Advice on road bike

[Superman32 0]

I thinking about using some birthday money and loan money and take up cycling as a form of exercise and stress relief.
I went to a couple of LBS today and these were the options that were available for my budget (< 1k).
I know that it would probably be better to pay more now and spend less later upgrading, but I just don't have the cash and don't know if this is something I'll take up seriously.

I've also looked online and it seems that under this price range everything is about the same, but what do I know!

Other than making sure it's comfortable, any suggestions?

Like I said, I'm not looking to start racing or go hard core long distances, just ride a few miles during the week.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/15/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/12/
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38458
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/road/2/32193/

BTW, I would much rather spend the money jumping just don't have the time

Inveniam Viam aut Faciam
I'm back biatches!

[justinb138 0]

Quote

I thinking about using some birthday money and loan money and take up cycling as a form of exercise and stress relief.
I went to a couple of LBS today and these were the options that were available for my budget (I know that it would probably be better to pay more now and spend less later upgrading, but I just don't have the cash and don't know if this is something I'll take up seriously.

I've also looked online and it seems that under this price range everything is about the same, but what do I know!

Other than making sure it's comfortable, any suggestions?

Like I said, I'm not looking to start racing or go hard core long distances, just ride a few miles during the week.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/15/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/1_series/12/
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38458
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/road/2/32193/

BTW, I would much rather spend the money jumping just don't have the time

I've got a Trek 1500 (the older model of the 1.5) and it's been able to handle everything my big ass has been able to throw at it. I added some clipless pedals and a new set of tires and that's all I've ever had to mess with on it.

That being said, they're all decent bikes, I think you'll be happiest on the one that fits you the best.

[Pokerstar 0]

Have you ever considered a used bike? There are some pretty good deals to be had, if you are dilegent and know what you are looking at.

That said, I have a 2008 Trek 1.5 that I purchased in November last year, and am finally riding it, since the weather is getting sort of warm. ( I live in Minneapolis). So far, I really like the bike, Comfortable, fairly light, the way it was set up for me (My LBS really was thorough, and I did change the stem to an adjustable one to get a more comfortable position, went with a Bontrager 110MM adjustable).

It shifts very crisply, and as the brakes are getting bedded in, stops pretty well to.

Not sure where you live, but there are a few LBS that have 2008's on sale for $899, the 2009 is about $1000.

The Allez is a very nice bike too, but I preferred the Trek.

Fortunately, I'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber.
--- The Dude ---

[Remster 30]

I think the biggest differentiator between these bikes is going to be the fit for you.

But I would suggest you try to shop around, and try to make a deal! This is the time of year to do so on last year's models. I'd try to get a Allez Sport (mostly 105 components) for less than 1K if I were you. Or something similar in the Trek range (although the 2.1 Trek is more money for cheaper components). Last year in March, I got a smoking deal on a Tarmac.

That being said, the Allez and 1,.5 would be good starter bikes!

PS: dont skim on the saddle upgrade, pedals and shoes. These will be your main points of contact with the bike.

Remster