Buying first decent bike; want to make an informed decision. Help?

I've been riding a mountain bike all summer and I've reached a point in my conditioning and commitment where I want to take the plunge and invest in my first decent bike (budget $1,000 to $1,500).

Any input would be much appreciated, especially from anyone who has recently made the leap from mtn->road or mtn->cyclocross and either been pleased or disappointed with their decision.

Thanks in advance!

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on October 12, 2012 at 3:27pm

Awesome! Wnere did you end up buying it? And post pics!!!

Chi Lowe said:

All - this was a REALLY great set of inputs! Coupled with (way too much) internet research, I have finally come to a decision to purchase a Surly Long Haul Trucker, which I should be picking up on Monday.

Looking forward to some late fall and winter riding. Thanks again for all your feedback!

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on October 12, 2012 at 5:21pm

I love my Lemond Poprad, aka Big Poppy. I don't think there is a single stock component on it though, so take that with a grain of salt.

The bike has gone mountain biking (got suckered into that mess... the bike survived and so did I!) and has done multiple centuries without a glitch.

Let me say it again... I love my bike. =)

prof.gfr said:

When I first made a similar leap from MTB to something zippier I too went with a cross for all the reasons listed above. I went w a steel LeMond Poprad bc the steel absorbs road shick better thab aluminum cross bikes. But since then I've switched to a touring bike (vintage steel frame Miyata 615) and I like it infinitely better. I think the LeMond is a bit too small at 54cm ctc whereas the Miyata is 57 or 58 ctc (can't reall exactly) and has a longer wheelbase (5 cm, I think, but it makes a big difference in absorbing road shocks). I'm now a touring bike convert as well as a fan of Grant Peterson's fit style (its complicated, amd worth googling, but in a nutshell = slightly taller bikes w only a handful or less of visible seat post). Fit is so important - it is worth researching and talking to people at reputable shops like Rapid Transit or Cycle Smithy. But you can get a lot more for your $ if you can discover your fit and buy a vintage steel frame on the used market. Depending on ITA vintage and showiness, it's also potentially less of a theft hazard, although any bike should be locked w two u-locks or a u-lock and cable in the city. At least that's been my experience.

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Permalink Reply by Doctor Sprocket on October 25, 2012 at 4:21pm

Well now that you have decided to bite the bullet

What is are your goals in riding

casual, centuries, week ends

this will better help in your buying decision & bicycle type

i have manny riding interest & over i wont say how many bikes

a touring bike is a great place to start designed for comfort

long & short distance. Great for running to the store or the library

even a week end in the county camping. I have built many custom bicycles over the last 40 years

& i always come back to a good touring bike for comfort & functionality.

you can run a wide semi aggressive tire in the winter months with fenders, a narrow hi psi in the autumn & summer months i will attempt to attach some photos of builds i have done

as for purchasing i recommend bikes direct.com a full line of bikes shipped free if your mechanical at all this will be a easy assembly or have it shipped to a local shop for assembly

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Permalink Reply by Dave D on November 11, 2012 at 2:51pm

Hey Chi:

Curious does your surly ride different when loaded with touring weight vs unloaded? Also, are you running disc or regular breaks?

Dave

john doe said:

Well now that you have decided to bite the bullet

What is are your goals in riding

casual, centuries, week ends

this will better help in your buying decision & bicycle type

i have manny riding interest & over i wont say how many bikes

a touring bike is a great place to start designed for comfort

long & short distance. Great for running to the store or the library

even a week end in the county camping. I have built many custom bicycles over the last 40 years

& i always come back to a good touring bike for comfort & functionality.

you can run a wide semi aggressive tire in the winter months with fenders, a narrow hi psi in the autumn & summer months i will attempt to attach some photos of builds i have done

as for purchasing i recommend bikes direct.com a full line of bikes shipped free if your mechanical at all this will be a easy assembly or have it shipped to a local shop for assembly

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dave D on November 11, 2012 at 2:53pm

Thanks for this link. I test road a surly LHT today and liked it. I also test road my friends Raleigh Sojourn and liked it too. I was wondering if the ride on the trucker is different when loaded with weight vs unloaded?

Dave