geared bike help
Thread started by
KiMS1 at 05.1.09 - 2:33 pm
okay so here's a more serious post that doesnt involve farts.
i've been saving up money for a while and with my tax refund, i think i finally have enough to purchase a good mid range recreational roadbike.
i've been feeling a bit limited with my fixed gear so i've been hankering for some gears.
soooooo
i'm trying to figure out what kind of bikes are out there in the mid range category.
i've had a strong liking to the CAAD9 series but i wanna see if anybody can recommend a bike thats of similar quality.
tryin to see what my options are and shit.
help me out!
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around a grand.
i know i would have to spend a little more since i'm trying to get a 105 group set but i would really like to keep around 900 or so if possible.
also, im a bit sketched out by carbon frames.
KiMS105.1.09 - 2:37 pm
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I'm pretty much in the exact same boat as you Kim.
Graham05.1.09 - 2:38 pm
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we've both been in this boat for awhile.
i feel like bikes are getting more expensive now too.
im hoping i can find like older models for cheaper too.
is it common for a shop to sell older models?
would older models be cheaper?
KiMS105.1.09 - 2:40 pm
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dont get carbon. aluminum front tri with a carbon rear would be good. its light and the rear wont flex as much as a full aluminum. what size frame are you looking for? my friend has been trying to sell an old 2004 or 2005 specialized allez elite for a while now. full 105 group. hes 5"8 or 5"9.
he hit a car (the car didnt hit him) and it has been sitting in his garage since, so it could use a tune up. but i think hes asking for $600.
ruinedbyidiots05.1.09 - 2:42 pm
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I'm leaning towards a campy setup as well, the gear cables that protrude out from the brakes are really off putting. But thats just me being a snob.
Graham05.1.09 - 2:43 pm
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i think that's a bit tall for me.
i fit a 52cm
i currently ride a 51cm
and maybe able to do a 53cm.
KiMS105.1.09 - 2:45 pm
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what are different level's on campy groups?
like how shimano goes from sora/tiagra, to 105, to ultegra, to duraace
where does campy veloce sit?
KiMS105.1.09 - 2:46 pm
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http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-36988.html
veloce vs 105
ruinedbyidiots05.1.09 - 2:47 pm
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http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/1143026235.html
i found this lil guy the other day but the seller's really hard to get a hold of.
KiMS105.1.09 - 2:52 pm
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Thats an awesome deal, somebody probably already swooped it up though.
Graham05.1.09 - 2:54 pm
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graham
you might like this one
i think it's ur size
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/1138808927.html
KiMS105.1.09 - 2:54 pm
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http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/1148435641.html
graham check that one too
fucking shit dude, theres a bunch of sick bikes on craigslist and ebay but theyre all way too big for me!!!!!!!!!!!!
KiMS105.1.09 - 2:57 pm
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Ever consider a Tommaso?
Ultegra/Dura Ace components, smooth ride & damn good looking.
$1099 = amazing deal.
http://www.rscycle.com/Tommaso-Velocita-2008-Advanced-Race?gclid=CKnPm6COnJoCFRo-awodLV3K-A
I love this bike. And buying from that website ruled. My favorite online purchase ever.
canadienne05.1.09 - 3:00 pm
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That Bianchi is super clean, I just wouldn't want to go all the way to Hermosa Beach and end up not getting it, if I'm gonna spend a grand I want it to be A+ perfect everything for me.
That Giant looks a little too big, I think I'm more around 52-54ish.
Graham05.1.09 - 3:00 pm
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what I would do?....for a grand? Get a late eighties, early nineties italian bike...cinnelli, de rosa, masi (california)....with low miles (garaged, no scratches) and full period campy record.
You might have to look a bit to get this for a grand....but I got my ca masi with full campy for 640 bucks. Best bike among any geared, track, 29'er, or modified trials bike I've ever owned. Hands down.
tern05.1.09 - 3:00 pm
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I want JVU to speak on this, I love talking road bikes with that man!
Graham05.1.09 - 3:02 pm
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Those Tommaso are pretty spicy, I've always admired yours liz.
Graham05.1.09 - 3:03 pm
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@liz
yEAH!!
YES!
exactly the type of stuff im looking for
i dont know what brands of roadbikes are out there so im only looking up prices for cannondale, bianchi, specialized and the like.
if there are other legitimate brands/builders, let me know!
KiMS105.1.09 - 3:06 pm
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tamasso=internet special bikes....I know liz likes hers....but I know another woman who has only had trouble with hers.
