New bicycle 2014
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- sine
i'm in the market for a new bike. i currently own a hybrid commuter/mountain bike (which i mostly use for longer urban commutes) and an old single-speed road bike for shop runs, etc.
i'm looking for a new 2013/2014 model road/racing bike. i've got a 110km race coming up in march and need to get some training started. i'd like some direction in terms of current models. get some more knowledge before i walk into the stores. looking for a complete build. can upgrade components as i go along.
budget... i could potentially spend up to $800/$1000, but $500-$700 is more my range. so, entry-level sports/race, doubling up as a comfortable daily commuter.
- uan0
- nocomply0
A lot of 2013-model entry level road bikes that normally sell in the $1000-1300 US range are on clearance/closeout right now since shops are making room for all of the new 2014 inventory. If you look around you can probably score one for that $800-1000 price point you mentioned. I'd call some local shops and ask them if they have anything on closeout like that.
One word of advice - get the best quality equipment you can afford up front. Usually the package cost of buying everything is cheaper than upgrading piece by piece.
- fues0
- hektor9110
Go here they currently have great sales
http://www.competitivecyclist.co…
- fooler0
$500-700 USD isn't going to get much of a road/racing bike.
Your $800-1000 is more realistic for an entry level bike with mediocre components.
Like nocomply said right now is a great time to get last years bikes.
I bought a Fuji Roubaix for $900 a few years ago at Performance Bike that retailed for $1200. Looks like they're having the same sale now
http://www.performancebike.com/b…
- sine0
^ great post and link. that's the kind of info and recommendations i'm looking for...
- sine0
couple on my shortlist...
Cannondale CAAD 8 (2013)
http://www.cannondale.com/catalo…FUJI Roubaix (2013)
also digging through the many 2013/2014 Merida models, but don't know much about them. they seem like popular bikes here though.
- fooler0
never heard of Merida here in the US but I'm not into the sport as much as I used to be.
I would go take a short test ride on the cannonale and fuji and see which one feels better. Stores usually let you at least ride around the parking lot for a few minutes. If thats not an option I would compare which one has the better components for the price.
- thecreativefire0
What about looking on eBay for a well looked after second-hand bike?
It might help stretch your budget to a better bike even if it is a year or two older.
- jacklalane0
The Cannondale looks decent, try and buy one that has Shimano 105 shifters and this bike does. Also get clipless pedals and shoes.
That is a tiny budget for a decent road bike, like others have suggested I would consider buying used, you will get more bang for your buck.
- yeah, the price depends on which groupset you choose. i'll prob get the caad8 with either 105 or tiagra...sine
- duckseason0
Take a look at VeloVie.
They're an up and coming company that only does sales online for now which translates to cheaper prices. Downside is you can't do any test riding and you also need to know all your fit details.http://www.velovie.com/SearchRes…
Also, you can use the code: PROLLY200 to get $200 off.
- monNom0
Definitely buy used. A used bike in excellent conditions generally goes for 50% of the retail price. Not to mention no sales tax.
SInce you're new to it, go to a big bike shop with lots of bikes and brands to try out. Try a bunch and find one that fits well and feels good to ride. Make note of the size/make and model. Now leave that bike shop and hit the internet to find out the measurements of that specific bike. You want to know: head-tube angle, seat tube angle, effective top-tube length, chainstay length, wheelbase, and ideally also the stem length and handlebar reach, though these can be changed. Now go shopping on craigslist/ebay/ wherever for a bike that matches those specs and you'll know how it's going to feel under you.
Don't worry too much about 105 vs tiagra vs ultrega, When properly adjusted they all work equally well. What you want to focus on is a good quality aluminum frame, or a high quality vintage steel frame (columbus, tange, reynolds), and good wheels (normal spoked wheels, stay away from those carbon spokes/deep profile/blah blah blah. Just go for quality rims, normal spoke lacing on shimano hubs and you're 99.9% likely to have a great set of wheels.
- mekk0
Did you buy one now? There is a project going on kickstarter soon that might be interesting for you: http://www.vanhawks.com/
- uan0