need cycling help

[mygixxer]

I am looking forward to getting into cycling but I know NOTHING about brands, whats good and whats not, the difference between this or that.

My goals:I want a high quality bike. I want to be able to do some longer bike rides.

how do I know what size CM to get? I am about 5'10" with a 31" in-seem.

I was searching through CL and saw this bike which I thought looked eye appealing but don't know if it's a good brand or if any of the mods are good quality.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/1366639265.html

or
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/1361676805.html

or something like this???
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/bik/1365343071.html

anyone able to give me a quick run down on what I should be looking for?
I also want to throw out that I am not looking to drop 2K on a bike. I want a good quality bike but I wont be able to drop more than 1k on a bike IF that. I'd obviously like to get the best bike for the least amount of money but I realize that high quality cost more for a reason and will last forever if treated properly.

[tim413]

This is what I did:

1. Set my budget (new and < $1500)
2. Found the best frame / wheel-set / components for that budget (Scott Speedster S20)
3. Go around area shops with a well informed *active* cyclist, decide on pedal and shoes too as they are a HUGE part of the deal, but don't come on the bike, typ. (check!)
4. Get it fit / sized professionally with your pedals / shoes! -- ok, I skipped this one and I think I'm paying for it in joint pains :( There are specialized Sports Medicine shops which can do an excellent job, probably better than most bike shops. Plus they can work on your techniques too. Trick is to get a referral from your Dr. to reduce out of pocket expenses. Too bad PM stuff like this is tough to get covered
5. Purchase new from a shop; warrantees on things costing $1000+ is good, plus if you pay cash at say REI, bonus baby!
6. Spend some time on simple routes, learning how to shift, brake etc. all by yourself to reduce embarrassment :)
7. Hook up with good friends who are good, active cyclists and do some smaller, somewhat easy rides to start
8. Sign up for longer non-competitive events and train
9. 5 centuries (100mile) in Summer of 2008 and lost around 25lbs. 0 in 2009 :( but can still crank out 30mile rides in less than 2hours

I ended up getting the Scott Speedster S20 -- great bike all things considering. I will say that aluminum frames do get harsh. You'll feel it in the 50+ mile rides in fatigue and the ...I cannot stand another freaking crack/seam/rough pavement! feeling in your feet... then again that might be because of crappy shoes...

Get the best components you can, probably shy away from too exotic or non-standard wheel-sets. I kind of got burned that of with the Schimano wheels on mine -- I broke a $1 spoke (~1200miles on the bike), and could not get a replacement so I ahd to shell out for a new $300 set of rims, however I paid for the new ones basically with my REI dividend, and now I have 2 sets of rims like any good motorcyclist... :)

You are probably looking at a 56" frame, however there's so many differences from one to another that the # is somewhat meaningless. I'm 5'8" and ride a 56" frame -- but its compact and I have a long torso, so it works for me -- the 54" was super cramped.

Note also that in new bikes there are specific strata -- sub $800 are kind of hit and miss, sub 1000 are getting better, but you'll probably have so-so components, heavy wheels, etc. sub 1500 is a sweet spot of good frames, good components, good wheels.

You could find a new bike you like then look for used ones of around the same vintage. At least get a basic idea of the correct frame size, general components, definitely shoes/pedals and all the good stuff before flailing around in the morass of used cycles.

Then on the training side, to prevent injury and keep it fun start slow in terms of miles and speed, do 1 day 10 miles then 10 miles the next instead of 20 miles in one, and increment slowly from there (15/15, 15/20, 20/20, 20/20/20, 30/30...) as you and your body get accustom to being on the bike bent in crazy shape for hours at a time. Also give yourself rest days regardless.

Also with a simple $30 cyclometer you'll pace yourself, say 15-17MPH avg at a 80-90 cadence, then work up slowly over months/weeks to 19+ at the same 80-90 cadence as you get stronger, your lungs and heart get accustom to that exertion etc. Also don't forget stay hydrated -- water's good, though supplement with something simple like NUUN tabs instead heavy sugar drinks, also EAT while riding! and learn how to do so w/o stopping. There are general rules of thumb, but say at least every hour (you'll burn like 250-500+ cals / hour at good paces) have something simple like a banana, cliff bar, maybe a Hammer Shot (though reserve for longer rides as you'll just get absolutely SICK of sugary crap, but you gotta have something, I also avoid cane / high-fructose /etc. sugars. as brown-rice sugar, honey etc. seem to work better for me). As you learn what works for you just make a routine, but don't be afraid to try something. There are tons of suggestions out there, research and apply to your riding level.

