At $1500, consider used. No shame in that either.
This, I picked up a $1800 Salsa used for $899. Only had a few hundred miles on it, and after a $75 tune up, it was like brand new.
At $1500, consider used. No shame in that either.
I live in DSM and looking at getting into riding as well. I know someone already mentioned Kyle's Bikes in Ankeny. Any other good local places you recommend around here who can educate and help me find a quality bike?
I haven’t read the whole thread and have been out of serious biking for awhile so I just have to ask the question. What’s the appeal of the bikes with the super wide tires? Is it just an increased workout?
I have no idea where to start on clothing. I do some indoor biking so I do have some shorts but I have nothing else. I'm just going to have to feel that stuff out. One thing I don't want to do is cheapen myself into hating the hobby so I'm toeing a line here.
I ride them, but I chose the safer roads...i guess that is relative. Example, the road from Runnels to Monroe, is dangerous. Main road for those headed to red rock with thier boats...too many close calls I been a part of and have seen..What's everyone's opinion on riding on 2 lane highways? I live in a really hilly part of Iowa and have had way too many close calls cresting hills with my car. If another car was coming my direction any of those times I would have killed someone.
Feeling unsafe is the reason I won't bike like everyone else in my family. Sorry for the derail.
Thanks. I don't think I'll be going used because nothing nearby seems to be available in what I'm looking for. I think I have a line on a new Checkpoint 4 that I'm just trying to talk myself into right now as it's a little more than I hoped to spend but I think it's exactly what I want and won't put me in a spot where I'm taking a beating next year because I tried to save a few hundred bucks.
I have no idea where to start on clothing. I do some indoor biking so I do have some shorts but I have nothing else. I'm just going to have to feel that stuff out. One thing I don't want to do is cheapen myself into hating the hobby so I'm toeing a line here.
Thanks. I don't think I'll be going used because nothing nearby seems to be available in what I'm looking for. I think I have a line on a new Checkpoint 4 that I'm just trying to talk myself into right now as it's a little more than I hoped to spend but I think it's exactly what I want and won't put me in a spot where I'm taking a beating next year because I tried to save a few hundred bucks.
I have no idea where to start on clothing. I do some indoor biking so I do have some shorts but I have nothing else. I'm just going to have to feel that stuff out. One thing I don't want to do is cheapen myself into hating the hobby so I'm toeing a line here.
After years of riding my wife and I both got a Domane SL5 a couple years ago. It's more than you stated as your budget but it gave us the flexibility we were looking for as we started to get older and cared more about doing longer rides than faster rides. It has a carbon frame and both front and rear IsoSpeed which we feel helps smooth the rides out. It has 700x32 tires (smooth) on it so larger than a fast road bike. I can also put all-terrain tires on it if I would like for gravel but that doesn't really appeal to us. We put racks on them for panniers and have done a couple week long pack and ride trips (with a hotel night in the middle of the week to get the wife to agree) hauling everything but our food.
There's a bike for whatever you want to do.
What a bunch of wienies! I ride my old one speed on the trails in Western Iowa. Uphill all the way and no seat. Boomers are tougher than you think.
This is the truth. I do a lot of walking with the dog and I always thought the % of phone distracted drivers was 50%. I think the number is closer to 75%. It is also not only the younger drivers. The distracted phone use while driving does not discriminate against age.I absolutely hate it and avoid it at all costs. 1 driver staring at their phone at the wrong time and it's curtains. Hard pass. I'm a pu$$.
This is the truth. I do a lot of walking with the dog and I always thought the % of phone distracted drivers was 50%. I think the number is closer to 75%. It is also not only the younger drivers. The distracted phone use while driving does not discriminate against age.
Karens?I've found middle age women in large SUVs are the worst offenders. Younger people know how bluetooth works.
105 is good stuff. Tiagra is, as well, but I'd go for 105 unless it is cost prohibitive. It's usually not much of a price leap and it's good stuff.The CAADX 105 has entered the chat. From what I've read the cycling community looks VERY favorably on the 105 components vs Tiagra, correct?