Am I crazy spending $2.5k on my first real bike?
08-11-20, 10:51 PM
#51
Senior Member
That sounds like a perfectly reasonable budget for a road bike that should be step (or two) above entry-level. When I was bike shopping a few months ago, the difference between a $1500 vs $2500 road bike was the frame and wheels in almost all cases. The more expensive bike should have a carbon frame and will probably have 105 components with disc brakes, and wheels that are tubeless ready. The less expensive bike will likely be an aluminum frame with rim brake wheels, although some will have disc brakes. Since your aim is to go fast, buy the carbon frame bike, since it will be more aerodynamic (and slightly lighter).
If it matters to you, all of the road bikes I found in the $2000-$3000 range only came with a compact (50/34) crankset, except for Canyon. If you think you need bigger gears, you will likely have to pay for bigger chainrings at some point.
Edit: I missed the part where you said you were planning to buy used. Don't do that just yet. Look online and see what is available new; there will be plenty of options for your price range. Specialized, Canyon, Trek, Cannondale, and Giant all have new, 105-equipped carbon road bikes in the $2500-$3000 range.
If it matters to you, all of the road bikes I found in the $2000-$3000 range only came with a compact (50/34) crankset, except for Canyon. If you think you need bigger gears, you will likely have to pay for bigger chainrings at some point.
Edit: I missed the part where you said you were planning to buy used. Don't do that just yet. Look online and see what is available new; there will be plenty of options for your price range. Specialized, Canyon, Trek, Cannondale, and Giant all have new, 105-equipped carbon road bikes in the $2500-$3000 range.
. It’s an investment in your health!
08-12-20, 06:05 AM
#53
Full Member
I always advise people to get an aluminium frame w/105 for their first bike. It's good enough that it won't hold you back for the first couple of seasons. If you're still into cycling an a couple of years, you'll probably want a different bike anyway. If you decide it's not for you, then you still have a decent bike that you can take out from time-to-time but haven't spent thousands of dollars on something you don't use.
08-12-20, 06:12 AM
#54
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Sure, sounds like your getting a racing bike, better question is what race are you intending? Tour de France, Flanders, Kanza, Paris-Brest-Paris? Some would say getting a racing bike is like wanting a faster car so buying a formula 1. I disagree but it helps to find out what kind are used for above and match that to your riding intent (e.g., some say a comfortable bike is faster and recommend randonneurs)
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08-12-20, 06:14 AM
#55
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08-12-20, 06:18 AM
#56
Jedi Master
It's exactly what I did for my wife several years ago when she thought she wanted to get back into cycling after about 15 years off. We found a good deal and spent under $1k. I'd guess she's ridden it under 500 miles total. Glad I didn't get her one of the $3k+ bikes we were looking at.
08-12-20, 08:07 AM
#57
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Looking to pick up my first road bike. I'm upgrading from a Citibike membership and want something that's actually fast, which would make longer rides way more enjoyable. I'm also interested in Zwifting during the winter. I've biked for a long while but have always rented/owned cheap bikes and would like to make an investment. I would like something that isn't 50lbs and that I can actually ride on the road fast enough.... looking at a sick Diverge Comp which would be great for the rough tracks.
Am I crazy to want to buy a nicer bike with a budget of $2.5-3k as my first real bike? Should I start with something cheaper and work my way up? I feel like I know what I want out of a road bike and have had the opportunity to test different brands and frame sizes. I would be buying used locally and would try the bike out before purchase. My thoughts are that if I get a nicer bike initially I would save money down the road by not needing to upgrade, but is a $3000 bike built that much better than a $1500 bike?
This purchase would be just for fun, not commuting regularly. Worth investing in for savings down the line or should I initially go for less?
Am I crazy to want to buy a nicer bike with a budget of $2.5-3k as my first real bike? Should I start with something cheaper and work my way up? I feel like I know what I want out of a road bike and have had the opportunity to test different brands and frame sizes. I would be buying used locally and would try the bike out before purchase. My thoughts are that if I get a nicer bike initially I would save money down the road by not needing to upgrade, but is a $3000 bike built that much better than a $1500 bike?
This purchase would be just for fun, not commuting regularly. Worth investing in for savings down the line or should I initially go for less?
There is a point of diminishing returns, but it varies by individual. . For ME, on a road/gravel bike, that starts to kick in over $2K But road is not my first love. For a mountain bike, its around $5K for me.
For others it is higher or lower.
So no, $2.5-3K is not crazy if you really like it.
