[Wilso09]

Hey guys,

Thinking about getting into biking for cardio and decided to specificlly get a road bike. Anyone here knowledgeable in this area?

Any certain bike shops to hit up in town? One brand of bike compared to another? Top of the line vs. entry level models? Anything else to keep in mind?

Thanks,
Anything opinions or comments would be great!

[hud 91gt]

Honestly, I have not been into the cycling world for a few years now. But if your just looking at getting into cycling I would not hesitate to walk into any real bike shop and talk to a salesmen. From what i've seen, all the bikes out there these days are of pretty good quality and include all the bells and whistles. If you want to save some money, I would look in the used department, but you will definitely have to have some knowledge in the area to know what you are getting. Road bike don't loose there value nearly as quickly as mountain bikes, so you might not save a ton of money.

[Vangruver]

Road cycling is a huge huge passion of mine.

I've logged 1000's of k on a few bikes of mine and it's the best way to get a low impact work out to keep yourself in good shape.

Ask yourself how much you want to ride, because you have to figure out if you even like the speed and quick behavior of a road bike.

If you know that you want to ride lots, there are really good bikes with really decent components that will work with you.

I could go into intense details about frames, components, misc equipment but it's best to read this site.

http://trektoronto.ca/buyers-guides/buying-a-new-road-bike-heres-all-you-need-to-know-pg62.htm

that will help you without having to worry too much on other peoples opinions on brands and components

[Wilso09]

Thanks, that site was quite informative of what I need and don't need. I feel a bit more confident walking into a shop now with a little knowledge of what i'm looking for.

Any particular store you would recommend? Any shops that offer demo bikes for rent?

[hud 91gt]

I wouldn't buy a bike unless they let you ride it... They might not let you take it for the day but you can take it around the parking lot/block.

[Wykydtron]

Depends on where you are located. I used to work at a store in Langley called Sports Replay. They sell Kona's, and Fuji's (great bang for your buck bikes) and have used/consignment bikes too. But most bike shops I've been to have some sort of used bikes. I'm a big fan of Kona's cyclocross bikes as you can still confidently hit gravel paths etc if you want to/need to.

[Wilso09]

I'm located in burnaby.
Sports replay? Do they have a location in Richmond?
I know of a consignment shop by that name in Richmond.
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[Wykydtron]

No, they only have their Langley location. If you decide to make the treck out here, ask for Ryan, and tell him that Kreig sent you in. See if that could sway their pricing a little bit :P

[RayBot]

Looks like i will be subscribing to this thread....i want to get into cycling; i have a 1 year plan to do complete a triathlon in the near future.


Hey Vangruver....if u got information on bikes they use for that, i'm all ears (or eyes in this case, but that just sounds silly).

[Wilso09]

Doing a mini-triathalon is kinda my goal as well. Friend mentioned a starter triathalon happening sometime within a year and I was fairly interested.

[RayBot]

Doing a mini-triathalon is kinda my goal as well. Friend mentioned a starter triathalon happening sometime within a year and I was fairly interested.

what are the distances of a mini??

[Wilso09]

Swim 400 meters, bike 20 km’s, Run 5 km

Actually just looked at the distances for the first time and it's seems pretty short. But it's designed to be someones first triathlon so it's a start.

[RayBot]

Thats cool...i think thats the distances my friend told me for the one thats happening in Delta in April.

Beginner or not, i guess i want to challenge myself. If i am running the Van Marathon in May, i'll probably want to challenge myself along the same level....

I just did 960m swim in the pool today...boy that was awesome. Yet, i can humbly say that i actually don't know how to cycle. I am sure it aint the same when i was biking as a kid, nor is it the same as doing a spin bike in the gym.....so this is one category i am a complete stranger to.

Hence why i am taking major interest in this thread.

[Wilso09]

I think i'll be fine with the running and the biking, it's the water that's got me worried!...haha
I was never, and still not a strong swimmer. I have a buddy that's a lifeguard so he's gotta give me some swimming lessons this year!
But I'm pretty much in this to do something diffrent and challenging. And how many people can say they've done a triathlon (even if it's a mini one).

[RayBot]

I think i'll be fine with the running and the biking, it's the water that's got me worried!...haha
I was never, and still not a strong swimmer. I have a buddy that's a lifeguard so he's gotta give me some swimming lessons this year!
But I'm pretty much in this to do something diffrent and challenging. And how many people can say they've done a triathlon (even if it's a mini one).

