bicycles, that is. looking at a cannondale cadd8 6. any opinions or other suggestions in a similar price range ($1000)? just getting into cycling and not wanting to drop big bucks (no, $1000 is NOT big bucks for a road bike), so i know theres better bikes out there, but just getting my feet wet right now.
Been years, but went to several local shops, got fitted, then went to ebay to get a previous yr(s) model in the size, etc. I really liked the Cannondale I bought.
#1 is to get a bike that fits you and fits your riding style for the type of riding you will be doing. Unless you are racing you don't necessarily need a bike that puts you into a racing position. A more upright riding position is less aerodynamic but more comfortable and safer for riding in traffic, etc.
I would stay away from wheels that have a low number of spokes, and other similar ultra-lightweight components--but wheels are probably the biggest issue. Light weight wheels are nice, but they are not a strong as wheels with more spokes, and therefore, they won't last as long. I usually ride with 32 spoke wheels and these hold up very well.
The cannondale is an aluminum frame, this is going to be stiff but also will transmit road shock through to the rider more than steel, titanium or carbon fiber. However, the carbon fork should help some with that. You should ride different bikes with the same geometry but different materials to see if you notice any difference. Also, if you will be going for short fast rides it may not matter as much as if you are doing all day excursions.
The shimano components are entry level. This doesn't mean they are bad. and if you get a frame that you like, you can always upgrade the components in the future if you want.
Used bikes do not hold value and frequently you can get an excellent bike for that price used. New, not so much.
Aluminum frames are both good and bad, but over the long term it's the bad that predominates. They are great for racing, and ok for everything else. Light weight is way oversold to recreational riders. I could not agree more with 2mbb's point about wheels. On my good bike I ride 32/32, and both my commuters (a fixie and a standard geared bike) I set up 36/36.
All things being equal a steel bike will suit you well. A titanium bike would be awesome. I would avoid carbon fiber and maybe an aluminum bike as well, although the harsh riding characteristics can be mitigated with a good carbon fiber fork.
If you really get into cycling, you will quickly see the limitations of a cheap bike, especially in the components.
DuraAce lasts practically forever, so don't sweat it if the bike is a few years old.
i suppose it would help if i told you my intentions for the bike. i am planning to try my hand at triathlons, but certainly dont want a tri bike. i will be doing it more for fun and the challenge, not out to win anything. will ride with friends or a local club as recreation as well.
have been looking for a used bike, but dont want to get something someone else has beat to hell. what should i look for in a used bike to make sure i dont throw my $$$ away?
also, went and got fitted for a bike today, dude said i should get a 52cm due to my size (5'7"). this is going to limit whats on the used market somewhat. what other brands and models may be comparable to the cannondale i mentioned?
JJ be awerre that different brands havedifferent sizes...
Road Bikes are not like MTBikes...
Try different brands (unless you already zero-in on one).
I would def get a used carbon frame bike.... but that's just me...
Alum road bikes transfer the shock straight into your body and that's just not cool when you are on a long road ride..
You can always do Triathlons on a regular road bike...
also, went and got fitted for a bike today, dude said i should get a 52cm due to my size (5'7"). this is going to limit whats on the used market somewhat. what other brands and models may be comparable to the cannondale i mentioned?
JJ be awerre that different brands havedifferent sizes...
Road Bikes are not like MTBikes...
Try different brands (unless you already zero-in on one).
I would def get a used carbon frame bike.... but that's just me...
Alum road bikes transfer the shock straight into your body and that's just not cool when you are on a long road ride..
You can always do Triathlons on a regular road bike...
the size of a bike, when given in CM or inches can be misleading because different bikes have different geometry. Some mountain bikes get around this by using more generic sizes (small, medium, large).
The size of the bike is typically measured as the distance of the seat tube, measured from the center of the crank pivot (the bottom bracket) to the top or center of the top tube (the tube that runs from the seat to the handle bars). Because some top tubes are sloping, and some are flat, the bike size can be different for essentially the same size bike. Another important dimension is the top tube length. this is essentially the distance from the seat to the handle bars, or how far you have to bend over and reach to sit on the seat and hold the handle bars at the same time. Bike with the same "size" may have different top tube lengths, making one feel bigger than the other.
