Cross Train

Lemings · July 28th, 2005, 07:44 PM

I am thinking of picking up cycling as some thing to go along side with my running. I noticed there was a thread similar to what I am asking here, but where his price range is $1000USD+ I have a very limited price range (700 max). Could you guys reccomend any good bikes in that price range? I was looking for some thing more along the lines of a road bike and some thing that can go long distances, yet get there fast. Any suggestions guys?

Thanks in advance
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Lemings

**pigperson** · July 28th, 2005, 09:11 PM

You should be able to find a few nice bikes in that price range. Trek, Specialized and a few other makers all offer decent bikes. You might even find a 2005 bike at a discounted price since to '06's are starting to make there way to the showroom floors now. Try to find something with at least a carbon fork and even better yet carbon seat stays. Also triple chainring drivetrain may allow you to save your knees (compact drive may work too).

How often do you plan on riding? Distance each time out? What type of terrain (hillines) will you be riding/training on?

Lemings · July 28th, 2005, 10:36 PM

I would use it on pretty much a daily bases, at around 10 miles daily, The terrain is the some what hilly, you have flats, then all of a sudden a steepe hill out of no where lol. I would like some thing that could last me a while.

**pigperson** · July 29th, 2005, 02:27 AM

The Specialized Allez Sport would probably be around $599-$699 USD, with a carbon fork. The Trek 1000 would be around $569-$629 USD, it would also have a carbon fork. The Giant OCR3 -- $549-$600 USD. There are many other manufacturers that have similar deals. What are the local dealers selling in your area? Another option would be a cyclo-cross type bicycle. This type of bike would allow you to do light duty dirt or to continue training in inclement weather with a bit more stability. The european market is slighty different than the US too, so certain models may be available to you where they wouldn't be offered here.

Any of the above mentioned bikes would work well for that mileage or more, the cyclo-cross bike would have a little more rolling resistance...which can sometimes be good for training purposes. If you think you may ever get into off-road riding, a mountain bike may be the answer. A mountain bike can do road work also, just not as efficiently, but you have the ability to ride some more difficult off-road terrain should the need arise.

If you can, sit on a few bikes and feel the difference between a road bike, mountain bike and/or cyclo-cross bike. That may answer a few qusetions about the bikes for you also. Good luck, let me know if there is any other info you need.

Lemings · July 29th, 2005, 11:08 AM

I was actually intrested in the Allez before this post, The nearest bike shop is sadly, 60 miles away so I cant go and try out any bikes untill I make it up that way (But I will be sure to try different styles).

**pigperson** · July 29th, 2005, 03:00 PM

The Allez is a very nice bike.

**Brock Samson** · July 29th, 2005, 03:39 PM

I agree with pigperson (as usual) and would lean towards the Allez

Lemings · July 29th, 2005, 08:04 PM

Is their an online store or directory where you can browse different bikes and features? as I want to keep my choice open before I actually buy.

**pigperson** · July 29th, 2005, 10:19 PM

Each bike manufacturer has a website that has the specs on most of the current bikes offered, maybe even some 2006 models. Here are a couple of links for you:

http://www.specialized.com/

http://www.trekbikes.com/

http://www.raleighusa.com/

There are a lot more makers out there, just do a google search for their website.

Lemings · July 30th, 2005, 09:07 PM

I think I am pretty set on the Allez now, I will go to the nearest bike shop and try it out before I make my decision though, just anouther question... do road bikes in general, and the allez in particular climb steep hills pretty good? as that roads I will be riding on have plenty of hills.

**pigperson** · July 30th, 2005, 10:23 PM

Yes, the Allez will be a pretty good choice. It has an aluminum frame which will transfer a lot of power to the rear wheel. It also comes equipped with a triple chainring up front for those extremely steep sections you may encounter. And if you need lower gearing still, the rear cassette can also accomodate a 12-27 gear span (It has a 12-25 stock).

Lemings · August 2nd, 2005, 12:59 AM

I have decided to go with the Allez Elite Triple but am having trouble with the frame size, I did the measurment thing some on posted a few posts below and I am give or take a few cm 48 but am only seeing the frame sizes on most sites at 52-56cm would that make a big impact?

**pigperson** · August 2nd, 2005, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemings

I have decided to go with the Allez Elite Triple but am having trouble with the frame size, I did the measurment thing some on posted a few posts below and I am give or take a few cm 48 but am only seeing the frame sizes on most sites at 52-56cm would that make a big impact?

How tall are you? What is your inseam size?

BTW, very nice bike! What model year will you choose?

Lemings · August 2nd, 2005, 11:57 AM

I am around 5' 10 and inseem is 28 inches. I am not sure which year I will be going yet, the 04 is more in my price range, but am going to wait till the 06's come out to see how much the 05 models drop in price.