Want to start Road cycling where to start? which bike?
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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
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
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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This seems like a lot of bike for $999.
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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.
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.
Likes For MinnMan:
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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.
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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Thanks for the advice
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.
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.
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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What about the handle bars?
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.
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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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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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?
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?
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
#9
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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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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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Thanks nice to finally learn about this
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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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Went to my LBS which is less than 5 min from my job is a Giant Bike shop.
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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.
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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Thanks man Im trying to decide
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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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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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.
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.
#18
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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.
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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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.
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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Good morning Nice bike
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
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
#21
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Morning
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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Hows it going
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.
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.
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.
#23
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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.
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.
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.
#24
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Bikes: Trek Dual Sport 3, Trek Emonda 5 Full carbon road bike,
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Your right
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.
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.
#25
Senior Member
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.
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!