Road Bikes

[Honey Badger282.8]

I find myself riding on more pavement than dirt these days and a full-suspension mountain bike with knobby tires is getting old. I'm looking at buying my first road bike while I'm on here in California for work and could use some opinions and knowledge from a few riders. Budget is around $7-800 and I'm okay with a used bike. Craigslist is pretty barren but there are a few shops out here that have some used bikes and a new one that seems promising.

Used:
2011 GT GTR SRS 1 - Asking $850
Al Frame
Carbon Fork
Ultegra Groupset

2007 Douglas by Colorado Cyclist - Asking $1000 (I'd have to see if he's willing to come down in price)
Ti Frame
Carbon Fork
Ultegra Groupset

New:
2015 KHS Flite 450 - $820 OTD incl tax
Al Frame
Carbon Fork & Seat Post
Tiagra Goupset
Mechanical Disc Brakes

Has anyone had experience with online vendors? Bikes Direct seems to have a decent following if you're not concerned with a name brand. A few bikes fit my price range and have decent build sheets.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...road-bikes.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ntnoir_xii.htm

A buddy recommended mybikeshop.com for buying used bikes online, any experience with the vendor?

[Musashi]

If you are a little mechanically inclined then the bikes from bikesdirect.com are a good value. Some shops may not work on them but more and more are coming to the realization that more people buy gear online because it is cheaper - go figure that one out!

The only thing I would tell you is go to a shop and get an idea of what size bike you need. As is top tube length, etc. as every manufacturer does things a little differently in that area.

Craig's list should have more gear showing up as people transition to winter sports, kinda like now is a good time to buy a motorcycle as the days get shorter and cooler.
Anyways for your budget you are going to be getting a so-so (new) road bike. Probably as aluminum frame and if you are lucky Shimano 105 components.

Sorry can't help you out with mybikeshop.com as I have never heard of them. There is a guy in the metro area, bike broker or something that sells used also.

Good luck!

[BushMasterBoy]

I have a Trek 330. Rode it a few times, probably less than a 100 miles. Bought it used. Steel frame. I got about $175 into it. Google it. If you like it, and it fits, $75 for you. There are two listed on Ebay right now asking between $400 and $600. I have the clipless shoes to go with it too. It was a great bike on the paved trail along I-70 in Glenwood Springs. I haven't ridden it since 2005. Lemme know if you are interested. Maybe you can resell it...

[KestrelBike]

One thing to think about for that first bike is that from what I've heard multiple times, carbon components should be replaced every 5-7 years if they're load-bearing. So that's frames, but most especially the forks. Since it's a 2011 bike, that means that the forks are at least 5 years old and may be due for a replacement, which could quickly cost ~$130+.

[Honey Badger282.8]

I have a Trek 330. Rode it a few times, probably less than a 100 miles. Bought it used. Steel frame. I got about $175 into it. Google it. If you like it, and it fits, $75 for you. There are two listed on Ebay right now asking between $400 and $600. I have the clipless shoes to go with it too. It was a great bike on the paved trail along I-70 in Glenwood Springs. I haven't ridden it since 2005. Lemme know if you are interested. Maybe you can resell it...

Thanks but I'm out in CA for four months or I might be interested.

One thing to think about for that first bike is that from what I've heard multiple times, carbon components should be replaced every 5-7 years if they're load-bearing. So that's frames, but most especially the forks. Since it's a 2011 bike, that means that the forks are at least 5 years old and may be due for a replacement, which could quickly cost ~$130+.

I've read that too in my research but I've also seen it mentioned that it was more of a rule of thumb for older bikes. It seems like there are two camps on this, which only adds to my confusion.

http://cyclingtips.com/2015/08/what-...-carbon-frame/

[SSChameleon]

I haven't used bikedirect, but a few friends have. If you are comfortable building up a bike and checking all components then its not a bad way to go. For used, the things to check:
Drive Train. If you have the tool to check chain wear, take it with you. If the chain is very stretched it means the rings are likely worn. Drivetrain replacement on the road bike can get expensive. If you don't have the tool to check shift the bike into the big ring up front. Pull up on the chain on the front on of the cog. If you can pull up and expose the entire tooth below, the chain is very worn. If you can pull up a little but the tooth is not fully exposed, then you are good.

Check for crash damage. Look at the top tube, especially where it connects to the head tube. Any cracks/bulges? If so, it probably left on the rack on top of the car when they pulled into the garage. Check the quick release for significant scratches/deep gouges from high speed contact with asphalt. Give the tires a spin to see if they are true. If it's quick release, pull the seat post and look for signs of water/rust (if it's a steel or alloy frame). Take a size 4 and 5 allen wrench. See if the bolts that hold the water bottles can move or if they have rusted in place.

[SNAFU]

Not a big Ti or Carbon fan,,just a dinosaur, steel frame rider.
CA? Soma Fabrications,,Jones,,, ,,REI has some good bikes plus get a dividend.
My Surly Ogre has Schwallable Mondials,,also look at Schwallable Fat Franks.
Continental,, has some good tires too.
Maybe easier to get new "road" tire,,,,if the bike fits,,rides good

Surly Long Haul Disk Trucker,current ride.,,Disk brakes,,

[KestrelBike]

A word on tires: I've found that if something is going to puncture it, it doesn't matter how nice the tire is. I stopped buying the $60/pop continental gators and just buy whatever performance has on sale for <$20/each. They seem to last me just as long.

[Rucker61]

Performance Bike has Fuji carbon road bikes on sale right now, with a 20% points bonus if you're a member. There are some pretty nice bikes in your price point, and you can make sure you get your size.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

If you are in the $700 - $800 range, I'd seriously skip anything carbon. $0.02
I've done > 100 miles on aluminum many times over, so you'll survive and you obviously aren't competing.

In that range, if you can't find a closeout somewhere - yeah, I'd do bikesdirect, I'd do aluminum, and the best components you can get. That's just me.

FWIW, I ride carbon on nice long rides in the mtns, but I race and train on aluminum.


Edit: By "nice components" I'd say 105/Rival is sort of the minimum I'd go. Triple that if used...