But, overall..I have no opinion about tomassos, because I've never been on one. The groups and wheels are fairly janky, in my opinoin. Yes...JVU is awesome about this stuff....and he would, almost undoubtedly, steer you toward an older steel bike.
tern05.1.09 - 3:09 pm
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eep...you can't get a complete road bike from a builder for a grand.
tern05.1.09 - 3:10 pm
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are torelli's way otu of my price range?
KiMS105.1.09 - 3:10 pm
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I would disagree completely. Janky? Not in the slightest. My (2008) Velocita is the smoothest ride ever. It shifts so smoothly that sometimes I'm like "did that even shift? oh yes, it did..."
Even the stock saddle & tires are awesome. The only thing I've had to change is the rim tape (cuz it was cheap and i got a few flats)... And since then, I haven't had a flat since BEFORE AIDS LifeCycle last year!!! (thousands of miles!)
I met a girl that had an older year & cheaper model Tomasso, and yeah she said it was janky. So maybe the cheaper ones aren't so good.
All I can recommend is the Velocita, cuz that's all I've known.
canadienne05.1.09 - 3:16 pm
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you can't get a complete road bike from a builder for a grand.
umm... wut? are you saying I'm dreamin, or that I'm trying to promote a shitty ride by saying it's good for my own amusement?
canadienne05.1.09 - 3:18 pm
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I recently got a fuji roubaix rc at sports chalet for 1300. I was reduced from 1800 i think. mostly ultegra equiped ,with a 105 front derailer.
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2008&Brand=Fuji&Model=Roubaix+RC+(Euro)&Type=bike
Sty05.1.09 - 3:20 pm
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tern when you say "builder" do you mean a custom frame and fork? because yeah, duh, no shit you cant get one of those for under a grand.
ruinedbyidiots05.1.09 - 3:21 pm
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that fuji looks pretty legit
i didnt know sport chalet was till around. i thought they all got bought out or something
KiMS105.1.09 - 3:25 pm
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The fuji is super sweet, carbon fork and carbon seat stays. with a nice groupo. and it weights under 19 lbs stock. I went to the one in the long beach town center by the old navy.
Sty05.1.09 - 3:27 pm
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i was thinkiing about scouring through different bike shops in the next couple days
do you think they would have older 2007 2006 models on the floor they will be willing to let go with a discount?
KiMS105.1.09 - 3:28 pm
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I'm not sure, I tried to negotiate and although I didnt get them to knock down the price of the bike. I got a free trainer and some lights. Every bussiness is hurting right now, you just have to be patient and dont settle for anything that isnt perfect for you. There arent many poeple willing to drop 1k on a bike right now, Remember that and use it to your advantage.
Sty05.1.09 - 3:32 pm
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those cannondale caads are looking pretty good. there are a bunch of comparable frames from other manufacturers but many are compact geometry and i prefer horizontal top tubes for a road bike. i test rode a new caad the other day and loved it, but i couldn't justify spending $900 for a bike with tiagara components especially when i barely even have time to ride my fixie. ended up picking up a mid-90's specialized allez for about 3 bills. it's heavier and not as fun as my fixie but then again, i can't imagine getting a road bike that's as light as or lighter than my fixie without spending way more than a grand.
tfunk40805.1.09 - 3:33 pm
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@ canadienne....not at all. I said I have no way to judge these bikes besides the fact that you really like yours, and Tracy really hates hers. I also based my response on that type of bike by the components / wheel sets that come on those bikes....again I've never ridden on those components or wheel sets...so.... Maybe I am wrong.
Hume...of course I know the obvious...but there is a question about companies and 'builders' and in the context of this thread....of course, it is out of the question
Hahahha....I miss you two!
tern05.1.09 - 3:34 pm
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i love my trek 1200 with full sora and expensive race wheels. it works.
ruinedbyidiots05.1.09 - 3:36 pm
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What kind of wheel are you rocking?
Sty05.1.09 - 3:37 pm
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@tern
well if my Ultegra / Dura Ace setup isn't up to your standards, in the words of the great Stephanie Tanner, pin a rose on your nose.
(lulz. i can't believe i just quoted full house.)
canadienne05.1.09 - 3:39 pm
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!!! I must be totally wrong! Did your bike come with these components?
tern05.1.09 - 3:43 pm
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yes! silly goose!
click
the link
That's what I'm sayin! For the price, it's a ridiculous deal.
