Al Downie

Hi all,

I've done heaps of cycling (MTB and adventure touring) and commute by cycle (singlespeed) every day, but now have an opportunity and some motivation to buy a road bike and get some proper exercise.

I'm not really interested in racing - I'll probably be doing most of my cycling by myself, mostly driven by a desire to get fit and lose a few pounds (currently 210lbs @ 6'2"), but also to find that zen-like trance I remember from when I last did any road-riding, many years ago. But I don't want to buy a complete clunker and have to change it after a few months, so I'd be very grateful if anyone could advise about geometry issues and/or groupsets - anything to avoid? Is Shimano 105 reliable and robust? Is Ultegra stronger, or just lighter?

Thanks very much for any tips!

Al.

sijray21

check out 'first bike' (including quotes) in the search and you'll find a lot of articles

cliff notes for most of them: go to a local bike shop and get fitted and 105 or better depending on your budget

Beaker

YOu can't go wrong with a 105 group. Ultegra has more bling and some weight savings. I use 105 shifters, but I understand that the Ultegra shifters are better in terms of feel and construction.

Bianchigirll 

Personally I am a Campi girl but 105 is very nice kit. the best advice is to just fo ride some bikes. I wouldn't think you need a triple (especially with these new compact cranks?) again personal preference but if I ahd to buy a new bike tomorrow I would be headed for a Bianchi dealer.

coasting 

105 is great. i don't think paying a lot more is necessary if you don't race if there is nothing bad about 105.

Lamp-Shade

Go to your LBS and start putting your hands around different brake hoods. If you like the feel of shimano, go with 105 if you can. Some people dont like the amount of movement required to shift from the brake levers, so keep that in mind. Wrap your palms around SRAM and give it a click. Or campy.
When the shop owner asks "WTF ARE YOU DOING?" say "THIS IS REALLY ****ING SERIOUS!!!" and he'll understand.

johnny99

The price difference between 105 and Ultegra components is pretty small. If there is a big price difference in complete bikes, that is likely due to more than just a component difference. Upgraded wheels and forks can have a bigger affect on price than the drivetrain.

Howzit

Get 105 or Ultegra.
Stay away from SRAM
Get Campy if you have a lot of money.

CyLowe97

This is something you want to avoid. Zen-like trance on a two-lane rural road can end in not so good unconscious-like trance due to weaving into oncoming Ford F-250 or into the ditch.

wanders

go with 105 or ultegra.

avoid advice on bf.

Run2Wheels

Go with SRAM

Avoiding Cars is always good

gtownviking

Just go ride all the bikes you can at the LBS.

I reviewed and studied and researched like crazy before buying my first. came up with a list of "great" bikes, "ok" bikes and "avoid" bikes based on articles and forums such as this one and well, anything I could get my hands on but when it came down to it, I decided on a bike because of how it felt underneath me. I was surprised to find out that the "great" bikes just did not feel good to me...didn't feel stable or whatever...I was really bummed cause I wanted to get a bike that "everyone" else said was a great bike....you know, peer pressure and all but I took the advice of a good friend who said the best way to decide is just go ride, don't worry about brand just find one that is comfortable for you. You can always spec it our yourself later.
I did just that. paid no attention to the bike other than stuck with those that were in my price range (sub $1,000) and what do you know....I found a bike I fell in love with. LOVE IT.... most reading this will laugh at it but I don't give a crap cause I ride it and THAT'S what is important....buying a bike that DOESN'T keep you from riding but rather, beckons you to go ride and that is what my Jamis Satellite does for me. 520 dbl butted ChroMo...Sora/Tiagra railluers, 27 speed, carbon front fork....for my first I think I hit it out of the park. As I get better / faster then I will move into the more blingy bikes but for now, I am totally happy with my Satellite....even though I think its a really dorky name.

So good luck to you and just go ride the hell out of every bike that you can.

Al Downie

Thanks! I'm inspired by your proper sense of priorities, and will do my best to avoid being suckered by logos!

save10

You are known for your dislike of SRAM. So this answer is not entirely surprising. P.S. SRAM Rival is really good.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=575328

Howzit

Since when does cheap, reliable and light all go together? You always have to pick any combination of two out of three.

You are implying Sram has figured out how to make Geese lay golden eggs.
Not all of us are suckers for marketing.

caloso

Rival is great, 105 is great, Centaur is great. They're all good for the money. Get the group that has the shifter that fits your hand best.

save10

the arguments well been well laid against you on your currently popular thread. you are as bitter about SRAM as Lemond is about Armstrong. whether either is right in the argument is irrelevant. Its the over-the-top resentfulness that is pathetic and comical.

Howzit