Road bike suggestions?
- Thread starter SplitIdentity
- Start date
Everything said here. But I would definitely lean towards buying it at the shop. I got my Specialized at Rassy's and at the end of the day, they gave me shoes half off, free pedals, free helmet and first tune up. You won't get that online.
I would also suggest getting a cross bike with an extra set of tires. It will open you up to gravel and off road rides because if you catch the bug, which is hard not to do, you will want to ride anywhere and anything.
I would also suggest AGAINST a hybrid. Almost everyone I know that's gotten one has regretted it quickly and traded theirs in.
Another place to check is the Des Moines Bicycle Collective. They have some really good used bikes sometime at really good prices... plus it's a great organization.
Also, don't be intimmidated by clip in pedals and shoes. It's a lot easier than it looks and makes the ride much more enjoyable.
And a Taco/Steak/Beer ride NEEDS to happen
Last edited:
You don't need 105's or higher. I don't have them on my LHT, and it is a great piece of equipment. 105's are expensive also, you are looking at $600 just for the components. I would not expect 105's on a bike less than $1100.
Steel = slow and comfy.
Aluminum + fiber = stiff and fast.
I have a road in each class, I would much rather ride the steel. Unless I am going with a bunch of roady racer Aholes. Of course if you have the coolers installed on your bike, they will all slow down for you.
Honestly, the single most important thing I can tell you if you want to enjoy biking is: Find a good honest local dealer.
Some have mentioned getting last year's model and I concur. Mrs. Velo and I got a matched pair of Trek carbon bikes about 12 years ago at Bike World's big warehouse clearance event whatever that thing is/was called. We essentially got two top of the line carbon road bikes for the price of one. They have served us very well every since for tens of thousands of miles. And don't listen to people who say that you are too heavy for a carbon frame (I have no idea how big you are). I have several Clydesdale buddies who ride carbon bikes hard and they have never had a frame failure.
Always been intrigued by the taco ride (i'm in Lincoln). I'm enjoy cycling. Omaha has okay trails (papio namely). Lincoln, not so much.
Anyway. I love my 2003 Trek 5000 series (full carbon, ultegra components, I think its a 59?...little small for me). But I love it. It's fast and reliable
Bought this bike because it was right before Trek started producing their carbon frames in china instead of waterloo, wi. That was important to me.
Anyway. I love my 2003 Trek 5000 series (full carbon, ultegra components, I think its a 59?...little small for me). But I love it. It's fast and reliable
Bought this bike because it was right before Trek started producing their carbon frames in china instead of waterloo, wi. That was important to me.
Nothing beats the Wabash Thursday night Taco Ride! I did about 20 of them over the last couple years. I would be all for doing one in April May. When the weather gets good the trail gets full. Easily 800-1000. But I am all for a CF Taco Ride!
THey have continued having Taco Tuesday at the Tap through the winter. IF you want to ride it, the tacos will be there.
I'm a Taco Ride virgin, but hear great things! We'll have to get something organized in the next few months.
exactly
I think people are thinking of 2 different Taco Rides. I was talking about the one on the Wabash Trail near Council Bluffs.
exactly
I think people are thinking of 2 different Taco Rides. I was talking about the one on the Wabash Trail near Council Bluffs.
Just say you are referring to THE Taco Ride!
