Thinking of buying a new road bike

[JulesMaximus]

Ibex Aprisa Elite 5500

I haven't been following the latest trends in cycling lately, anyone know if this is a good quality bike? Seems to have some decent components on it but I'm thinking of getting a Trek also, specifically the Pilot 5.0 which is an all carbon frame with a mix of components. The Trek is much more expensive though at $2340.

 

[cubby1223]

If you're not racing, then you don't need a carbon fiber or titanium frame.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: cubby1223
If you're not racing, then you don't need a carbon fiber or titanium frame.

This bike has carbon seat stays and fork with aluminum frame.

The Trek is all carbon.

I'm not racing but what possible difference does that make?

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I'm not racing but what possible difference does that make?

Price.

 

[Cheetah8799]

Originally posted by: cubby1223
If you're not racing, then you don't need a carbon fiber or titanium frame.

bah, whatever.

If you have the money, and can appreciate a good riding bike that shifts well and reacts to your movements the way it should, then go for it. Just make sure you don't let it collect dust in your garage. That'd be a shame.


The biggest issue is buying a bike that fits you well. You should find a local bike shop that does custom bike fittings. Some charge money for this, but if you are new to road cycling, you should seriously consider it. There's nothing like going numb 30 miles away from home on a long ride... and by numb I don't mean your toes. You can also suffer other problems from a bike that doesn't fit well, like back pains, knee problems, etc. Plus the ride just won't be fun.

Frame material often relates to how much the bike flexes. Aluminum frames are often known for being very stiff, while good steel frames are prized by some people who like older style frames that flex well. In the end it can vary because of the design of the frame, not just the material.

The smoothness of the bikes shifting and components depends on the quality of components. Shimano's top end stuff is Dura Ace for the top, then Ultegra. If you plan to ride a LOT of miles or maybe race, then I suggest Ultegra. It's almost as good as Dura Ace, but costs quite a bit less. I've never ridded on Campanolo parts, but Record and Chorus are their top end ones I think.

You may want to look at a split seat. Most road bike seats that racers and such use are very stiff and nothing like what you see on mountain bikes. Imagine riding on a piece of wood. I personally use this saddle. It may not be "brand name" like Selle Italia, but it's pretty much the exact same design for half the price.

You'll need a decent pair of padded shorts. Most people consider Pearl Izumi one of the best. I'm a cheapskate, and have used my Hind shorts for a few years now even though I should get new ones...


Maybe I'm getting into stuff you already know. Sorry if I am.

anyway, good luck. have fun.

 

[Cheetah8799]

oh, wanted to also say that road bikes have come down in price quite a bit recently and you can get a pretty good bike in the $800 - $1000 range, even though they are "bottom end" components. They are still pretty decent, just not race quality.


edit: looked more closely at the IBEX bike you linked. I noticed it is Shimano 105 components. I think if you shop around you'll find that a fair number of bikes with that same component set are around the same price range.


edit again: check out roadbikereview.com. They have reviews of a lot of bikes from people who have ridden them and compare them to other models on the market.

 

[OffTopic1]

It doesn't make any different even when you race, because 99.99% of the race is depend on the rider physical/mental condition. Get a frame for your body/legs size (it is nice to have long top tube if you have a long torso, or long crank arms if you have long legs, however sadle/seat post/stem/handlebars length & adjustment can accommodate the requirements).

If you have the ca$h then Durace/Campagnolo/carbon fiber frames are nice bing bling to have, but Shimano 105 & steel frames are the best bang for the money.

<-- Roadie 4 years and MTB 2 years. My steel and titanium raced bikes have had Shimano 600, Campagnolo C-Record, Shimano Durace, and Shimano105.

 

[boyRacer]

you went from looking at a 2.1 to a Pilot 5.0... i say it snowballs from here

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: cubby1223

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I'm not racing but what possible difference does that make?

Price.

Thanks, captain obvious. It's my money though, if I want carbon I'll get carbon. It has other advantages over aluminum.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: bR
you went from looking at a 2.1 to a Pilot 5.0... i say it snowballs from here

Yeah, pretty much.

I was also looking at a Klien with all Campagnolo for about $200 less than the Trek but it is aluminum vs carbon. I think the carbon bike will be a little more comfortable.

 

[GasX]

You should change the thread title to help me buy a bike between $1000 and $2300...

There are only about a billion bikes in that range...

You should look at Orbea, Felt and Litespeed, too!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
You should change the thread title to help me buy a bike between $1000 and $2300...

There are only about a billion bikes in that range...

You should look at Orbea, Felt and Litespeed, too!

