Question for the bicycle gurus

[JokerSeven]

I have been riding recreational Mtbs for some time now and have always wanted to get in to road riding. I have spent the past year looking for a nice used entry level bike to cut my teeth on. I don't have alot of extra money to drop on this, my wife would kill me.

Sooooo, to get to the point. A co-worker offers to trade me his mint condition 2009 Trek 1.2 (200 miles on it) for one of my Mt Bikes . He is basically wanting to unload it and knows how much I wanted one. The problem is, its a 54cm frame. Thats a little bit big for me based some measurements my LBS took last year when I was looking. I was in the 50-52cm area.

For me, this is the deal of the century, its my ticket into road riding. I did ride it for 20+ miles on a test run and it feels fine . Should 2-4cm keep me away from this deal? Is fit that specific where 2-4cm is gonna ruin the ride? Even if I just ride it for a year or so to make sure I like the road vs. dirt.

[sofo]

My recommendation as someone who has been riding his whole life and in recent years has never rode better since only using properly fitted bikes - DON'T DO IT!

One of two things will happen:

1. You won't like the fit but will stick with it and have aches and pains
2. You will spend money to make it fit that will make the good deal not so good.

Good fit = good riding

[Apex]

Agreed. Stick with what you know.

If 50-52 is your ideal setup, stick with it. It may be possible to just drop in a shorter bar stem, as I went with a slightly longer one on my 1.5, but it really depends on you.

I've seen the 1.2 go for $700 brand new. Not bad for an entry level bike. I didn't get it just because of the shifters on it. I prefer the Tiagra style shifters instead of the Sora. Your call though!

I'm a believer in "fit the bike to you, don't try to fit yourself to the bike". Like Andrew said, that leads to aches and pains that you wouldn't have if it was fitted to you.

[JokerSeven]

Wow, so 2-4cm makes that much of a difference ?

here it is...

[petiteninja]

do not purchase a bike that doesn't fit you, you're liable to injure yourself. did you have any pain in your lower back or knees after the ride? did you notice if you placed more weight on your handlebars or your seat? did you try riding in the drops?

if you and your wife feel comfortable then make the trade, ebay the frame and replace it with one that fits. do you have a photo of your mountain bike?

[lockie]

Thanks for the advice. I'm looking for a road bike to add to an old Peugot from the '80's. This reminds me to make sure whatever I get fits.

[g21-30]

You can purchase a Cannondale frame/fork in your size and build your own bike for a lot less $$$$$$. You will then have a custom bike built to fit you. In the future, if you want to upgrade, Cannondale will take the frame/fork in trade.

[JokerSeven]

I went to the LBS today. They all agreed it was a bit too big for me. Hours later, I added a few dollars + the bike and ended up with a new Specialized Allez fits me just fine. Now I have to wait a week for my color to get here.

[sharky nrk]

The Allez is a decent bike to start off with, nice purchase.

[Apex]

Specialized makes a good bike. Enjoy it!
Posted via Mobile Device

[cifex]

Pffff....throw some nobbies on that nancy bike and take it off road!

I too am thinking about picking up a road bike. 4 days a week is not enough riding....need....more....spinning.....

[SpYd3r05]

Specialized is a great bike... even the entry level stuff in my opinion is better than some mid level from other stuff... I think trek just became big strictly because Armstrong rode one.. I think you will be much happier with that fit properly allez...

[sofo]

You have made a great choice not only for size but the Allez is and always has been a fantastic road bike. I echo what others say about Specialized, from low to high-end their bikes are well designed, built, and priced.

Which Allez did you end up going for? I love the look of the curved top tube and straight cables underneath, reminds me of a longbow (in a good way .

[JokerSeven]

Originally Posted by cifex

Pffff....throw some nobbies on that nancy bike and take it off road!

I too am thinking about picking up a road bike. 4 days a week is not enough riding....need....more....spinning.....

LOL I've been riding dirt for 20years. I'm tired of running into trees

I have always wanted a road bike, so this is a big move for me.

[JokerSeven]

Originally Posted by sofo

You have made a great choice not only for size but the Allez is and always has been a fantastic road bike. I echo what others say about Specialized, from low to high-end their bikes are well designed, built, and priced.

