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Want to start Road cycling where to start? which bike?

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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Want to start Road cycling where to start? which bike?

Old 05-13-19, 05:48 AM
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Armyguy1914
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Want to start Road cycling where to start? which bike?

I want to start because of exercise and just wanting to try new things. What do I look for when getting a new road bike? I know group sets is one. Shimano 105 and Ultegra is a few. Dura Ace is very nice but expensive. Carbon is one thing i been trying to find reasonable. Should I love full carbon or just the folk?

2019 Motobecane Super Strada
Shimano Ultegra R8000 22 Speed Road Bikes
+Upgrade to New DT SWISS Wheels


Frame

New Semi-Compact, DoubleButted/HandCrafted aluminum, replaceable rear derailleur hanger, 2xH2O bosses H/T FRAME .RC:408/409 /410 /411 /412 /413mm FOR 47-50/52-54/56/58-60/62/64CM
HEAD TUBE Length: 47/50/52/54/56/58/60/62/64CM=115/130/140/150/170/190/210/230/250mm

Fork

Advanced StraightBlade INTEGRATED CARBON ( UD WEAVE ) 700C L: 340mm, 43mm OFFSET 1.125 inch steerer. 47/50/52/54/56/58/60/62/64CM=203/218/228/238/258/278/298/318/338mm

Derailleurs

F/DERA SHIMANO FD-R8000, ULTEGRA, FOR REAR 11-SPEED, DOWN-SWING, 31.8MM BAND
R/DERA. SHIMANO RD-R8000, ULTEGRA, GS 11-SPEED, TOP NORMAL SHADOW DESIGN, COMPATIBLE W/ 28-34T FOR DOUBLE

Shifters

SHIMANO SHIFT/BRAKE LEVER, ST-R8000, ULTEGRA 22 Speed

Brake Calipers / Levers

TEKTRO R540 BLACK Front w/P420 ALLOY CARTRIDGE SHOE Reach:39-51mm / SHIMANO
INTEGRATED WITH ST-R8000 Levers

Wheelset

DT SWISS P 1800 SPLINE 23 WHEELSET
RIMS DT SWISS 700C ALLOY BLACK ANOD. SLEEVED TUBLESS READY W/FV ( 1596g )
SPOKE DT SWISS STRAIGHTPULL DT NEW AERO & DT AERO COMP , BLACK , F/R:20/24PCS S.S. RADIAL / 2 CROSS W/DT ALUMINUM NIPPLES
F/HUB DT SWISS SPLINE ALLOY ROAD FRONT BLACK HUB 20H. OL:100MM
R/HUB DT SWISS SPLINE ALLOY ROAD REAR BLACK HUB 24H. W/ 3 PAWL SYSTEM , OL:130MM COMPATIBLE WITH SHIMANO 11-SPD

Crank
BottomBracket


FSA Gossamer Compact 50x34T HG C-Ring BLK ANOD. 170/172.5/175mm for 47-52/54-56/58-64C / FSA BB-6200 Road MegaExo Bottom Bracket-Ø24 Stainless bearing / English threading : 68mm width (BSC-1.37" X 24T)

Cassette/Chain

SHIMANO HG800-11, 11-SPEED, 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-25-27-30-34T/ KMC X11 SUPER NARROW CN 1/2x11/128"x110L.W/ CL555

Saddle

Racing Turbo W/CR-MO RAIL

Seatpost

RITCHEY 2 BOLTS, 6061 ALLOY BB BLK 27.2 X 350MM

StemRITCHEY COMP 4 AXIS 84/6D( ALLOY(6061) EXT-6°)90/100/110mm FOR 47-52/54-56/58-64CM,C/S:31.8/28.6x42mm, BB BLK

Handlebars

RITCHEY BIOMAX ALLOY(6061) D.B. BUTTED W/TUNNEL BUILT IN TYPE B/CENTER: 31.8mm 400/420/440mm FOR 47-52/54-56/58-64CM, D/R:130/82mm, BB BLK

Pedals

Road Clipless Pedals WELLGO RC-713 ALLOY POWDER COAT BLK ROAD PEDAL W/9/16" CNC CRMO AXLE, Compatible with SPD bolt pattern / 2-bolt sole pattern (cleats are not shoes)

Tires/TubesCONTINENTAL Ultra Sport II 700x25C 180TPI Folding Bead


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Old 05-13-19, 07:23 AM
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This seems like a lot of bike for $999.
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Old 05-13-19, 07:23 AM
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If you are truly new, the only thing that matters is that you have a decent bike that fits. It's the fit that's hardest to get right from an online order when you don't really know what you are doing.

