Commodus

Hi guys, strange question...at least for me.

I've been a mountain biker forever and a commuter/car-free/utility cyclist for while now, but I want to get into some racing. Due to a career-reboot recently, money is very tight.

I don't know much about cheap road bike stuff, as I've always been able to afford pretty well whatever I wanted when it came to bicycles - though my wants have been modest.

When I think about cheap sporty bikes, I think aluminum and 105. But now I'm wondering...can I race on Tiagra? It's not like I'm going to win anything, I just want to get out there and have some fun. What's the cheapest race-capable group? Force maybe?

Also, a while ago I picked up an old steel race bike with DT shifters. I like them, but I've never done any racing - how ridiculous would it be to show up with DTs at a race? Is it a matter of people pointing and laughing, or is it like showing up with a twin-shock bike at a modern motocross track: you're going to lose really badly, probably break something and maybe get hurt?

Anyways, some direction please. I tried searching a little, but the search function on these boards frustrates me.

Sapience

SRAM Apex just came out and I honestly feel like tiagra would do you good in Cat 5 if it's a relatively new/well maintained set.

Best option is hop on ebay. I got an Ultegra 6500 complete group I have been using for over a year now with just $250.

As far as showing up to a race with DTs, I wouldn't for safety issues. You simply can't react quick enough to the pace of the field, or something might happen in front of you when you have your hand off the bars going for the shifter.

jr59

That depends on how well you ride.

How quick you are to shift the DT's and not miss a beat.

IMO; IF you are racing just for fun; Ride whatever you want.
What difference does it make? Fun is just that, fun.


People are going to scream that you need this and that, but the truth of it is,
you need to pay your $$, pump your tires up, pin your #, and pedal. Oh yea, a sleeved shirt, and a helmet.

Thats it!

Three more things, a big heart, big set of lungs, and strong legs.

Most pro's can beat most cat 4-5 racers on a MTB with knobies.

Keep SA Lame

Budget racer??

I'd go with Used CAAD 9 with 105 stuff from ebay. (or even possible CAAD 7 or 8)

Homebrew01

It's nice to have a nice bike, but for racing, we all know that any road bike will work, assuming it's in good condition. (OK, I would turn down the 30 lb Walmart bike and keep looking)

As for downtubes, nobody will care. It's how you ride that matters (fitness, handling ...). DT are fine if you're a competent rider. Modern shifters are better, but that doesn't stop DT from working.

ptle

I know people who race on Sora/Tiagra and do fine.

As long as you've got something that can shift your gears fine, you'll be good.

I recommend getting Tiagra because of the paddle shifters.

You could get something used with decent, but older components.

MaxCycles

I use Tiagra 9 speed STI's on my cross bike with a Tiagra FD and 105 RD. They function well. Fit and finish isn't quite up to par with the higher level groups but I like the feel. I run older Ultegra on my road bike. I don't race on the road, just ride a lot. I know from experience that if you are in shape, it really doesn't matter what group you're running. Between my two bikes, the groups really don't change my performance. I've spent a lot of time with DT shifters not long ago and I like the precise shifting, but for racing I can imagine it being both a safety hazard and annoying. Bar end shifters could be a cheaper option.

Pb_Okole

This is pure pig pucky. I have been racing since 1980 and there weren't any more crashes back then. If fact, we didn't even have indexed shifting and somehow managed to muddle through finding the right gear without running into a ditch or another rider. Downtube shifters may be a disadvantage in some situations such as sprinting or having to shift out of corners in a crit but I don't consider them a safety hazard for a rider competent enough to be racing in the first place.

redvespablur

Specialized Allez is a great budget racing bike. Good resale if you change your mind. Lots of price point with different drivetrains. Lots available used.

I have a nice 1986 one but the new stuff works fine.

Reynolds 

Tiagra is good enough for what you want IMO.

umd

The most important thing is that it is functional and reliable. Pretty much anything in good working order fits that bill.

caloso

Plenty of people are racing on 9-speed, whether it's older DA or newer Tiagra. Find a bike that fits with equipment that works. That's all you need.

agarose2000

Go to your LBS and just buy an intro-level road bike with drop bars. You will be able to race with the best riders with no problem if you're strong enough.

I own a Giant Defy3 ($695 at LBS in early 2009) with Sora/2200 parts, and it's my main ride for hammerfest roadie group rides.

My pricey Cervelo sits on my trainer now, it's that good.

Commodus

Thanks so much guys!

Looks like I'll get into the game with my DT bike, and watch the local CL/Ebay real close. Knowing that Tiagra and even Sora bikes are out there being campaigned successfully really opens up my options.

Now to make some cycling-specific changes to my off-season gym routine