The fit of a given bike can be adjusted somewhat by moving the seat post up or down, moving the seat forward or back, and by changing the height and distance of the handle bar stem. This is why it is important to ride a particular bike to see how it feels rather than choose a size and assume all bike will fit the same.
went and rode a specialized allez in both 52 (small) and 54 (med) sizes. honestly i couldnt tell much difference between the two. could i be a 'tweener? are there enough adjustments that could be made to get me comfy on either one? should i err on the side of smaller or larger?
went and rode a specialized allez in both 52 (small) and 54 (med) sizes. honestly i couldnt tell much difference between the two. could i be a 'tweener? are there enough adjustments that could be made to get me comfy on either one? should i err on the side of smaller or larger?
It is usually wise to err on the smaller size within reason, so if the 52 fits you, I would get that. Traditionally the Allez has been a good bike, not sure exactly components are on it now. It will be a fine tri-bike.
save your money and start with a steel frame. Steel is real. Comfy-can be light with butted tubing- should be able to find a nice older Schwinn Paramount frame for $300ish. Then use the dough left over for go-fast wheelset and parts.
If you are going to be training for a TRI........you want a steel frame to hammer out the training miles with some comfort compared to Aluminum.
Carbon isnt as bang for the buck as a nicer steel frame.
I'll throw in some info here. If it's possible, have the shop you got fitted use a fit-bike and dial the exact dimensions and angles from the smallest Allez size that fits you. Then ask them to slowly begin adjusting the stem height and length to where you fit the most comfortable - at a certain point, you will no longer be able to swap components and must move up to the bigger size...this will be useful information for you. A respectable shop should be willing to swap out components (within reason) to help you with the bike. Many shops may use the KOPS method (knees over pedals), but that doesn't work for everyone. Be sure to get an idea on the person who fitted you because their idea of "fitting" may be a very relaxed daily ride in the park or a guy whose been racing and believe in a complete flat back aero profile...it's best to calibrate expectations.
As for materials, I would avoid a steel frame for someone new to riding because steel requires some special care to avoid rust and corrosion. Ignore this comment if you plan to have a complete daily beater that you know you will trash in a few years. I personally love the feel of premium steel, but it will require constant cleaning, wipe downs and occasional frame saver applications, whereas the other materials will not. Aluminum is a great material because it's cheap and lightweight. At one time, aluminum frames were notorious for beating the living hell out of you, especially some of the earlier GT and 'Dale frames. However, the new frame geometries and center extruding of the tubes has given aluminum a much more forgiving ride. Combine the Al. frame with carbon post and handle bar and you will have a smooth riding bike.
Carbon frames tend to have a more muted feeling on the road - it almost feels lifeless to me. However, there is always an exception to the rule when you have master frame makes such as Parlee and Crumpton that work magic with carbon fiber.
To further complicate things, your tire and wheel choice will drastically influence your ride. For example, you can find a tire that rides like a Cadillac or find one that performs like a Formula-1 race car. I like running 32 or higher spoke count wheels for the extra weight and wind resistance because it really helps improve your performance when you throw on your race day wheels.
Bicycling is forever evolving and can become very consuming. I wish you luck on your choice, and do not hesitate to purchase a bike at the end of the year clearance when the shops are trying to blow out bikes to get ready for next years model. School is also starting up so you might be able to get a steal at this time of year as well.
Regarding steel frames, I have 4. 2 customs and 2 factory. Depending on climate, they really don't require any care. My 1988 Paramount (50th edition for the bike junkies) is in almost daily commute service and it got some frame saver around 10 years ago and nothing since. It seems fine. I mean I trash that bike, rarely wash or wipe it down. I don't commute in the rain like I used too, though.
The others are fine and my old race/train bike got ridden thousands of miles in all weather and it isn't corroded either.
Anyway, a well made steel frame isn't as sexy as "modern" materials, but it makes a durable frame that will last the rest of your life. It has just the right road feel which is hard to explain, but obvious when you experience it.
I am not a fan of carbon fiber bikes, but they are light and reasonably comfortable.
I got rid of my last aluminum bike a couple of years ago and have not missed it but I don't race any more.
Good luck. Cycling is one of those rare things that you can do at varying levels for the rest of your life, and have a ton of fun and fitness along the way.
should have figured woodys got all the bases covered.