Don't try to get the best bargain with the fancy drivetrain brands on your first bike. Spend $800-$1200 at your nearest LBS and get a basic bike that fits you. If you really take to road cycling, you can buy a better bike later. An inexpensive bike that fits is 1000X better than an "Ultegra" bike that doesn't.
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Old 05-13-19, 07:45 AM
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1- Thats an absurdly great bike spec for the price.
2- More important than spec is geometry and whether the bike fits.
3- How is Motobecane still using those handlebars in 2019?!?! I am shocked they havent managed to run production out of inventory yet. Ritchey must be more than happy to keep selling that style bars for OEM bikes since the aftermarket has to be all but dry.


Its already been said, but it bears repeating- fit is more important than components once you are looking at bike shop level bikes.
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Old 05-13-19, 09:24 AM
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Thanks for the advice

Originally Posted by MinnMan
If you are truly new, the only thing that matters is that you have a decent bike that fits. It's the fit that's hardest to get right from an online order when you don't really know what you are doing.

Don't try to get the best bargain with the fancy drivetrain brands on your first bike. Spend $800-$1200 at your nearest LBS and get a basic bike that fits you. If you really take to road cycling, you can buy a better bike later. An inexpensive bike that fits is 1000X better than an "Ultegra" bike that doesn't.
Well thanks for advice. This will be my first road bike. I have a Trek Dual sport 3 already. I was trying to get the best bike for the money. I see in Road Biking Dura Ace and Ultegra is #1 and #2 .
3rd is 105 and 4th Tiagra. Min I would say I found is 105 groupset on a Trek i rode. So what's wrong with Ultegra ? Dura Ace is expensive I see though. I am 5'6 so I want a bike around the 50cm on that site. So what if that bike fits good and has great components?
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Old 05-13-19, 09:26 AM
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What about the handle bars?

Originally Posted by mstateglfr
1- Thats an absurdly great bike spec for the price.
2- More important than spec is geometry and whether the bike fits.
3- How is Motobecane still using those handlebars in 2019?!?! I am shocked they havent managed to run production out of inventory yet. Ritchey must be more than happy to keep selling that style bars for OEM bikes since the aftermarket has to be all but dry.


Its already been said, but it bears repeating- fit is more important than components once you are looking at bike shop level bikes.
IM new to road bike side. What is wrong with those handle bars? Are they old or good ones etc? I just wanted a good bike for the money. Its insane to get Ultegra at that price point.
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Old 05-13-19, 09:56 AM
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It's a pretty good bike. Are you absolutely certain that you know what size constitutes the right start for your correct fit? As others have said, fit is more important than all of the rest. If you're really budget driven, then you have to be even more knowledgeable on the front end, identifying what you need. In terms of fit for your body size, type, flexibility, and all of that. Things that go into making a bike feel fabulous beneath you. Mail order houses can't help you much with fit. Good luck.
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Old 05-13-19, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Armyguy1914
Well thanks for advice. This will be my first road bike. I have a Trek Dual sport 3 already. I was trying to get the best bike for the money. I see in Road Biking Dura Ace and Ultegra is #1 and #2 .
3rd is 105 and 4th Tiagra. Min I would say I found is 105 groupset on a Trek i rode. So what's wrong with Ultegra ? Dura Ace is expensive I see though. I am 5'6 so I want a bike around the 50cm on that site. So what if that bike fits good and has great components?
So how are you going to know what "fits good"? The point is that you can't know by choosing a "size" by internet order. Different seat tube lengths express themselves differently in frames with different geometries. You probably also don't know if you are comfortable with an aggressive race geometry or need a more relaxed Roubaix-style frame design. Furthermore, even if it fits well in theory, you will need some help getting the saddle and handlebar positions close to accurate.

There is an overemphasis among novices on groupsets (105/Ultegra/Dura Ace). These are marquis names that are good for marketing because newbies recognize them, but things like the wheels or the design and quality of the frame are far more important. Modern lower level groupsets (105 or even Tiagra) work great. Unless you have logged ~10,000+ miles of serious training, you aren't going to need or even notice the difference.

Do yourself a favor and go to an LBS. When you've ridden the bike a few hundred miles and if something doesn't feel quite right, you can go back to the LBS and they can adjust the fit. Who are you going to go to after your bike arrives in a box from bikesdirect?

