[Drew]

In light of the other thread...

I've been a mountian biker for perhaps 15 years now, since I was in maybe 6th grade. However, as good dirt is both rare in Boston and a pain in the ass to get to, most of my riding last year was on pavement. This is also augmented by the fact that my roomie owns a road bike, and I ride with him on occasion, which results in me kicking my ass trying to keep up while he just comfortably spins.

So, I want to buy a road bike. Something beginner to mid level, I'm looking to spend maybe a grand tops. What do you guys ride? Any recommendations? I won't be racing, but I will be going out and pushing hard for a couple hours, and at least going out and spinning for an hour or two a few times a week.

[Sentient]

Dude, you can snatch up a helluva bike for a grand. I could only afford about $500 when I got my Cannondale for $481 & free shipping on Ebay. It's a 2001 model, but looked like new when I got it a year ago. I love it.

I'm not partial to any particular brand, as I think happiness can be found on so many different bikes. But I would recommend visiting a few bike shops and actually check the fit of a few different size frames. Some manufacturers size their bikes slightly different from others. Fit on a road bike is critical, and you don't wanna spend a bunch of cash only to find out after a 35 mile ride that your back hurts. I'm 5 ft 7", and found a great fit with a 54 cm Cannondale.

You get a nice "feel good" feeling when you buy a bike from a local bike shop.. But you'll also pay two to three times more than you would for the same quality bike, slightly used on Ebay. Ebay is just saturated with great bikes at good prices.

Mountain biking is a blast, and I've had a lot of fun doing it, but personally, there's just nothing that compares with riding a nice bike on a nice road. I love me some cyclin' on the road. Good times, baby, good times.

Best of luck shopping, and keep us posted with what you're lookin' at, or end up getting.

Burke

[Drew]

Dude, the background in that second pic... where was that taken?

[Sentient]

Originally Posted by Drew

Dude, the background in that second pic... where was that taken?

That was taken at one of the overlooks at the top of Pilot Mountain State Park, in NC. The twisty road going to the top is 2.4 miles, with a 10% grade. It's all I can do to manage 4 or 5 mph pedaling up the steepest bits, but it's an easy 45 mph coming back down.

[jaxadam]

I'm pretty partial to Cannondale myself.

[Drew]

That's what my roommate rides, too.

Gorgeous view!

[Sentient]

I'm so glad Spring is here and the weather is finally warming up. It's nice to be riding outside again.

I attached a pic of where I did most of my riding during the winter months. Keeps the legs active and is good cardio, but I don't think the dog cares much for it, though.

[Drew]

Yeah, my bro uses one of those. He hates it, but says it's great training.

[Sentient]

[/crickets]

Originally Posted by Drew

So, I want to buy a road bike. Something beginner to mid level, I'm looking to spend maybe a grand tops. What do you guys ride? Any recommendations? I won't be racing, but I will be going out and pushing hard for a couple hours, and at least going out and spinning for an hour or two a few times a week.

Liars go to hell, Drew. It's been 3 months. Where the hell's that bike?

[7 Strings of Hate]

lay off him man, hes only got 9 or 10 more years left to get his album recorded