cyclist who is also the co-owner and buyer for Low Country Multisport a performance specific F.I.S.T. certified fit studio and repair shop in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. And, I just happen to be married to a retired Marine who is completely addicted to the iron distance. "lord help my wallet!!"
Last edited by:
lilbluebirds: Sep 15, 11 20:52