I know that a great "deal" and the shiny brand names are hard to resist, but sometimes wisdom is about appreciating what you don't know, and finding the person who does
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Old 05-13-19, 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Armyguy1914
IM new to road bike side. What is wrong with those handle bars? Are they old or good ones etc? I just wanted a good bike for the money. Its insane to get Ultegra at that price point.
Nothing is inherently wrong with the handlebars, they are just an older style that was relatively short lived in popularity for stock builds.
As for it being insane to get Ultegra at that price, yes thats generally accurate. But again, the components arent nearly as important as fit and comfort.

A $1000 road bike from a retail bike shop with Sora components will be more bike than most any new rider needs. Basically- that bike wont be holding any new rider back, even if it has 'lowly' Sora components.
Sora works perfectly fine over and again for miles and years. It will not be the reason why you arent faster or whatever other limitation you find yourself experiencing.

If the Motobecane fits you well and is comfortable, then even better because you have elite components and a good fit. But you will not be measurably faster on the Motobecane compared to a properly set up and fitting road bike with Sora, or Tiagra, or 105.
For what its worth- the Motobecane in my size(64) has a steeper head tube than I would like, considering the fork has 43mm of offset. That would make for too twitchy of a ride than I like. This geometry is called 'semi-compact endurance' on the website...not really sure how that can be called semi-compact endurance in practice.

But hey- thats based on what I prefer for geometry. What you prefer may be different, especially since the geometry for bikes is different depending on frame size.
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Old 05-13-19, 10:48 AM
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Ultegra is great. I race on it, lots of people do. But truthfully, 105 is probably a better bang for the buck. Heck, Tiagra is good enough to race on. I built up my kid's bike with a mix of Tiagra and 105 and it's not holding him back.
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Old 05-13-19, 11:09 AM
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Thanks nice to finally learn about this

Originally Posted by caloso
Ultegra is great. I race on it, lots of people do. But truthfully, 105 is probably a better bang for the buck. Heck, Tiagra is good enough to race on. I built up my kid's bike with a mix of Tiagra and 105 and it's not holding him back.
I went to LBS and I Rode a Giant Contend SL 1 2018. It was nice ot had 105 components on it. I would like to start cycling with other folks soon. well looks like I will spend 800-1200 after all. This bike is good so far when I rode it


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Old 05-13-19, 12:26 PM
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That was fast. It looks like a sweet bike. Make sure they take some time to get your position set up right. And then ride, enjoy, and let us know how it goes.
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Old 05-13-19, 01:36 PM
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Went to my LBS which is less than 5 min from my job is a Giant Bike shop.

Originally Posted by MinnMan
That was fast. It looks like a sweet bike. Make sure they take some time to get your position set up right. And then ride, enjoy, and let us know how it goes.
Yeah this bike is a Med Large which is right in the crotch area. I will go for a Medium. This bike was a 2018 model so good money off but hope they can get my size same price. I looked at a few others. I will put up pictures. two other bikes I saw as well. One has 105 and other Tiagra



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Old 05-13-19, 02:10 PM
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As has been said, make sure you get the right size frame.
I would thought a Medium sized Defy would be a bit big and a Small is closer to what you need.
Impossible to say for sure though with height being the only known factor.
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Old 05-13-19, 04:11 PM
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Thanks man Im trying to decide

Originally Posted by Dean V
As has been said, make sure you get the right size frame.
I would thought a Medium sized Defy would be a bit big and a Small is closer to what you need.
Impossible to say for sure though with height being the only known factor.
Im checking out both of those bikes. They are both full carbon and very lightweight. One bike has a 105 R7000 which is the new groupset and other has also new Tiagra 4700. Well I want some pretty quick and faster than my hybrid bike. I want to be able to cover miles in no time. Should I still look at one that has Ultegra ?? Well If it was a good price i would but none of my LBS would have that on a deal. I always thought Ultegra and Dura Ace are the more seasoned riders and Pros.
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Old 05-13-19, 04:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Armyguy1914
Should I still look at one that has Ultegra ?? Well If it was a good price i would but none of my LBS would have that on a deal. I always thought Ultegra and Dura Ace are the more seasoned riders and Pros.
From memory, the difference between 105 and Ultegra is 200 grams and Ultegra to Dura-Ace is about the same. They're the same design using different materials for reduced weight. As a new rider you probably have better things to do with a couple hundred bucks than save a couple hundred grams.
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Old 05-13-19, 04:26 PM
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105 is very good. There is no need to get Ultegra or Dura Ace at all.
I have a Trek Emonda ALR5 with 105 R7000. It goes great and I am just as happy to ride it as some of my much more expensive bikes.
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Old 05-13-19, 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Armyguy1914
Im checking out both of those bikes. They are both full carbon and very lightweight. One bike has a 105 R7000 which is the new groupset and other has also new Tiagra 4700. Well I want some pretty quick and faster than my hybrid bike. I want to be able to cover miles in no time. Should I still look at one that has Ultegra ?? Well If it was a good price i would but none of my LBS would have that on a deal. I always thought Ultegra and Dura Ace are the more seasoned riders and Pros.
I wouldn't worry too much about which components you are getting. The bikes in your price range will have solid, reliable components. I doubt that most people could tell the difference between Tiagra and Ultegra.

