Forums >Cross Training>Suggestions for a new bike?
rectumdamnnearkilledem
Damn, that's a tall head tube...heh.
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
I think the Diamas may be be built a bit that way but, yeah, lot's of head on this one. Must be custom. Here's the centerfold.
While I'm carrying on about bikes... Today a massager's bike in front of my building had a cannondale sticker on his/her bike cut up and rearranged to say something like "I ride on ale." It would have made a nice photo but was gone by the time I grabbed my camera.
So pretty. My MIL has a custom Seven...ugliest. bike. ever. She basically wanted a road bike with hybrid geometry. She is tall, but is mostly legs with a short torso and likes to be upright. I don't know why she even bothered with drop bars...I have never seen her use the drops even once. That thing has a freaky tall headtube. I doubt she would ever be able to sell it, since it is so bizarrely proportioned (and that ugly thing).
Ha, too funny. I could have that and a Cdale sticker and both would be accurate.
If you are looking around that 850-900 price range, i would suggest a Specialized Allez. I got one brand new out the door with fitting included and a warranty as well as a few extras for $850 from a top f the line bike shop. Its a great road bike and you would be able to do triathlons with it. I did a few last year and had no problem keeping up with others on the course. Its 90% about fitness level. but the Allez will get you out there and not left behind in the dust like you would with a $150 bike from Walmart. Granted, its not a $5000 bike either but an entry level road bike.
I bought two bikes to make my bike. I found a really good deal on an Orbea Frame and Fork for $750. It came with Everything but wheels, the groupset and a saddle. Then I found another bike for $800 that was completely built up with SRAM Rival, Neuvation Wheels, Selle Italia Saddle, but a crappy frame. Cannibalized the crappy framed bike and there you have it, a $2500+ for $1550. Ebay can be a great place to find bikes.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1078841_-1_400306_400001_400470
Does anyone know anything about GT Bikes? No one in my area carries them and this is a great deal...
I don't half-ass anything
"I have several close friends who have run marathons, a word that is actually derived from two Swahili words: mara, which means 'to die a horrible death' and thon, which means 'for a stupid T-shirt.' Look it up." - Celia Rivenbark, You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1078841_-1_400306_400001_400470 Does anyone know anything about GT Bikes? No one in my area carries them and this is a great deal...
GT is a brand that has been traded a few times in the last 10-15 years so I have no idea about the current stuff. The frames are probably made alongside many other brands in the same Taiwanese or Chinese factory, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The overall specs are better than the bike's direct bike, especially the wheels and cranks. At these prices there will always be some sort of tradeoff but that's got to be ok. The compact geometry might provide more fit adjustability but they only have the bike in large, which I don't think you are.
but they only have the bike in large, which I don't think you are.
Yeah, I didn't realize that earlier.
I'm about to just say to hell with it, get a lower end bike and get one from a LBS or REI. If I need to upgrade in another year, I'll let DH be the one to kick himself. It's one of those things where I have to show that I will, in fact, get our money's worth out of it and not let it be a dust collector in the garage.
Yeah, that GT bike is actually decent. Just like xhristopher said most frames are produced in the same factory, so the quality of the frame from one manufacturer to another is generally the same. The only concern to have with many of these bikes is how well it is put together, but that is what the LBS is for. Bring it in for a tune-up/check-up and everything should be fine.
The other thing I would say is that it is worth just taking your time and get a good deal on a good bike.
Yeah, I didn't realize that earlier. I'm about to just say to hell with it, get a lower end bike and get one from a LBS or REI. If I need to upgrade in another year, I'll let DH be the one to kick himself. It's one of those things where I have to show that I will, in fact, get our money's worth out of it and not let it be a dust collector in the garage.
If you get a frame that fits you really well (which is a LOT more likely if you work with a LBS) and don't spend a fortune, then in a year or two it wouldn't be difficult to justify a new groupset. The difference between a $1000 bike and a $1500 bike is often just a different color and components, but identical frame. You might even find a deal on a 105 set if you look for an older version. Nashbar.com and RealCyclist.com are good places to watch for closeout component sets. The only downside would be that you'd have to swap everything out yourself. I doubt any shop would install components purchased elsewhere. But it's not something that can't be learned.
"It's a must that you outwork your competition today! Think training is hard? Try losing!" Eric Thomas
Here is a picture of my bike. I paid $500 bucks for it on craiglist but it retailed for $1,275. The only reason I felt comfortable buying it off of craigslist is I rode at least 14 different bikes before this one and knew what I was looking for in terms of feel of the bike and components.
Wow, Danny...you scored big time on that deal...NICE!