08-12-20, 09:57 AM
#58
Junior Member
Not Crazy
Not crazy to buy as long as it works for you.
Years ago I was shopping for my first road bike, I could have afforded a new bike then, but I was clueless as to what I should look for. I found an old Norco Magnum SE on Kijiji for $20.00, I bought it figuring that it would give me a starting point in figuring out what I needed in a new bike and ended up riding it for about 10 years. I have recently purchased a used bike(CF, DI2, high end rims etc.) for about the same money you are talking about. As people here frequently say "It is the engine, not the bike" which is very true in my case. I am a slow wobbly old grandfather, I did not buy this bike because it was fast, I bought it because it is easy and enjoyable to ride. You are also presumably buying quality which lasts. I still maintain my old Norco and have done upgrades on it and the people at the LBS have never rolled their eyes at it., My son-in-law has a newer big box store bike, and every time he brings it into the LBS they ask him when he is going to get a real bike..
Years ago I was shopping for my first road bike, I could have afforded a new bike then, but I was clueless as to what I should look for. I found an old Norco Magnum SE on Kijiji for $20.00, I bought it figuring that it would give me a starting point in figuring out what I needed in a new bike and ended up riding it for about 10 years. I have recently purchased a used bike(CF, DI2, high end rims etc.) for about the same money you are talking about. As people here frequently say "It is the engine, not the bike" which is very true in my case. I am a slow wobbly old grandfather, I did not buy this bike because it was fast, I bought it because it is easy and enjoyable to ride. You are also presumably buying quality which lasts. I still maintain my old Norco and have done upgrades on it and the people at the LBS have never rolled their eyes at it., My son-in-law has a newer big box store bike, and every time he brings it into the LBS they ask him when he is going to get a real bike..
08-12-20, 01:10 PM
#59
Senior Member
Count another in the 'No' camp.
Some things to consider, perhaps.
Is it the bike you want to be seen arriving on?
Will it bring you joy when you daydream about it during a boring meeting?
Will it inspire you to get it out and ride?
Will you enjoy it when you do get out and ride?
Once upon a time (1992) I bought a bike for $1500.00. I am still riding it, it does all of the above.
As someone mentioned above, used bikes are available for far below replacement value.
Good luck
Some things to consider, perhaps.
Is it the bike you want to be seen arriving on?
Will it bring you joy when you daydream about it during a boring meeting?
Will it inspire you to get it out and ride?
Will you enjoy it when you do get out and ride?
Once upon a time (1992) I bought a bike for $1500.00. I am still riding it, it does all of the above.
As someone mentioned above, used bikes are available for far below replacement value.
Good luck
08-12-20, 01:16 PM
#60
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Count another in the 'No' camp.
Some things to consider, perhaps.
Is it the bike you want to be seen arriving on?
Will it bring you joy when you daydream about it during a boring meeting?
Will it inspire you to get it out and ride?
Will you enjoy it when you do get out and ride?
Once upon a time (1992) I bought a bike for $1500.00. I am still riding it, it does all of the above.
As someone mentioned above, used bikes are available for far below replacement value.
Good luck
Some things to consider, perhaps.
Is it the bike you want to be seen arriving on?
Will it bring you joy when you daydream about it during a boring meeting?
Will it inspire you to get it out and ride?
Will you enjoy it when you do get out and ride?
Once upon a time (1992) I bought a bike for $1500.00. I am still riding it, it does all of the above.
As someone mentioned above, used bikes are available for far below replacement value.
Good luck
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08-12-20, 05:19 PM
#62
Senior Member
Nope. Not crazy. By comparison, I spent $1000 upgrading my old bike to ride a 100 miler...then spent $3500 two months later on a carbon road bike. Coulda been $4500 
. Try them all, get the one that feels the best.
. Try them all, get the one that feels the best.
08-12-20, 06:16 PM
#63
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Looking to pick up my first road bike. I'm upgrading from a Citibike membership and want something that's actually fast, which would make longer rides way more enjoyable. I'm also interested in Zwifting during the winter. I've biked for a long while but have always rented/owned cheap bikes and would like to make an investment. I would like something that isn't 50lbs and that I can actually ride on the road fast enough.... looking at a sick Diverge Comp which would be great for the rough tracks.
Am I crazy to want to buy a nicer bike with a budget of $2.5-3k as my first real bike? Should I start with something cheaper and work my way up? I feel like I know what I want out of a road bike and have had the opportunity to test different brands and frame sizes. I would be buying used locally and would try the bike out before purchase. My thoughts are that if I get a nicer bike initially I would save money down the road by not needing to upgrade, but is a $3000 bike built that much better than a $1500 bike?