The Gaint bikes you show are nice bikes, but one thing comes to mind - what is the largest tire size that will fit? These days many riders want to expand their riding choices beyond smooth pavement (to dirt/gravel roads) without being limited by the technology on their bike. This is mostly about tire size and handling (geometry). A good all-around tire size is 38mm (min.). And, a full-on race geometry may be more unstable on loose surfaces than the geometry of an 'all road' bike.

My suggestion is that you look around at all the possibilities and test ride a bunch of different styles of bikes. Your budget allows for a very nice bike, just make sure you are getting the one that will work for you today and into the future.

Here's a favorite 'road plus' bike of mine:

Surly Midnight Special

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Old 05-13-19, 04:54 PM
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OP, it sounds like you want to get a good bike and join some group rides? If so, any of the Giants will be fine. Carbon framed bikes won't necessarily be faster in general, though being lighter helps if you have to climb a lot (even then, consider how much lighter they are in proportion to total weight including you on the bike, and it won't be an enormous difference). They can be more comfortable though, especially since the Defy is Giant's endurance line of bikes. The Contends are pretty comfortable for an aluminum framed bike, but when the miles pile up, I can still feel a bit battered compared to riding all day on my carbon bike.

If you aren't thinking of comfort over long distances and just have speed on your mind, you can try some more aggressive, race bikes. Coming from a hybrid, almost any road bike will feel like a rocket, but there's still a big difference between more upright road bikes and ones with low front-ends, shorter wheelbases, and more aerodynamic shapes that might sacrifice a bit of comfort. You can change some aspects of the geometry of a bike to give yourself a more aggressive fit provided you get a smaller frame, but you won't really ever be able to convert it into an entirely different beast.
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Old 05-14-19, 05:47 AM
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Good morning Nice bike

Originally Posted by jlaw
I wouldn't worry too much about which components you are getting. The bikes in your price range will have solid, reliable components. I doubt that most people could tell the difference between Tiagra and Ultegra.

The Gaint bikes you show are nice bikes, but one thing comes to mind - what is the largest tire size that will fit? These days many riders want to expand their riding choices beyond smooth pavement (to dirt/gravel roads) without being limited by the technology on their bike. This is mostly about tire size and handling (geometry). A good all-around tire size is 38mm (min.). And, a full-on race geometry may be more unstable on loose surfaces than the geometry of an 'all road' bike.

My suggestion is that you look around at all the possibilities and test ride a bunch of different styles of bikes. Your budget allows for a very nice bike, just make sure you are getting the one that will work for you today and into the future.

Here's a favorite 'road plus' bike of mine:

Surly Midnight Special

Good morning hows it going? Well So far I do have my Hybrid bike that i ride a little off road and gravel. This will be my road bike. just for the road. soon i will add a mountain bike to. So far I like the 105 R7000 from the reviews. New Tiagra 4700 has been impoved also.
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Old 05-14-19, 05:49 AM
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Morning

Originally Posted by Dean V
105 is very good. There is no need to get Ultegra or Dura Ace at all.
I have a Trek Emonda ALR5 with 105 R7000. It goes great and I am just as happy to ride it as some of my much more expensive bikes.
Morning Yes I see now. I do have money for Dura Ace and Ultegra but really dont need that out the gate yet. I like the 105 R7000 so far from the reviews. So I may get that one.
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Old 05-14-19, 07:12 AM
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Hows it going

Originally Posted by surak
OP, it sounds like you want to get a good bike and join some group rides? If so, any of the Giants will be fine. Carbon framed bikes won't necessarily be faster in general, though being lighter helps if you have to climb a lot (even then, consider how much lighter they are in proportion to total weight including you on the bike, and it won't be an enormous difference). They can be more comfortable though, especially since the Defy is Giant's endurance line of bikes. The Contends are pretty comfortable for an aluminum framed bike, but when the miles pile up, I can still feel a bit battered compared to riding all day on my carbon bike.