Frame: Semi-Compact Double Butted Aluminum with Integrated Headtube and Carbon Seatstays
Fork: Carbon Fiber with Aluminum Steer tube, 1 1/8"
Rear Shock: N/A
Front Derailleur: FSA C400 Compact
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Dura Ace
Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 10-Speed
Brakes Levers: Shimano Ultegra
Brakes: Tektro Alloy R580
Chain: Shimano 5600
Crankset: FSA Gossamer Compact 50/34T, ISIS (20 total gears)
Cassette: Shimano 105 11-23 10-Speed
Pedals: Not Included
Bottom Bracket: FSA ISIS Platinum, 108mm
Headset: FSA IS-2 Integrated Headset
Saddle: Selle San Marco, Ponza Lux
Seat Post: Ritchey Comp
Handlebar: Ritchey Logic Comp, 31.8mm, Black
Grips: Cinelli Cork Tape
Stem: Ritchey Pro V2, 31.8mm, Black
Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro 700x23c, Folding
Wheelset: Shimano WH-R500
Weight: 18.5 (approximate) 52cm without pedals/relectors
Color: Available in Black/Red or Black/Ferrari Yellow (see image browser abo
canadienne05.1.09 - 3:47 pm
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Okay...If you can get a Tomasso with dura ace / ultegra new, for a grand...and, If canadienne likes the frame, then I believe her fully.
Get a Tomasso.
tern05.1.09 - 3:48 pm
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http://bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm#105
You're going to have a hard time finding cheaper new bikes with 105/Ultegra than that.
Bikesdirect bikes aren't the prettiest, but the deals are pretty sweet.
JB05.1.09 - 3:51 pm
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i dont think ived ever met you cannadien, but thats a nice bike.
Sty05.1.09 - 3:52 pm
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I'm cereally considering getting one of those tommaso's! MATCHEN BYKES. Maaaaaaybe.
Graham05.1.09 - 4:02 pm
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I still think you should get a used 'race ready' bike with no flaws and low miles...for the same price. IMHO.
tern05.1.09 - 4:12 pm
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I've had my masi since 2003. Every hardware component works perfectly...still. And I have put thousands of miles on that bike.
I rode to work 58 miles, 2800 ft. of climb, for almost two years. I rode the badger song every monday night for a year. I routed and planned and rode every dark century on this bike. I've been down to SD from either LA or Covina 12 times. I've been on a bunch of mini tours (under 350 miles), I've been on MR rides...I've ridden my bike around LA endlessly since 2003....and I have never had one problem with the frame (I thought I had one, once...but it was two loose chain ring bolts), I have crashed four times (twice fairly seriously on a dry run trainer for the first Wolf Pack Hustle All City Race, and on an MR ride). I've been on everyone's long ride....la to sd, wolfpack century, 99 century, alc training century..etc. No hardware failures. No frame failures.
So, I am giving my opinion with fairly good assurance.
There you go.
tern05.1.09 - 4:29 pm
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here is my opinion agian:
'80's-early '90's
steel
Italian
campagnolo record (or super record, if that is the time period)
no dings
no dents
minimal scratches
low miles
garaged
1000 bucks will get you a really nice ride.
tern05.1.09 - 4:45 pm
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...that is, unless you are short or tall.
tern05.1.09 - 4:49 pm
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u can go to russles bike shop in downey. i think on firestone blvd and paramount....
if u buy a bike from them they supply free tune ups for life!!
well as long as u own that bike!!!
the only thing is they dont have any road bikes there u go look at some brand cataloges and choose it they order it u buy it n yeah..
but hey free tune up for as long as u own the bike is good though.
lucifur66605.1.09 - 4:51 pm
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I agree with tern's advice. Stay away from new bikes, they are generally a rip off.
Everything tern said is what you need to do. You will get a bike that is way sexier way nicer and a super sweet ride for the same price as a decent modern road bike.
greeezybear05.2.09 - 8:11 pm
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second what tern said, with a couple adjustments:
'80's-early '90's
steel
origin doesn't matter, so long as it was a competent frame builder. I prefer some of the smaller names like Fuso and Stowe.
dura-ace, campagnolo record or super record
dings. who cares?
no dents
scratches. again, just aesthetic.
1000 bucks will get you an amazing ride.
600 can get you something pretty awesome. (if you're patient with ebay)
Eric Hair05.2.09 - 11:38 pm
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Oh, and the framebuilder behind Fuso, Dave Moulton, is retired now but maintains a blog.
Eric Hair05.2.09 - 11:48 pm
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