Help Buying first Road Bike- $1500 budget
05-05-16, 02:06 PM
#26
Senior Member
This, if you have a head on you and some minor ability to wrench, there is no reason to buy a new bike. You get so much more for your money going used. 1500 would get you a solid frame with campy 10speed or dura ace 10 speed no problems.
are you partial to plastic, or have you considered steel? there are so many serotta atlantas and CSIs for between 1200 and 1500, i don't think any modern bike in the price range will serve you as well. My main roadie is still a 1999 Atlanta with modern wheels and campy record 10 speed, and its been a while since ive been dropped from the group.
are you partial to plastic, or have you considered steel? there are so many serotta atlantas and CSIs for between 1200 and 1500, i don't think any modern bike in the price range will serve you as well. My main roadie is still a 1999 Atlanta with modern wheels and campy record 10 speed, and its been a while since ive been dropped from the group.
With CL, the temptation is to buy a bike that is a "great deal" which in reality, may not fit optimally, or may have a hidden defect or two.
With a shop bike, you get a full manuf. warranty, a huge selection, and at least some wrench support, for anywhere from 30 to 60 days, to a year, and sometimes with "lifetime" support.
The shop bike will cost more, but the difference may not be a big deal over a lifetime of ownership. It's likely the warranty and wrench support in and of itself outweigh the "savings" of going used.
I think going with a used bike is a great idea for a 2nd or 3rd bike, after you have acquired more knowledge about bikes.
05-06-16, 07:27 PM
#27
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NO, you can certainly switch out the entire drivetrain...but what you can't do with Tiagra is JUST switch out the cassette, rear derailleur, or front derrailleur, etc... but if you are starting with Shimano 105, you can switch out individual pieces with Ultegra/dura-ace, Sram Force Cassettes, etc...since they are all set up for 11 speeds.
05-07-16, 05:41 AM
#28
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In theory, yes. However, going to shops yields a huge increase in selection.
With CL, the temptation is to buy a bike that is a "great deal" which in reality, may not fit optimally, or may have a hidden defect or two.
With a shop bike, you get a full manuf. warranty, a huge selection, and at least some wrench support, for anywhere from 30 to 60 days, to a year, and sometimes with "lifetime" support.
The shop bike will cost more, but the difference may not be a big deal over a lifetime of ownership. It's likely the warranty and wrench support in and of itself outweigh the "savings" of going used.
I think going with a used bike is a great idea for a 2nd or 3rd bike, after you have acquired more knowledge about bikes.
With CL, the temptation is to buy a bike that is a "great deal" which in reality, may not fit optimally, or may have a hidden defect or two.
With a shop bike, you get a full manuf. warranty, a huge selection, and at least some wrench support, for anywhere from 30 to 60 days, to a year, and sometimes with "lifetime" support.
The shop bike will cost more, but the difference may not be a big deal over a lifetime of ownership. It's likely the warranty and wrench support in and of itself outweigh the "savings" of going used.
I think going with a used bike is a great idea for a 2nd or 3rd bike, after you have acquired more knowledge about bikes.
05-07-16, 08:56 AM
#29
Senior Member
You can get Ultegra on a carbon frame for that price, like the Ridley mentioned above, or this Fuji Fuji Gran Fondo 2.0 LE Classico Road Bike - 2016 Performance Exclusive
IMO, $1,500 is just too much money for aluminum + 105
IMO, $1,500 is just too much money for aluminum + 105
05-09-16, 09:21 AM
#30
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Found a bike shop in town selling a new 2015 Impulso with Ultegra components for $1000. I'm 5'9", the frame is 53 cm. Does that sound like a good deal/fit? I'm going to checkout the bike tomorrow.
05-09-16, 11:42 AM
#32
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How is this possible? Save Up To 60% Off Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 Speed Road Bikes- Motobecane Sprintour
05-09-16, 12:48 PM
#33
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I like that 105 bike, and I wouldn't think you were dumb for buying it. For a first time buyer the security of being able to ride the bike before you buy it, and having an LBS to back it up is worth the few hundred you'll save over being shipped a surprise in a box. If you shop around enough you might find a closeout that can get you carbon 105 name-brand bike for your budget, though.
05-09-16, 02:53 PM
#34
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How is this possible? Save Up To 60% Off Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 Speed Road Bikes- Motobecane Sprintour
2. (almost) No store space overhead, sponsorships or advertising costs.
3. Zero service / sales costs. Zeee-roh.
4. Very careful parts selection and inventory management : models are specced carefully to a price and BD uses the same parts on many, many models. The parts on this particular model look to be very high quality, but BD uses them on 20+ different models. Most manufacturers do this.
05-10-16, 07:28 AM
#36
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Think I'd just HAVE to add a pair of Ultegra skewers though
05-10-16, 11:47 AM
#37
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Extremly hard to beat, I'd do skewers and new bar tape. I like 3mm Fizik Performance Tape, feels great, last a long time.
05-10-16, 06:01 PM
#39
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