Looks like we got the same goal.....i guess i am gonna be holding you to it.

[Wilso09]

Haha, one step at a time. (I'm saving swimming for last!) But I think i'll enjoy cycling the most.

[ironman]

first time posting.. strange i was attracted to this section haha

if you're looking into a bike there are a number of things to take into consideration
how long you're riding..what kind of riding you plan on doing..how often you're going to be riding..

duration of riding- I ask this because there are a number of different styles of even road bikes, I recently made the move from racing downhill mountain bikes to doing triathlons this past season. started with a basic road bike which was perfect for in the city and short distances and ended up modifying it (aero bars) to make it more efficient on the longer rides. the materials the bike is made up also makes riding more enjoyable (example carbon and steel/cromoly absorb vibrations and create less fatigue on longer rides. Carbon is light, and much more expensive. For shorter rides, aluminum.. or even aluminum/carbon bikes are fine!)

type of riding- this is similar to length.. if you're only riding in a city.. you want to be able to get on the binders quickly in case some one pulls out in front of you. so aero bars may not be the best choice for that area. also there are hybrid road bikes, some with the geometry of a mountain bike (upright) and help with lower back pain. and others with road gearing/geometry but with knobbier tires and disc brakes... sorry lost my train of thought i'll finish the next section haha

amount of use- this is where you'll really notice the quality of a bike! quality components is where the price normal comes from. sealed bearings, cranks with replaceable chain rings, and for the most part just each component in general is of higher quality... then again there is the saying.. cheap light strong... pick one....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/AnthonyVans/HPIM1328.jpg?t=1264480257
my new bike for the year! rocky mountain solo 90... time trial bike is going to take some getting used to

*edit.. about brands of bikes... who cares every bike for the price has one nearly identical in quality in another brand.. what you want to do is try it, and adjust/fit it thats #1!!

[dat_steve]

just got into cycling as well

wondering if anyone can recommend some local shops for parts/service
and also a bike forum or something ?

[Wilso09]

Just visited a few local shops the last couple days and it's pretty awsome talking to some of the shop guys about getting into road biking. (note: some shops are snobs!)

One shop that by far stands out for me in customer service is "Ride On Again" (2255 West Broadway). Clive/Clint/Kent (??, totally bad with names, but it's an asian guy there) was SUPER informative and patient with my noob questions. Spent a good 30-45min there with him showing me the difference between a low-end entry level bike to a higher-end entry bike, all the diffrent components of a road bike, diffrent riding positions on a road bike, etc...

Super excited to start riding now!!

[waddy41]

The Bike Doctor (Kingsway location) is having a liquidation sale..

[Wilso09]

The Bike Doctor (Kingsway location) is having a liquidation sale..

Thanks, I'll check them out this weekend.

[RayBot]

^^ So will i

[Wilso09]

Looking at bikes and parts have consumed me for the last few nights!

So, I think my price point will be around $1500 and I will be looking for the following:
-Aluminum frame w/ carbon forks and seat post
-Shimano 105 shifters or whole groupset (if possible in this pricepoint)

What are peoples opinions on buying a used bike from say craigslist or sports junkies? I surfed craigslist a bit and there are some bikes with very good components (from what I have read) for in and around my price range.

[waddy41]

^ i've bought 2 bikes off CL last year...but i had no idea what i was looking for

the first one was a commuter...but it needed major maintenace...i ended up selling it b/c i wanted something more..
then i bought a road bike...it rides good but it's not a perfect fit...

i would have been better off buying a new bike and having a shop help me with the fitting...but if you know what you're looking for and how to inspect a bike properly, then you'll be able to find a gem on CL..

[-lincolnboi-]

Looking at bikes and parts have consumed me for the last few nights!

So, I think my price point will be around $1500 and I will be looking for the following:
-Aluminum frame w/ carbon forks and seat post
-Shimano 105 shifters or whole groupset (if possible in this pricepoint)

What are peoples opinions on buying a used bike from say craigslist or sports junkies? I surfed craigslist a bit and there are some bikes with very good components (from what I have read) for in and around my price range.

There is actually a guy selling a giant OCR 1 on this site, http://www.revscene.net/forums/fs-giant-ocr-t595264.html?t=595264&highlight=road+bike (hope that works)

[RayBot]

Just came from Caps because thats really the only bike place in richmond.

Nice guys there....asked for a brochure for some of their bikes, and instead ended up with these huge Trek catalogs :)

[Wilso09]

Checked out the Bike Doctor today in Burnaby for their sale.

