HI,
In returning to road biking and associated sports, I've been looking at a new road bike. I started with a 1500Cdn budget and after talking with about five shops, I've ended up with the recommendation by one that the "best bike for me" would be a full carbon frame at around $4000.00 now on sale. I've been told I should be on a steel; an aluminum; a alu-carbon; an all carbon; frame, each time that the other one wouldn't be good for me, and what I want to do.
Measuring and sizing was another experience. Some shops doing a basic inseam and arm, and other different, all commenting on the other's system was wrong: "they are a tri based shop and always measure two cm short!" to finally getting on an adjustable bike, which moved all the frame parts as I rode until finding what was comfortable and efficient for where I am now. (this cost me 60.00, but is refundable if I buy my bike there. Oh, they sell Kuota, Time and Look...the good low priced bikes!) So now I know my size...I think.
Just looking has been everything from: "you can get the Allez 18 or elite" and then walking away, that's it, put down your credit card and we'll talk; to someone spending time to explain the pros and cons of alum, vs carbon and different levels of components, but in the end recommending I go full carbon and then upgrade the components. I have yet to ride a bike, because I don't have shoes and pedals yet. I was told there that I get those after I buy the bike; to "bring your mountain bike pedals,"...what, you can't just put some on so I can ride it? (usually met with a look like I'm nuts, or that it will be a great deal of work for them...one just doesn't do that.)
Anyway, I've narrowed it down to a few bikes that appeal to me, have gotten good reviews and are available in my size at a "decent?" price: the Felt f55 with full dura ace, the Cannondale r1000 (I'm told this is a sleeper with terrific parts for the money), and the one that I just like the look of the best: the Soloist centaur. Though I can't find that one in my size, I can wait for the ultegra 06 and the price increase, or I've been offered the red and black team version from last year downgraded with an ultegra for the new price...(couldn't they put a centaur on it?)and though it's the same frame...should I get a deal since it's been there so long?
You are much more familiar with this whole culture of the bike shop (it appears to be a culture, like BMW or Porsche) and with these bikes. I welcome your ideas, advice, and thoughts. I'm feeling very frustrated, a bit overwhelmed, and like I might be getting ripped off...but I'm excited at getting a new bike and starting off riding and learning. These are all beautiful, well crafted bikes and I know I'll be excited to ride on any of them. Thanks for your input, and ideas to joining the fraternity...
jrider
In returning to road biking and associated sports, I've been looking at a new road bike. I started with a 1500Cdn budget and after talking with about five shops, I've ended up with the recommendation by one that the "best bike for me" would be a full carbon frame at around $4000.00 now on sale. I've been told I should be on a steel; an aluminum; a alu-carbon; an all carbon; frame, each time that the other one wouldn't be good for me, and what I want to do.
Measuring and sizing was another experience. Some shops doing a basic inseam and arm, and other different, all commenting on the other's system was wrong: "they are a tri based shop and always measure two cm short!" to finally getting on an adjustable bike, which moved all the frame parts as I rode until finding what was comfortable and efficient for where I am now. (this cost me 60.00, but is refundable if I buy my bike there. Oh, they sell Kuota, Time and Look...the good low priced bikes!) So now I know my size...I think.
Just looking has been everything from: "you can get the Allez 18 or elite" and then walking away, that's it, put down your credit card and we'll talk; to someone spending time to explain the pros and cons of alum, vs carbon and different levels of components, but in the end recommending I go full carbon and then upgrade the components. I have yet to ride a bike, because I don't have shoes and pedals yet. I was told there that I get those after I buy the bike; to "bring your mountain bike pedals,"...what, you can't just put some on so I can ride it? (usually met with a look like I'm nuts, or that it will be a great deal of work for them...one just doesn't do that.)
Anyway, I've narrowed it down to a few bikes that appeal to me, have gotten good reviews and are available in my size at a "decent?" price: the Felt f55 with full dura ace, the Cannondale r1000 (I'm told this is a sleeper with terrific parts for the money), and the one that I just like the look of the best: the Soloist centaur. Though I can't find that one in my size, I can wait for the ultegra 06 and the price increase, or I've been offered the red and black team version from last year downgraded with an ultegra for the new price...(couldn't they put a centaur on it?)and though it's the same frame...should I get a deal since it's been there so long?
You are much more familiar with this whole culture of the bike shop (it appears to be a culture, like BMW or Porsche) and with these bikes. I welcome your ideas, advice, and thoughts. I'm feeling very frustrated, a bit overwhelmed, and like I might be getting ripped off...but I'm excited at getting a new bike and starting off riding and learning. These are all beautiful, well crafted bikes and I know I'll be excited to ride on any of them. Thanks for your input, and ideas to joining the fraternity...
jrider