If you aren't thinking of comfort over long distances and just have speed on your mind, you can try some more aggressive, race bikes. Coming from a hybrid, almost any road bike will feel like a rocket, but there's still a big difference between more upright road bikes and ones with low front-ends, shorter wheelbases, and more aerodynamic shapes that might sacrifice a bit of comfort. You can change some aspects of the geometry of a bike to give yourself a more aggressive fit provided you get a smaller frame, but you won't really ever be able to convert it into an entirely different beast.
between more upright road bikes and ones with low front-ends, shorter wheelbases, and more aerodynamic shapes that might sacrifice.
Well The two bikes that I posted so those are more of upright road bikes? Should be alot quicker being full carbon. I ride a Hybrid Trek Dual Sport 3 mostly on the greenways here which consists of Dirt, payment and gravel so my DS 3 has no problem. Well what position is the bikes I posted? I want to clock more speed and distance. I also want ride in groups and being able to keep up.
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Old 05-14-19, 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Armyguy1914
between more upright road bikes and ones with low front-ends, shorter wheelbases, and more aerodynamic shapes that might sacrifice.
Well The two bikes that I posted so those are more of upright road bikes? Should be alot quicker being full carbon. I ride a Hybrid Trek Dual Sport 3 mostly on the greenways here which consists of Dirt, payment and gravel so my DS 3 has no problem. Well what position is the bikes I posted? I want to clock more speed and distance. I also want ride in groups and being able to keep up.
There's a famous saying - it's not about the bike. If you aspire to be fast and to have endurance, it's 90% about your training and 10% about the bike. You still seem hung up on groupsets - they don't make you faster. Also, full carbon won't make you faster. The lighter weight is nothing compared to whether or not you have a few extra pounds of girth or even whether or not you have full or empty water bottles.

You do seem to be getting the idea that fit and geometry are important. focus on that, buy a bike, and then put in the miles. Many miles. Nothing else will make you fast.
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Old 05-14-19, 08:49 AM
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Your right

Originally Posted by MinnMan
There's a famous saying - it's not about the bike. If you aspire to be fast and to have endurance, it's 90% about your training and 10% about the bike. You still seem hung up on groupsets - they don't make you faster. Also, full carbon won't make you faster. The lighter weight is nothing compared to whether or not you have a few extra pounds of girth or even whether or not you have full or empty water bottles.

You do seem to be getting the idea that fit and geometry are important. focus on that, buy a bike, and then put in the miles. Many miles. Nothing else will make you fast.
IM focus on fit and geometry since I'm new to road bikes I want to get it right. Group sets are not all that important but I want a mid level at least dont have to be bottom or top of line. Sora or Claris would be good if you are on budget. I wanted to compare the Tiagra and the 105. I wanted to do my own research and look at videos on them. For the budget I did set either Tiagra 4700 or 105 R7000 are choices in my price point.
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Old 05-14-19, 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Armyguy1914
IM focus on fit and geometry since I'm new to road bikes I want to get it right. Group sets are not all that important but I want a mid level at least dont have to be bottom or top of line. Sora or Claris would be good if you are on budget. I wanted to compare the Tiagra and the 105. I wanted to do my own research and look at videos on them. For the budget I did set either Tiagra 4700 or 105 R7000 are choices in my price point.
Tiagra is fine for a beginner. Tiagra is 10 speed, 105 is 11-speed. That is about the biggest difference between the two. Even Dura Ace was 10 speed only a couple of years ago, so don't be fooled by the "arms race" of groupsets. If 105 is in your price range, by all means get it, but nothing wrong with Tiagra. Tiagra level is sooooo good nowadays. (although this forum has some people that look down their nose at anything under Ultegra, don't be fooled)

Look at this video, from one of the most sensible Youtubers out there in my opinion: (this is comparing the previous groupsets, but the same logic still applies).


Those Giant bikes offer very good value for the money. If the bikes fit you, go for it.

Ask if you can test ride the bikes. You can only know fit after a decent test ride, not just by standing over it in the store.

Good luck!
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