Road Bike

**orlowskij** · 02-19-2009, 11:06 AM

I've been thinking about picking up a road bike to add to my stable for a while now, it's finally time once I get my tax return. I'd like to stay under $1000 for now to make sure I like it. What is my best bet for getting something decent? The three options I've considered so far are:

Getting something pretty old and used to see what its all about
Getting something mid level used a few years old
Picking up one of the lower end 07/08 leftovers that my LBS has around in my range.

What will set me up the best? What options did I leave out? What do you guys have around in the 54-56cm range?

**JET123** · 02-19-2009, 11:11 AM

This falls under the old option - and I would ask others to weigh in the 'bang for the buck' relative to price...

It's also a 57cm so maybe a touch big? Anywoo...

http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/bik/1040768451.html

PS - No affiliation to the listing...

**brice618** · 02-19-2009, 11:21 AM

Depends on what kind of riding you want to do. If you just want to go ride and don't care so much about speed or time then I'd buy an old steel framed ride and either fix it up or hang on to it (can also commute with it). No need for a super-core carbon this or that if you won't be racing. Steel rides weigh more, but rides amazingly and are much cheaper. Look for Reynolds 531 or 4130 chromoly steel.

**emtnate** · 02-19-2009, 12:41 PM

My cross check was just under $1000 built. I highly recommend them as a general purpose road bike. It's probably not race worthy, but is great for long rides. If you wanted a road geometry instead of the cross, I think the pacer could be built up in your price range as well.

I prefer riding steel on the road, and didn't consider any aluminum or carbon frames.

**CantDog** · 02-19-2009, 03:21 PM

First, check out Freeze Thaw Cycles in State College to see what they have. Tons of used gear and the guys are really knowledgeable.

**brice618** · 02-19-2009, 08:26 PM

if you go new, get a surly like emtnate. crosscheck, steamroller, long haul trucker... all great rides.

**huckbucket** · 02-19-2009, 08:32 PM

Make sure you set some scratch aside for road pedals and shoes. Are you gonna do the lycra thing too? Bibs can be a little pricey but are worth it. Finally, get fitted or google KOPS. Your experience will suck otherwise.

**orlowskij** · 02-19-2009, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the suggestions guys, glad to have some verification that I don't need to spend 6 grand to have fun on the road. I've decided I'm going to go with steel whether its new or used. CantDog, Freeze Thaw is actually the only bike shop in town that I haven't stopped in yet. I'll be sure to take a look around, they're actually kinda what I had in mind when I mentioned the old bike. I've only heard good things about the shop.

**supermodel159** · 02-19-2009, 08:55 PM

I have a 09 Jamis Ventura Elite I'm selling. PM me if you can go into the 1400 range

**orlowskij** · 02-21-2009, 12:20 PM

I just got back from the shop. I rode a 08 Bianchi San Jose cross bike that they had in stock for $650. I think this fits what I want to do better than a pure road bike. Is this a decent deal?

**camhard** · 02-21-2009, 01:18 PM

couldn't comment on the price, but Bianchis are legit. I'm a proponent of buying used. I managed to pick up a 2006 Bianchi 928 carbon with Campy Veloce for $1000 Canadian. Came with speedplay pedals and fits me perfectly. I think that is probably a pretty uncommon deal, but it gives you an idea of what you can pick up used. Depends how much time you have to check the b&s all the time. Anyways, these are my thoughts.

I agree that you should factor in the cost of some comfy shoes and pedals, as well as probably a fit.

advres · 02-21-2009, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by orlowskij

I just got back from the shop. I rode a 08 Bianchi San Jose cross bike that they had in stock for $650. I think this fits what I want to do better than a pure road bike. Is this a decent deal?

Are all San Jose's single speeds? If so, that bike retails for $599.

I ride a Bianchi Pista fixed right now and love it. Solid, dependable and cheap.

**orlowskij** · 02-21-2009, 01:52 PM

Ya, it's a single speed. I'm pretty sure it's worth the price, they already have it set up with a flip flop hub and and include a fit.

advres · 02-21-2009, 02:06 PM

You aren't going to find a much better new bike for the price. I'd say go for it, if it fits.

**JoeStrummer** · 02-21-2009, 03:46 PM

I like Bianchis, although I do get a laugh out of the PistaDex. . . .

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2007...pse-watch.html

advres · 02-21-2009, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by JoeStrummer

I like Bianchis, although I do get a laugh out of the PistaDex. . . .

http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2007...pse-watch.html

Yeah people love to hate 'em. My 5 criteria when I was looking for my fixie:
A) new
B) cheap
C) best value I could find for the money
D) relatively immedaitely available
E) patronize a LBS

All those coalesced into my Pista. Good thing everyone around here has one so mine will be a little inconspicuous.

**JoeStrummer** · 02-21-2009, 04:19 PM

It's actually a nice bike. Extra gnar points for rocking a plaid top tube pad, though!

**BS720** · 03-12-2009, 01:15 AM

I have a Bianchi Axis I am about to sell. It is 57cm, and in great shape. It has been converted to single speed, but I have an extra set of Alex wheels with a freewheel that I can throw in. I believe the frame is a '07. Also have an extra set of knobbies that are brand new. Let me know if you're interested. I need to get $425 for it.

**orlowskij** · 03-12-2009, 09:39 AM

I probably should have updated this thread. I bought the San Jose a couple weeks ago and couldn't be happier. For what I was looking for it is perfect. As my first single speed experience it has taken a little getting used to, but I really like just getting on and pedaling without thinking about anything else.