Tonyxwins

Hello,

I’m in the market for my first road bike. Where’s the best and most affordable place to buy one? Online? Store?

thank you!

Iride01 

The place that has the better deal for the bike you want in your size at the time you decide to buy.

I personally would not buy a bike online if I had no prior experience with several other bikes I used often.

the sci guy 

always support your local shops. they need it.

ErikDaGenErik

if this is your first road bike and you’re looking for something entry level, any local bike shop will do (granted, start with ones that have decent ratings and reviews). Most new bikes, as in 2020 models will costly roughly the same regardless of where. Unless you find a shop selling old stock, you may save a hundred or two on buying last year’s model. Test ride one and see if you like it. The best advice I can give you is to buy a bike that feels right AND is made for your size. Don’t let a shop convince you to buy a larger size because that’s what they have in stock. You may not know what feels right or not if you haven’t owned one before. While you’re looking at the bike, go find the size chart online on your phone and make sure it’s right.

Germanrazor

First, welcome to road cycling. It is the best sport in my opinion. Well, if you want new, good luck finding one unless you are a size not mainstream. Seems China is not shipping much or we are not accepting much due to C19.

I would suggest a good used bike from the likes of FB marketplace or Craigslist or other such venue. Road cyclist seem to keep their bikes in primo condition so you would more than likely be okay purchasing from a fellow cyclist. Main thing is knowing your fit and that you don’t know.

Maybe consider a LBS to fit you so you know what to look for used.

Good luck and I am sure others will give great suggestions to you.

UsedToBeFaster

shouldn't it be more like they'll repay you with good service or something else similar. After all many people need his money orphans, immigrants and the homeless!

genejockey 

There are a number of websites that will guide you through taking the measurements needed to determine what size bike you're looking for, but even if you use one and find a used bike on Craigs List in your size, a good LBS can help you by setting the bike up for you. After you've ridden a bit and settled into it, the LBS can then dial in the fit, which will pay big benefits as you ride more.