Bike recommendations

[Jeff Lebowski]

The wife and I have been doing some biking lately on our beat-up, POS mountain bikes and are ready to take the plunge and buy a couple of new road bikes. Any recommendations for a newbie? Brands to avoid, etc?

[Archaea]

Road or mountain?

That's the first question.

[fusnik11]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

The wife and I have been doing some biking lately on our beat-up, POS mountain bikes and are ready to take the plunge and buy a couple of new road bikes. Any recommendations for a newbie? Brands to avoid, etc?

You are a dickhead but even so here's my advice.....

I'm a new rider like yourself and went to at least 6 local bike shops that sold all types of bikes, Trek, Specialized, Raleigh, Felt, etc, I test drove all different kind of bikes and felt the best on a Trek. My wife felt the best on a Specialized and based on our bikes and set up we both walked away with great bikes for under 3 k total with helmets, pumps, bags, shorts.

I guess the moral of the story is this, and it's what I took from the interactions with the experienced riders here and at the LBS, find a bike that feels good buy it and enjoy the ride. I would get sized by a few different shops and ride different sized bikes to see what feels the best. Right now seems a great time to buy since the 06 and 07 stuff is on clearance.

For a local plug I would go to Guthrie's in SLC on 21st S. The owner helped me out, was extremely honest and candid, and hooked me up with a screaming deal on a great bike.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Road or mountain?

That's the first question.

Road.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by fusnik11

You are a dickhead but even so here's my advice.....

I'm a new rider like yourself and went to at least 6 local bike shops that sold all types of bikes, Trek, Specialized, Raleigh, Felt, etc, I test drove all different kind of bikes and felt the best on a Trek. My wife felt the best on a Specialized and based on our bikes and set up we both walked away with great bikes for under 3 k total with helmets, pumps, bags, shorts.

I guess the moral of the story is this, and it's what I took from the interactions with the experienced riders here and at the LBS, find a bike that feels good buy it and enjoy the ride. I would get sized by a few different shops and ride different sized bikes to see what feels the best. Right now seems a great time to buy since the 06 and 07 stuff is on clearance.

For a local plug I would go to Guthrie's in SLC on 21st S. The owner helped me out, was extremely honest and candid, and hooked me up with a screaming deal on a great bike.

Thanks, Fus. I appreciate you overlooking my dickheadedness.

($3K?? Yikes)

[fusnik11]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Thanks, Fus. I appreciate you overlooking my dickheadedness.

($3K?? Yikes)

We got way nicer bikes than needed for our talent level but am looking to upgrade in about two years already.

I went to the LBS thinking I could buy a decent bike in the $300-500 range and was astounded you can't buy anything nice until $800 and if you are going to spend that much you might as well drop a grand.

Here's actually something I should have done and could possibly save you $500. Identify 3-4 bikes you would like to buy and buy used on craigslist. I found a Cannondale I contemplated buying this weekend for $900 that brand new with taxes would have cost me over $1300 and am confident I could have negotiated a better price.

My assumption would be that you are in the 56" frame, I'm 6'4" and ride a 60" frame, there are quite a few newer bikes on craigslist in that size frame.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Road.

At your local bike shops, I remember three brands being highlighted.

First, Giant near the Freedom Boulevard, and the one downtown focuses upon Trek.

Specialized also sells well in Utah.

Frame fit, and comfort are most important. Next comes fixability. That's why one focuses upon what the local shop supports.

After that, one needs to decide componetry, i.e., Shimano, Campy or SRAM. Campy is expensive and Eurotrendy. SRAM is clean without external wires and Shimano is most common.

I'd go with a carbon fibre frame, reasonably price componetry.

You can always negotiate a discount at the bike shops. A 3K bike becomes a 2K or less. Shop, shop and shop some more.

I actually see Lebowski between a 56 and 58 frame.

I forgot about the helmets, uniforms, shoes and sunglasses. In your area, you also need winter gear.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Well, I took the plunge tonight. With a little urging from IPU, I checked out the Bianchi line and ended up buying this model:

http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_c2c_nirone_ult_tr.html

[cougjunkie]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Well, I took the plunge tonight. With a little urging from IPU, I checked out the Bianchi line and ended up buying this model:

http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_c2c_nirone_ult_tr.html

And you were complaining about 3k for 2 bikes and all the gear! By the way no offense but you didnt go with the teal did you?

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by cougjunkie

And you were complaining about 3k for 2 bikes and all the gear! By the way no offense but you didnt go with the teal did you?

It was on sale for $999.

Yes, I did. Does that mean I am gay?