Which Allez did you end up going for? I love the look of the curved top tube and straight cables underneath, reminds me of a longbow (in a good way .

I got the 2010 Allez Sport with a standard double.

[sofo]

Originally Posted by JokerSeven

I got the 2010 Allez Sport with a standard double.

Nice bike! You are going to love it!

What is wrong with running into trees BTW? I just did it a few weeks ago at Whistler and it was lovely! Ok it hurt quite a lot even with full body armor but still.

[Sailariel]

Jeremy, I was going to echo the advice on the proper fit. You made an excellent choice with the Allez. You will be a better and safer cyclist as a result of that choice. 2 to 4mm is as good as a mile. You would have gone nuts trying to fit that bike. I will not sell an improperly fitting bike in my shop.

[JokerSeven]

Thanks Alex, I'm really excited about it. I have spent most of the day shopping for some road shoes and a new helmet.

[JokerSeven]

Mark, Is that a bp jersey in your avatar pic ? LOL

[Apex]

Why yes it is. Just remember, everything the media is saying isn't necessarily what is really going on...

[Sailariel]

Jeremy, When you have ridden the bike for about a month, you may consider getting a professional fitting. If your bike shop does not do them, they will know someone who does. I had my bike professionally fitted--it made a huge difference.

[JokerSeven]

Thanks Alex,

He told me that they would fit me when I picked it up and then double check everything on about a month when I bring it in for the break-in adjustments.

[Sailariel]

Jeremy, You not only chose a good bike---you chose a good shop as well. You are in good hands which will make all the difference in your riding enjoyment. That is the kind of stuff I like to hear. A fitting when you first get the bike and then another one to fine tune a month later. Two good reasons for shopping at a professional cyclery. Wal-Mart buying and getting a bike on the internet is not a bargain. You are also buying the service and good will. Welcome to the world of "Roadies"

[JokerSeven]

The guys at my bike shop are top notch.

Originally Posted by Sailariel

Welcome to the world of "Roadies"

Umm?? does that mean I have to shave my legs now ?

[Apex]

I'd only do it if you become competitive. Much less painful to remove a bandage on a shaved leg versus a hairy one.



<--- still has hair.

I've been called "caveman legs" before on a ride. lol

[Reswob]

Originally Posted by JokerSeven

The guys at my bike shop are top notch.




Umm?? does that mean I have to shave my legs now ?

Yep. You also have to wear one of those ridiculous spandex outfits, and ride smack in the middle of the road thinking you're a car. Crazy roadies.

[JokerSeven]

Originally Posted by Reswob

Yep. You also have to wear one of those ridiculous spandex outfits, and ride smack in the middle of the road thinking you're a car. Crazy roadies.

Spandex, no problem. I can deal with that.
I never understood the legs though. Makes ZERO since.

[Reswob]

Originally Posted by JokerSeven

Spandex, no problem. I can deal with that.
I never understood the legs though. Makes ZERO since.

aerodynamics? Same as the spandex outfits - unless you're an olympic-level athlete, no one should do either.

[cifex]

Its not for aerodynamics....its because road rash is real nasty when you're hairy.

[Reswob]

I always thought the real reason was because the spandex/no body hair crowd played for the other team.

[JokerSeven]

Yes its a crappy picture, but dammit...its MINE !

That was one loooooong week of waiting. The guys at the bike shop did a great job of fitting me. It feels great. coming from MT Bikes, the brakes are gonna take gettig use to.

[Sailariel]

Originally Posted by cifex

Its not for aerodynamics....its because road rash is real nasty when you're hairy.

I only shave when I compete in TT. Didn't shave once. Lesson learned.

[Sailariel]

Originally Posted by JokerSeven

Yes its a crappy picture, but dammit...its MINE !

That was one loooooong week of waiting. The guys at the bike shop did a great job of fitting me. It feels great. coming from MT Bikes, the brakes are gonna take gettig use to.

I don't know. Jeremy, that's a lot of bike--fast too. Watch yourself in the 25mi speed limit zones. You could get a ticket--ask me how I know?