Your first road bike?
May 24 '01 (Updated May 12 '02)
The Bottom Line Deal with a shop that’s passionate about road bikes. Go with an aluminum frame that fits you. Choose Shimano or Campagnolo components. Enjoy!
I’ve been involved in road racing for over half my life. When I think back to my first road bike purchase I remember being very impressed with the bike shop and its staff. They were all “hardcore roadies”. They loved bikes and I loved going to the shop. If your just getting into road cycling, I’d suggest trying to find a shop that’s passionate about road riding.
Once you find a shop it’s time to start looking at the bikes. These days you can get a nice light aluminum frame with basic components at a price that your credit card can handle with ease. At the other end of the scale a top shelf road bike with the best components available may cost more than the family car!
For first time buyers keep an eye out for the following 3 features.
1/ A lightweight frame. Aluminum tubing is the best option here as it’s affordable. The diameter of aluminum tubing is generally larger than traditional steel frames, so it’s easy to spot an aluminum frame when your shopping. There are various brands of tubing available. Easton and Coloumbus are good brands.
2/ Shimano or Campagnolo components. These are the two main brands when it comes to the cranks, brakes and gear systems on road bikes. Campag now make a ten speed system, but consider any of Shimano’s nine speed group sets. I’ve been using Shimano Ultegra for the last two seasons and I’m very happy with the performance.
3/ Clipless Pedals. This is a pedal system that allows your shoes to be clipped to the pedals via cleats on the soles of your soon to be purchased cycling shoes. Shimano or Look pedals would be my recommendation here. The combination of shoes and clipless pedals make cycling much more efficient.
There are other very important features like wheels. Make sure the wheels have quick release levers and stainless steel spokes. Ask the staff member to show you how the cam on the quick release levers work. These levers make wheel removal very easy. They are a handy feature if you need to put your bike in the car or if you need to fix a flat while out on a ride. There should also be a good gear range. Look for at least 8 sprockets on the cassette, with a range from about 13 teeth to 23 or 25 teeth depending on the terrain in your area.
Parts like the saddle and handlebars are also important. Once you’ve chosen a bike these may be able to be changed if necessary. For example there are some very good ladies saddles available now. These don’t come spec’d on bikes, so the shop may be able to change this if needed. Handlebars come in various widths. As a bike gets bigger, the bars get wider. In most cases the bars on the bike will be fine, but it’s something to get checked.
Frame size is extremely important. Your dealer will be able to help you choose the right sized bike for you. Keep in mind, as a bike gets bigger (longer in the seat tube) the top tube gets longer too. Go with a bike that’s too big and you’ll have trouble reaching the handlebars. Go to small and you’ll be cramped and not very aerodynamic.
Most good shops will have details on local group rides. Go on solo rides at first until you feel confident on the bike and ready for the next challenge. Join the local group ride and enjoy!
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Epinions.com ID:
nmg1969
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Location: Australia
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 10 members
About Me:
I'm an Australian who loves bikes, hi-fi, travel and photography.
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