I don't really want to spend $2300 though. I'm thinking more along the Trek Pilot 2.1 vs the Ibex. Those are closer in price. $1000 vs $1200.

The Pilot 5.0 is really a stretch but if it's a much better ride I might be willing to stretch my budget a bit.

 

[GasX]

Felt F70 ~$1000

Litespeed Vela ~$1600

I'd keep posting but all this bike porn is making me drool

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
Felt F70 ~$1000

Litespeed Vela ~$1600

I'd keep posting but all this bike porn is making me drool

Those bladed seatstays on that Litespeed looks hot...

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: Mwilding
Felt F70 ~$1000

Litespeed Vela ~$1600

I'd keep posting but all this bike porn is making me drool

Those bladed seatstays on that Litespeed looks hot...

Yeah, that bike is hot - and it's their base model!

How fast do you think you could go on this puppy?

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: Mwilding
Felt F70 ~$1000

Litespeed Vela ~$1600

I'd keep posting but all this bike porn is making me drool

Those bladed seatstays on that Litespeed looks hot...

Yeah, that bike is hot - and it's their base model!

How fast do you think you could go on this puppy?

lol that sucker has better components than my bike

that's pretty trick... but then i thought about how close my face would be to someone's ass or vice versa one you get on the drops

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: bR

Originally posted by: Mwilding
Felt F70 ~$1000

Litespeed Vela ~$1600

I'd keep posting but all this bike porn is making me drool

Those bladed seatstays on that Litespeed looks hot...

Yeah, that bike is hot - and it's their base model!

How fast do you think you could go on this puppy?

Woah! That's got to cost some big bucks.

BTW-I went over to Trek during lunch and drooled over the Pilot 5.0 and the 5000. Not much difference really, both really nice bikes. I'll have to ride them all and then decide. They were too busy with other customers right then to help me so I'll have to go back another time.

 

[Conky]

I'm thinking of getting a new Trek brand mountain bike but I will mostly be using it on the road. You can get a really decent bike for only a few hundred these days. :thumbsup:

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
I'm thinking of getting a new Trek brand mountain bike but I will mostly be using it on the road. You can get a really decent bike for only a few hundred these days. :thumbsup:

I'm not looking for decent. I want a damned fine road bike.

 

[sygyzy]

Trek 2300?

 

[OffTopic1]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
I'm thinking of getting a new Trek brand mountain bike but I will mostly be using it on the road. You can get a really decent bike for only a few hundred these days. :thumbsup:

I'm not looking for decent. I want a damned fine road bike.

I that case, go for the Colnago President LdV or Brera Art for a cool $7799.00.

 

[MrBond]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
I'm thinking of getting a new Trek brand mountain bike but I will mostly be using it on the road. You can get a really decent bike for only a few hundred these days. :thumbsup:

Why get a mountain bike if you're only going to ride on the road? Get a hybrid - good on roads and trails (but you really can't do extreme mountain biking with them).

I love mine - its a great bike for riding to work, especially since I occasionally have to ride in the gravel or grass on the side of the road because of traffic.

 

[PHiuR]

everyones gettin road bikes these days....

good thing, maybe they will make more bike lanes on main roads!

 

[OffTopic1]

Originally posted by: MrBond

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
I'm thinking of getting a new Trek brand mountain bike but I will mostly be using it on the road. You can get a really decent bike for only a few hundred these days. :thumbsup:

Why get a mountain bike if you're only going to ride on the road? Get a hybrid - good on roads and trails (but you really can't do extreme mountain biking with them).

I love mine - its a great bike for riding to work, especially since I occasionally have to ride in the gravel or grass on the side of the road because of traffic.

Hybrid is a good design with the intention for 99% pavement or chipped trails, but the frame flex too much for pack or wet trails. The design is for a commanding upright ride for a better view of the road and comfort.

An MTB is the best all round bike because it is design to handle trails and hops, and it is comfortable with little or no viewing compromise. Speed wise is not much different compare to a hybrid because it can be fitted with quite small tire width and slick if desire.

<-- Was badly hurt from riding a hybrid on gravel trail.

 

[dr150]

I laugh at you guys.

All of you worry about getting tricked out road bikes, equipment, race shirts. Looking like the mack preppy daddy of posing.


......While my 5'5" 110lb wife on her old HEAVY steel frame mountain bike will kick all you guy's butts sideways.

I've seen so many poseurs get their a$ss handed to them as they scoff that my wife can beat them with her bike and being a female.


BOTTOM LINE:
Save your money on getting an expensive bike. In the end, it's the athlete that will ALWAYS WIN out over weekend "elitist" preppy poseurs (who happened to watch Armstrong on OLN this month) who dropped $3k on trick equipment.