Slackerprince

I was going to suggest going to a Performance shop, so you could try the bikes, shoes, etc.
Nashbar has a great return policy, but you have to pay for return shipping on exchanges, etc.
Good luck with everything.


S

StricklandM

I went to my LBS and was measured for a Specailized Allez and a Raleigh Ren., both were respectably 60 and 61cm. I'm 6'2" with a 33" inseam to be exact. Reading the AL1 reviews it seems that the frame runs on the compact smaller side of the spectrum. I ordered a 60cm as that was the largest they offer.

Do you think even with insight as they run on the smaller side that I should go with the 58cm for any reason?

I called NashBar and they stated that my estimate of 60cm was dead on.....and confirmed that the completed build weight with the pedals I ordered would be around 19.02lbs..... so freaking excited lol. the GMC was 32lbs with no gear on the bike......NOTHING!

redlude97

I would go with shimano R-540 pedals over the nashbar brand for only $10 more. Easier to get cleats when it comes time, and the cleats are easier to walk on

shelbyfv

You made the right choice, IMO. That seems like an excellent bike for the price and there is nothing about it that will slow you down when riding with your friends. Enjoy it!

Inpd

+1 There are many good bikes built around the Claris groupset. The giant Defy 5 is one that you can get at an LBS. 2014 and 2015 models can be had for $500 but not in all sizes of course.

If you can't find one of those than BikesDirect has the Dawes Lightening DLX with that groupset for $400 delivered. See my earlier review. It's given me 3000 miles with just a few small problems I easily fixed.

But I would try to get the Giant Defy 5 first so you have some resale value if needed.

rms13

I'm assuming you mean 61 Allez because that bike doesn't come in a 60. Nashbar doesn't give a lot of geometry details but from what they do, the size 60 AL1 looks closer to a Allez size 58 than the 61. But It should be be fine for you. I am 5'10.5" and ride a 54 so at 6'2" the AL1 60 definitely won't be too small. The AL1 does run a little small, for example I would probably need a 56 even though I can ride 54 in most other brands. Sizing will never be perfect unless you buy custom made bike but you should be able to get that 60 dialed in nicely with proper saddle height and fore/aft adjustment and possible stem swap

rms13

OP seems like he's buying with the plan on keeping that bike for a long time. Regardless, I wouldn't buy a bike based on perceived resale value. Thirdly, he paid around $400 and probably wouldn't have a problem getting $250-300 back in a year or two if he decides to upgrade

StricklandM

You are correct in that the Allez was 61cm....I transposed the two in the post.

StricklandM

I am looking foward to the NashBar Bike and hope it will serve me for years to come. I am a firm believer that fitness trumps equipment in everything I do. That being said a close inspection of the frame when it gets here and some riding will determine whats what with the bike.

Thank you for your input and suggestion but it was out of my range $$ wise. I'm committed to a $15,000 remodel of our home currently. This bike is my way to stay fit, focused and sane..lol

Shuffleman

You did really well. That is a great entry into the sport. I hope that you enjoy riding as it can be a fun sport.

Stucky

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Seriously, I doubt that anyone could tell the difference between Claris and Tiagra....and as far as resale value, it isn't goin to make a dime's difference- anything below 105 will pretty much get lumped in the same basket. He certainly wouldn't get the extra $250 back if he were to sell it- maybe $50.... I wouldn't pay $250 more just to have Tiagra..... I used to ride 2300 on my first road bike, and it worked flawlessly.

69chevy

You made a good choice. Solid bike at a great price.

As for the sub-20lb quote... I would bet money that you will not be under 20lbs.

StricklandM

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This is the same thing I'm thinking. The bike comes with no pedals so that might be a lb. but I doubt its going under 20 even without the pedals.

Stucky

Yep. Generally, a generic (i.e. not high-end) AL bike with carbon fork and Claris usually runs in the 23-24 lb. range- which is still head-and-shoulders better than a Denali. (For comparison, My AL Klein with CF fork and Dura Ace weighs 19 lbs. -and that's a bike that cost $2300 in 1997 $) -$400 bike at 20 lbs? Ain't gonna happen!

rms13

Well things are lighter than in 97. New CAAD12 with 105 is 17.75 lbs. Also the bike the OP bought is Sora not Claris (not that it makes much difference in weight). I do agree sub 20lb is unlikely with the stock bike but like you said it should be worlds better than the Denali in every way not just weight

69chevy

It will be worlds better in every aspect other than the square tapered BB.

This is why I'd bet money on it being over 20lbs. The square tapered BB that many price point bikes come with weighs more than your newest frame (not really, but close).

Unless the Nashbike comes with carbon tubulars, I'd guess 22 would be the number.

None of this takes away from his bike of course, I was just pointing out that the Nashbar guy said 19lbs, and he's full of it.

Also, the 105 CAAD 12 costs three times what the OP paid. Yes bikes are lighter than 1997, but the light bikes still lighten a wallet.

Stucky

Wow, that's pretty impressive for the CAAD12- I wonder if it's true; if it'll actually weigh that in real life?[and not ther clown version ] Half the freakin' carbon bikes out there weigh more that....

Awww, nothing wrong with a square-taper BB. I'd rather take the slight hit on weight and have square-taper, than the darn press-fit that ya always have to mess with, 'cause they start creaking....

rms13

The weight comes from Bikeradar. I'm pretty sure they weigh the bikes themselves

Cannondale CAAD12 2016 - first look - BikeRadar USA

Stucky

Wow... That's definitely got to be one of the best bicycle values around!

StricklandM

Hit it right on the head 69Chevy...22.3lbs with the pedals...still not bad and seeing as I was pushing 33.4 around its a world of difference. I do feel that the pedals have made vast difference in power transfer to the bike, i can now feel that my upstroke is helping the oppisite downstroke and the other way around.

mcmoose

Ride it like you stole it! (Can you say that to a cop?)

And post pics!

Darth Lefty 

"Mekk Pinerolo" really? That's pretty shameless

rms13

Almost as bad as Specialized Roubaix

Not to mention it's Pinerolo not Pinarello and it's designed in Italy so I don't see the problem

69chevy

Not bad at all. That's right around the weight of most affordable alloy bikes with decent groupsets. For the money, you got a very nice bike.

Congrats, and enjoy it!

StricklandM

i took a pic with my phone...but the uploader says it's to big...how is that even possible?...lol