MTBikeTexas

Decided to join the forum and ask you all knowledgeable folks about adding road cycling to my repertoire of physical activity. I started riding off road in college and road non stop for a few years, then on and off after graduating as life became busier with work and other activities. I originally started riding because I found an affinity for craft beer in college and to keep from blowing up I needed a hobby to help burn off those delicious calories. Lately I've been thinking about adding a road bike in the garage because I live in North Texas, and our MTB season has been all but ruined by the enormous amount of rain we've seen this year. However, if I had a road bike, I'd have more flexibility to keep the wheels turning while the trails are muddy, if not completely flooded in some cases.

Anyway, enough rambling I suppose. I was hoping to hear recommendations from those that might ride both, or have ridden both, and might be able to lead me to an affordable quality option to ride on the streets. Something I won't be heart broken on losing a bunch of cash if I end up not liking it....

Thanks in advance guys.

Giant Fuji

I started out with a MTB, it is so much easier to just roll out of the garage and pound out miles on a road bike. Still have the MTB and ride it every so often but it is more of an ordeal to hit a trail somewhere.

pdedes

ya. don't waste your time.

fastk9dad

So this. After 10 years of sporadic MTB riding, I've been riding on the road 5+ days a week for the past few years now. MTB is still fun every now and again but being on the road is very freeing.

big john

Performance bike has a couple deals on Fuji and Ridley right now. CAAD 10 from Cannondale is usually a good buy.

What's your budget?

txcrash

I'm in the same situation, albeit after buying a new rockhopper, and then a road tandem.... So the future missus is looking cross eyed as I talk about buying yet another bike. I'm finding I much prefer the riding position on the road tandem to that of the mountain bike while on the road. In another week I'll see how the local trails fared after they've had some more time to dry out.

So, do it! I will soon, just gotta find the right bike at the right price to reduce couch time to a night or two...

big john

Yes, how much do you want to spend? Avoid Wal-Mart bikes unless you just want to cruise around the neighborhood.

MTBikeTexas

I'd like to stay around $300-$400... from what I can tell Road Bikes are very pricey compared to mountain bikes. I picked up my Haro brand new for $550 and it's just about as loaded as an off the rack mountain bike came in it's day, it is 7 years old at this point.

big john

For that money you might get lucky and find something used in your size.

Maybe someone else here has heard of a suitable bike, depending on what you're going to do with it.

MTBikeTexas

I'd most likely use it to replace running on week nights with a quick 10-15 mile ride, and on the weekends a longer ride in the morning before it gets too hot, say 20-30 miles. I run about 3-5 miles 4 days a week so I'm just thinking what that might translate into bike wise. I honestly don't know that's why I'm here to learn.

txcrash

If you're average sized, you should be able to find something used that's good in that range. I, on the other ham, am a fat giant..

MTBikeTexas

Lol, I'm 6' 240... so, whatever that is worth.

Canker

Take your time and watch craigslist and join some face book bike groups for your local area and see if anybody has any older bikes for sale. Road biking is great exercise, mountain biking is great fun.

diphthong

that's what makes cycling such an awesome sport. you can just roll out your door and start getting exercise. unless you live in moab or durango or mammoth, road cycling is easier.

txcrash

Even more reason to shy away from the Walmart bikes.

$400 and a few weeks patience will buy you a good bike. 57-60 cm should fit you. Do a search, come back to the forum and search again, and go for a ride.

Jeremy_S

Join pedals bikes and junk on Facebook. It's north Texas based and there will be a deal you like pop up sooner or later. You're probably going to be looking at a 56-58cm bike.

I'm with you, since all the flooding, my road cycling has become my primary hobby and my mtb just sits on the closet looking pretty. All the good "pucker" trails are down for a while.

hyhuu

Just put a couple slick tires on your MTB and hit the road. Once the trails dry out, put the other tires back on.

RJM

Get something in the 56-58cm range, I would think given your height. Buy a used bike with your budget...I just sold a very good aluminium race bike with Tiagra components for 500 bucks and it was in very, very good condition. Something like that would really serve you well for a couple of years, at least.

Shuffleman

I ride both mtb and road and love them both. In my area, I have to travel to ride mtb so it is not as easy to do. With your budget, you are going to have to go the used route. There is no problem with that, you just have to exercise a little patience. Watch Craigs List for road bikes in the 57-59 cm range. You should be able to find one in your range pretty quickly. Stay away from the Walmart/Box store bikes as they will be money pits.
The road is different than mtb but it is almost as enjoyable. I love the fact that I can just roll out of my house though. As we get older and have families priorities shift and all day mtb excursions are less likely to occur. The road is still awesome though.
Good luck and post back if you have any questions about bikes on CL. There is plenty of help on this board.

MTBikeTexas

2013 FUJI Sportif 59cm

Am I at least on the right track here?

Looigi

Still into those craft beers?

MTBikeTexas

Unfortunately...

MikeyBoyAz

rode MTB this morning. HR was railed around 180 the entire ride... it takes a special group ride to get that fitness on my road bike...granted, the switchbacks and drop-offs contribute to most of the adrenaline coursing through my body...

I agree with others who say "get some slicks for your MTB" at least while you are waiting for the perfect bike to show up on craigslist, that is...

ColaJacket

Looks like that ad has been taken down, but a Fuji Sportif (with Claris or better equipment; stay away from Tourney) would be a decent road bike. There's a Performance Bike store near you (Plano, TX), so you could go there and see what the Fuji's ride like.

GH

diphthong

op ain't the only one. might be manorexic except for that damned evil craft beer conspiracy.