Kayla Celmer

Last month, I realized that I needed to engage in some physical activity to maintain my overall health. After exploring various sports options, I believe cycling is suitable for me. I now have a budget of $1000 to purchase a road bike. Can anyone recommend anything?

It's also possible to increase the budget to $1500, but that means I'll have to wait until next month to purchase the bicycle.

rc5781

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

I swear to all that is holy, I'm not affiliated with them I've purchased 2 mountain bike from them and will purchase my next mountain bike from them.

rsbob 

https://biketestreviews.com/best-road-bike-under-1000/
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-...er-1000-345105

Go out and ride as many as you can and see what feels best to you

veganbikes

Probably would look at a entry level hybrid for that price. Generally they start around the $900 mark but are typically $1000-1500 these days. Ideally look for 10 speed an above and ride a bunch of different stuff. Also keep in mind your local shop might do financing so you can easily get a higher dollar bike without putting the money down right away. My old shop did that and when I purchased my last bike I used it and it was interest free so long as I paid it every month and paid it off in the 12 months I had so in the end I didn't spend extra money (aside from a small processing fee) and got the bike I really wanted (or as close to it as they sold)

Kayla Celmer

Alright, I will try out more options. I plan to visit a bicycle shop this weekend to test ride some bikes.

Kayla Celmer

I don't intend to buy a hybrid bike. I don't consider it as a form of exercise if I rely heavily on electric power.

genejockey 

Hybrid in this case doesn't mean electric. That's E-bikes.

Hybrid bikes were originally meant to be a hybrid of mountain bike and road bike features. They have straight bars and a more upright position than road bikes, and are intended for riding on roads and bike paths. They're often a good choice for beginning cyclists for whom the more aerodynamic position of a road bike is not yet comfortable. You might also see them referred to as "Fitness Bikes"
re

Kayla Celmer

I see, I misunderstood. Thank you for pointing out my mistake. I will look into this type of bike.

jon c. 

I don't know where you are, but the if you have an outlet to look at used bikes I'd recommend you consider that. You can get a very nice used bike for $1,000. You can get a new bike that's average at best.

VegasJen

Have you considered used? There are a lot of people who have already been where you are now. Many people send good money on a nice bike, thinking they're going to change habits and get in shape. Many do, but many don't. Those that don't present buying opportunities for the rest of us. $1000 will buy a very nice previously owned bike. Sometimes a bike that may only have a few hundred miles (or less) on it for a fraction of new. Certainly wouldn't hurt to befriend one or two knowledgeable people in your area for assistance.

Eds0123

Welcome to Cycling forum. As others befor me have mentioned: You can find very good used road bikes on craigslist or bike shops or other used sale outlets, My daily commuter is a 2005 Aluminum frame with carbon fiber fork i found it used and purchased it for less than 1/2 of $1000 6 years ago. I ride it every day weekdays and love it. Sart small and cheap and learn what you like and what works for you and what doesn't work and then come up with a much bettter smart educated decision for yourself of what you'd like to buy and ride for yourself down the road.

veganbikes

No a hybrid is generally a sort of cross between a road bike and a mountain bike usually favoring more on the road side but you do find occasional mountain or gravel hybrids and the gravel end is becoming more popular though many standard hybrids can fit wider tires and handle gravel. There are electric bikes of all sorts including drop bar road bikes but to get one will be way out of your price range or absolute garbage. However it is important to note that electric bikes are a pedal assist so they will give you assistance as you pedal as much or as little or none as you desire. The throttled vehicles you might be thinking of that do sometimes get misclassified as e-bikes are just mopeds even if they share a good deal of stuff in common with a bottom end bike.

squirtdad

Rei is a good base to compare as it is availably nationally

https://www.rei.com/product/159858/c...es-adv-21-bike

https://www.rei.com/product/189126/c...ra-womens-bike

https://www.rei.com/c/road-bikes?ir=...sort=min-price

squirtdad

IMHO this is not a good option if you don't know how to mechanic on bikes.

there are also hidden cost, like paying to have the bike tuned and checked after riding

BTinNYC 

+1

scott967

Of course you can get into a used for $500 or so, the problem I see as a beginner you don't have a feel for sizing/ what's good and what's not so good and also getting some "after the sale" help from a bike shop can't be entirely discounted. I do see these "only ridden twice" bikes on Craigslist, not so sure about that but they seem to typically be fairly good spec carbon bikes and they aren't giving them away. No knock on VegasJen but they seem to be folks wanting to get into Tri but deciding it wasn't for them.

The problem for me out here in Hawaii is the "average" size seems like 48/50 and I'm 6'1".

scott s.
.

Canker

https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bik...synapse-tiagra
is on sale for $1200

VegasJen

Oh, absolutely. That's why I suggested befriending someone or a couple someones that know a bit about bikes. It does sound like the OP is pretty new to the bike game. There are a lot of buying opportunities out there but without some background or some knowledgeable assistance, it's a lot like sailing in uncharted territory.

And if you find some good deals on 48/50cm tri bikes, let me know!

smd4

There's also some good info in this thread:

How to Buy a Bike

I'd definitely recommend visiting a shop or two, and doing some test rides, talking to the personnel, and asking a lot of questions. If shop personnel seem intimidating or unwilling to be helpful, go somewhere else. A full-blown road bike can put you into some awkward riding positions and feel strange if you're new, whereas a hybrid may be a little more comfortable.

Unless you or a friend are very knowledgeable about bikes, I'd stay away from used. You don't want to pay for someone else's problems. Don't get me wrong--for some here, who have decades of experience, know exactly what size bike fits them for any scenario/style, and know all about the various component levels, that's a great option--but probably not for a beginner. Developing a good relationship with a good shop will keep you on the road and motivated.

Calsun

First go to a bike shop and determine what size frame will work the best for you. Then you can scan the Craigslist postings for used bikes in your size range. Bikes listed are usually in excellent condition and selling for less than half what their owners paid for them when new. I would only be sure that the bike has the combination brake and gear shifters as it makes it a lot easier when riding to get into the best gear for the terrain.

Stay with the $1000 budget to allow for changing the saddle or the pedals on the bike.

jaxgtr

I picked up a 8 month old Trek FX4 Carbon Sport for 1000 for my wife a couple of years ago and that was in the middle of the pandemic when bikes were going for stupid prices. It's an awesome bike and outside of some sand that was in the drive chain, it was in perfect condition. The woman bought a CheckPoint and did not want this bike anymore. So I happily took it from her. She wanted $1100, I offered 900, she countered with 1K and I took it.

biker128pedal

Visit the local bike shops. They will be more than happy to help. Test rides are fun. Most offer a quick basic tune up later. Inventory is better than a year ago but you may have to order the exact bike you want. Most shops will have similar models for a test ride to see if you like the fit.

Don’t forget to budget for a helmet and any other stuff you may want. Get a bike. Ride it and come back and ask more questions. People here like to help others spend money. Ride some more and before you know it you pass that hybrid on and get a Checkpoint.

prj71

All of the major manufacturers offer an aluminum road bike around $1000-$1500

Word of advice...Ignore the Bikes Direct link above.

Kayla Celmer

Thank you for your recommendations. I will take your comments into consideration. I'm going to buy it next month, and I'm going to have to raise my budget to $2000 because I have to buy riding gear.

big john

You really don't need a lot of gear to get started. Helmet, maybe some gloves. You can use flat pedals and wear any shoes. You can also wear any clothes.
Definitely want to carry some water and a spare tube with some tools and a pump or some way to inflate the tire after you put the tube in. I also carry a patch kit.

Practice fixing a flat at home, unless you have someone to pick you up.