teg_to_bike

I'm looking to buy a new bike soon. This will be my first non-walmart/target bike, so I'm kind of a n00b when it comes to comparing different derailleurs, shifers, etc.

I'm leaning towards a low-end road bike, but I'm open to road hybrids as well.

Here are the road bikes that I'm looking at so far:

Trek 1000C ($720): http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Road...000C/index.php

Highlights: Shimano Sora shifters, 2203 front derailleur, Tiagra in rear with a SRAM 850 8-speed cassette. The wheels, tires seem pretty standard, Bontrager Select K tires (700x28c), and Bontrager Satellite Plus fork.


Specialized Allez Triple ($710):
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...keTab=techspec

Very similar to the Trek, except they use the Shimano HG50 cassette, and Specialized carbon fork, and Specialized Mondo (700x23c) tires


Giant OCR2 ($800):
This one is bit better than the other two, but I have never heard of Giant before I began shopping.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030...sp?model=11027

Shimano Tiagra shifters, Tiagra front derailluers, adn Shimano 105 rear derailleurs. The wheels (Xero XSR-4)have less spokes for lighter weight, and Michelin 700x25C tires.


Does anyone (Astro/Mike) have any other suggestions? The Giant seems like the better bike, but I'm worried about the overall quality. The only hybrid I looked at is the Trek 7500fx, but I'm 75% sure I'll be buying a road bike.

I'm hoping to get a good deal on an '05, so far I've seen the trek 1000 for $569

Mike

let me check out the links.

Mike

I'm not fond of trek because of the way they build their frames so I wouldn't even consider it. Of the 2 specialized offers the better frame IMO. Wheels look like it's a toss up as well as components. It gets down to geometry. Do you want a quick and responsive bike (allez) something more relaxed (ocr2) ? Ride both as many times as you can and for as long as possible.

teg_to_bike

Thanks Mike!

Just based on the numbers, im leaning towards the OCR2... but I need to test ride both to make my decision.

astro

what Mike said, sorry Teg, i didn't see this thread until now.

I think the Allez is better road geometry personally tho.

astro

I know up here prices are really starting to fall on the 05s. there is even an end of year blowout featuring many of the cities shops coming up next weekend, look for something like that going on in your area also

teg_to_bike

Thanks Astro! I guess I should pay more attention to the geometry and weight rather than the derailleurs, etc. I really do want Tiagras though, maybe I'll upgrade later.

Mike

what you do is buy a better bike. then you can alternate and keep your starter as a
beater/winter/rain bike.

teg_to_bike

I went with the '05 Allez for $520.

After test-riding the three, the Allez definitely handles the best. The Trek wasn't bad either but the Giant was a big disappointment.

Now I need a new lock, lights, new pump, etc...

Mike

congrats!!! don't forget the shorts. you can buy loose fitting shorts w/a pad if you don't want to wear the spandex shorts.
gloves are also important but a helmet is a MUST!

Mike

oh and a patch kit and extra tubes and an under seat pack and a computer
and and and

what didn't you like about the giant?

astro

I would say a small underseat pack, a tire tool, a patch kit are the essentials. If you ride where there aren't many other riders, invest in a pump of your own too

Congrats on the Allez, i'm sure you'll really get a lot of good use out of it!

I echo Mike that you need to get some shorts with padding if you don't already have em!

I don't know waht the scene is like where you are, but i wouldn't ever lock that bike up and leave it out of sight were it mine.

teg_to_bike

I didnt enjoy my Giant test ride... honestly I think it had something to do with the tires. The bike felt less responsive than both the Trek and the Allez. It was a better buy since it had a lighter wheelset, Tiagra shifters and a 105 in the rear... but I can always upgrade the Allez.

So far I have a helmet and a lock. I gotta pull off the computer from my old bike and I need to get extra tubes, a patch kit, a pump, lights, etc etc....

teg_to_bike

Really? I want to start biking to work, but I have no clue where to leave it once I get here. I do have my own (very small) office, but I don't see a spot where I can park it.

virtualbong

Personally I dislike the Giant OCRs because of the type of shifter it utilizes. I'd rather go with a TCR with the brake shifters. Definitely look into a TCR 2 or if you want to spend some more, go with a TCR 1.

teg_to_bike

Just about all road bikes have brake downshifters. Some bikes have the upshift lever on the brake handle as well, with others its a button near the base of the brake level, but on the other side.