They have good sales on touring and mountain bikes, however, they do not carry and road bike there.

[Vangruver]

Hey botray, it's phreshnphunky from CV.

just so you know ;)

anyways. The best way to know if you'll fit a bike is to get one sized.

it's tough when you are looking to spend a fair bit of money for a 2 wheeled machine that YOU have to power. Since the price of a decent road bike is the cost of a cheap dirt bike.

however, if you are on a budget, focus on the frame as that is the key to your comfort.

The components on the bike can be replaced, but the frame is the key for comfort and rideability.


Go to the library and find some bike books there. They will tell you how to measure up in regards to finding the right sizing.

don't go for a bike that is TOO much, but then again, your first bike WON'T be your last.

I'm already searching for my 4th bike in the last 5 years. I keep flipping them when the season's over....silly i know, but i have a lot of hobbies and i like to keep up with them.

An all aluminum frame is good, because it transfers a lot of power to the ground, however, they are fragile when it comes to HEAVY impact. If you want good sprinting ability and quick power transfer you can't go wrong.

If you want good shock absorbtion and comfort you can't go wrong with a lugged Chromoly frame either. They weigh a bit more, but they are classic for styling and riding.

Carbon, or composite frames are great, because they have the stiffness of al frames and the shock absorbtion of chromo frames.

if you plan on getting a bike for all occasions, then get what you can afford and prepare to spend a fair bit on accessories [clothing, bottles cages, a good pump, shoes, tires etc] because that will help you in the long run.

i love riding, and i plan on getting a bike SOON to take advantage of this mild weather.

[RayBot]

Ahhhh....PnP....reliable source of any means of transportations from skateboards to cars :P

Good to hear from ya...thx buddy!

[van19]

Norco is a very decent brand. It maybe a little pricey but definitely worth it !

[suzuka84]

I'm a road bike person and I find most of the bikes to the normal user are the same. MEC has recently released their own line of bikes so you may want to check that out as they claim their bikes come out of the same factories as major manufacturers.

We have a bunch of local companies here that make bikes but most get their frames from China - Kona, Norco, Giant etc.

I ride a rocky mountain but I'll be putting the bike up for sale soon so if you're a 53cm frame, it may fit you.

[Wilso09]

Update:

So I purchased a bike today and I must say, road biking is AWESOME!

I got a Giant TCR-1 w/ full Shimano Ultegra SL group w/ bits of Dura-Ace in there for bling.
Can't wait to ride some more and get familure with the gearing and more comfortable on the road.

Anyone reccomend and road bike forums or sites to read up on?

[hud 91gt]

pinkbike.com was always a great place in the mountainbike world. I'm sure there is some roadbike stuff aswell.

[skiiipi]

For bikes, I strongly reccomend Mighty Riders (Broadway/Ontario or Burrad and 4th), these guys spend a lot of time on the fit of the bike, and ensures that every bike they sell is fitting properly, not in just the frame, but crank length, stem length/angle, bar length etc. They take so much pride in their fitting that they require you to book an appointment for a fit session. They can't always take walk ins. The best bike is one that is fitted for you, give these guys a try.

Ask for Ed, tell him Barry sent you, see if they'll give u a discount or smth.

Just a heads up: Ed has a "interesting" personality, but super nice guy once u get to know him.
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[RayBot]

For bikes, I strongly reccomend Mighty Riders (Broadway/Ontario or Burrad and 4th), these guys spend a lot of time on the fit of the bike, and ensures that every bike they sell is fitting properly, not in just the frame, but crank length, stem length/angle, bar length etc. They take so much pride in their fitting that they require you to book an appointment for a fit session. They can't always take walk ins. The best bike is one that is fitted for you, give these guys a try.

Ask for Ed, tell him Barry sent you, see if they'll give u a discount or smth.

Just a heads up: Ed has a "interesting" personality, but super nice guy once u get to know him.
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i went there a couple of weeks ago browsing....and for all the stores that i was going around, that seemed to be the more convincing store of the bunch.

[hal0g0dv2]

hey
i just finished building my fixie bike
http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/83/010or.jpg

[hal0g0dv2]

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/6538/009lh.jpg

[waddy41]

^ so sexy

[waddy41]

Can anyone offer some advice on purchasing clipless pedals and a pair of shoes?

Which model is the best bang for the buck?
I have wide feet if that makes a difference....

[hal0g0dv2]

^ so sexy

thanks dude
it fucking rips
breaking is a bitch tho