I suspect there are places there where you can get in on group rides which help you to find nice places to ride, learn how to ride in a group of varied skills, plus drafting is bonus on longer rides. You'll also learn nutrition etc. which is a huge portion of being able to crank out the training rides week in and week out.

Tim

[Justin Watkins]

As a new cyclist (coming from mt bikes) in the past year, I went through this experience. Looking back, I agree with Tim and if I had to do it again, I would save a little longer and spend a little extra up front to get a better bike. Looking for used stuff will help but with anything used, expect risks. The best part is the cost of stuff for bikes is much cheaper than motorcycles, except for wheels (those are $$$).

Anyway, the key is getting fit properly BEFORE you buy. Most shops, if you get fit, will refund some of the cost 40-50% of the fit fee if you buy a bike from them within 30-60 days or something like that.

The guys at Lake Side bicycles in Lake Oswego are good. RiverCity Bicycles on MLK is a great place to go if you are just getting started and looking to buy new. They have a great selection, are very knowledgeable and will make sure you get a bike that works for YOU!!

Also another option is called Cyclefit offered through a few of the Therapeutic Associates offices around town. A few of the best are located in the Bethany Village location. They focus more on fitting you to a bike you own but they make sure you are fit perfectly and ergonomically. I will be going through this soon to re-fit for my bike now due to my injury.

There keys to success: get fit for the bike, make sure your shoes fit properly and that the seat is the right width for your body. If it doesn't fit you and you have pains, you WON'T want to ride it and then you wasted your money.

Going with Carbon will reduce the vibration from the road and give you a nicer ride. Check out www.performancebike.com, you can get carbon bike for much cheaper but they don't do fitting, just some basic stuff on getting you a bike that is close for your height etc. I buy all my stuff from them including my full carbon bike and starting now till the Holidays, they have awesome deals on stuff.

Buying from a dealer, while paying more, gets you many benefits with the shop. Its like joining a club and they treat you well. They want you to enjoy it and keep coming back and tell your friends. Many times if you buy you bike from them, they have options for trading it in and upgrading which in the long run saves you $$$$. I kind of wish I had gone that route vs buying the carbon for less at performance. Its a great bike but no possibility for upgrading. Trust me, if you get hooked, you will want a nicer bike after one season on it. Then you will want nicer wheels and the list keeps going.

Good luck and glad to help if you have any other questions.

Justin

[gberger153]

I have taken up cycling this past year and have learned quite a bit, your welcome to pm me if you have any questions and maybe I will be able to answer them.

[Luke]

Hey I do 20 miles non stop on my POS specialized mountain bike everday with a messed up back tires and a bent front wheel. Bothell to Redmond everyday, I really need a road bike....

[acy179]

Go to a big shop like Greggs in Green Lake or talk to people who ride/race for teams.

I raced on the road for about eight years. I raced in two national championships and still belong to a local team although I just don't have the time to ride that much anymore.

Fit is the most important aspect next to the amount of $$ you are comfortable spending. Tim has some great input regarding all else. Spare tubes and a frame pump are a must. Keep in mind that most bikes are not sold with pedals as those are mostly a preference thing. Shoes will also be important as you want shoes with a very stiff sole.

If you are interested in getting involved with a local team let me know. I could introduce you to the team captain of my team and inform you of the next intruductory ride.

This is also a great way to get introduced to team members getting rid of last year's bikes so that they can ride the new team rigs. Usually they sell them for great prices as they purchased them for discounts to beging with. I just sold my team bike worth around $3500 for $1500.

Shoot me a PM if you want to chat more.

[mygixxer]

sold my bike today and found my bicycle I want. I'm going with a bianchi Via Nirone 7 full carbon.

[gberger153]

Sweet, congrats, I didnt know they made the via nirone 7 full carbon. Learned something else too check out this link.

http://www.bianchiducati.com/900xr.html

[mygixxer]

sorry I mis-spoke. it's not a full carbon..its an aluminum frame with front and rear carbon