This purchase would be just for fun, not commuting regularly. Worth investing in for savings down the line or should I initially go for less?
Am I crazy to want to buy a nicer bike with a budget of $2.5-3k as my first real bike? Should I start with something cheaper and work my way up? I feel like I know what I want out of a road bike and have had the opportunity to test different brands and frame sizes. I would be buying used locally and would try the bike out before purchase. My thoughts are that if I get a nicer bike initially I would save money down the road by not needing to upgrade, but is a $3000 bike built that much better than a $1500 bike?
This purchase would be just for fun, not commuting regularly. Worth investing in for savings down the line or should I initially go for less?
08-12-20, 09:59 PM
#64
Junior Member
Do you have time to ride?
Where are you going to ride? Central Park, 9W, pallisades, etc
Get the bike that's going to take you to the places you want to go and ride with the people you want to ride with.
Where are you going to ride? Central Park, 9W, pallisades, etc
Get the bike that's going to take you to the places you want to go and ride with the people you want to ride with.
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08-13-20, 12:14 AM
#65
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Great responses. But do you think there is a better chance of the OP getting to 10 posts or getting a $2.5k bike?
John
John
08-13-20, 09:11 AM
#67
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Whatever gets you out on the road. Truth be told, you could get two amazing vintage steel bikes for that amount of coin if you knew bikes. Since you likely do not, overpay for that shiny carbon piece that's calling you. Not crazy, but I was one who overpaid on a $2,000 bike when I am much more satisfied with a used steel bike.
08-13-20, 09:12 AM
#68
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But it is a very valid and age old question that applies to more than just bikes.
Regardless of sports equipment or musical instruments or whatever activity/pastime/hobby it is always the same question and response.
In my opinion it all comes down to the individual and his/her commitment to a well thought out activity.
For someone who has a garage/closet full of previous failed, or interest lost, endeavors the answer is obvious. Yes it is stupid to spend the money because there is a high probability that the bike will not be used down the road.
For someone who has a number of interests, but makes sure it is not just a frivolous purchase, and sticks with them and enjoys them, it might be a wise move. Even if the time spent sometimes wanes. It is not crazy, especially if that person appreciates a quality product and maintains it.
The other oddity is asking a forum of passionate people dedicated to an activity. Even if the advice is to not spend it, regardless of what it is, the underlying theme is that in the long run quality trumps everything else, except for limited funds.
John
Regardless of sports equipment or musical instruments or whatever activity/pastime/hobby it is always the same question and response.
In my opinion it all comes down to the individual and his/her commitment to a well thought out activity.
For someone who has a garage/closet full of previous failed, or interest lost, endeavors the answer is obvious. Yes it is stupid to spend the money because there is a high probability that the bike will not be used down the road.
For someone who has a number of interests, but makes sure it is not just a frivolous purchase, and sticks with them and enjoys them, it might be a wise move. Even if the time spent sometimes wanes. It is not crazy, especially if that person appreciates a quality product and maintains it.
The other oddity is asking a forum of passionate people dedicated to an activity. Even if the advice is to not spend it, regardless of what it is, the underlying theme is that in the long run quality trumps everything else, except for limited funds.
John
08-13-20, 09:41 AM
#69
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I will add that the most universal response to someone starting out, regardless if it is a guitar or golf clubs, or even a bike, is to buy good used.
John
John
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08-13-20, 09:48 AM
#70
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Buy it so I can buy it off you used in a year or two when you've stopped riding.
Pace yourself. There's a huge difference between those Citi bikes and a racing style bike. Pick up something used/cheap and try it for a while.
Pace yourself. There's a huge difference between those Citi bikes and a racing style bike. Pick up something used/cheap and try it for a while.
08-13-20, 10:03 AM
#71
Junior Member
So Speedy...I decided a month ago I was going to buy a new road bike. Hadn't rode in 25 yrs. Did research, narrowed down the Bike Shop, and down to 2 models. A Cannonade or Trek. I went in willing to spend up to 2k. Wanted Hydr. Brakes and Shimano 105's. Sales guy kinda slowed me down and recommended the Trek Domane at $1250. Said it was probably 4 times better than anything I ever rode and he's probably right. Been very happy with it so far. Spent the extra $ on a rack, mirror,lights etc. Put about 120 miles on it in the last 10 days.
08-13-20, 11:23 AM
#72
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