Newb Road biker - recommendations?

[Laxrappa11]

im just starting to get into road biking, never owned a road bike before. my dad is an avid cyclist has been for about 30 years, we checked out the Jamis Ventura Sport yesterday and damn that thing felt great. i also tried a steel frame but did not like it much it felt too heavy. tried the specialized entry level road bike as well but it was more expensive and i didnt like it as much as the jamis ventura sport.

[The Golden Boy]

I'd do a whole lot of reading and thinking of what you want out of your bike and your abilities.

[Jerrod]

There's also the perspective that says 'think a little bit about what you want to do, then go buy a relatively affordable bike (say $1000 or less new, or perhaps used for even less) that fits you and ride the hell out of it for a year or two. Then buy the bike you decide fits your needs the best.'

[fast ricky love]

If you can find a used bike with a frame/stem/componentry that fits you you'll save thousands.

[Pyramid Pajamas]

Research the various frame materials to get an idea how each behaves. Get fitted!! Make sure the bike fits you. Don't get entry level components, get at least a competant groupo (e.g., Shimano 105 or SRAM Apex). A good heart rate monitor/cyclocomputer are a huge benefit.

When you figure out what bike would best fit your needs....buy used!

[Florbastang]

What's your budget? If you can go up to $1000, you'll have a lot more options (and much nicer bikes) than the very entry level (~$600).

[coldfingaz]

Originally Posted by Florbastang

What's your budget? If you can go up to $1000, you'll have a lot more options (and much nicer bikes) than the very entry level (~$600).

This is very true... the options really open up at around $1000, but you can get something pretty decent for under $600 or so if your budget is fixed.

Take your time, do plenty of research to assure you get the right type of bike for your planned use & try to buy from a local/reputable shop if you can. Small shops typically try harder to make sure you're happy with the type & fit, etc.

Just rode my hybrid this morning for my longest ride of the season so far... felt great, but I know I'll be feeling it later!

[TheGuildedAge]

Find a good bike shop too. Mine has been instrumental in proper fitting and repairs that are beyond me. You may pay a bit more than online, but the end result is worth it to me.

[nek]

You'll find a lot of bikes on sale right now. This may look like an opportunity. It is. It's an opportunity make decisions you will regret. Like buying a bike with the wrong size cause its 50% off. Like buying an unobtanium frame combined with the cheapest groupo and wheels ever made. The difference in frame weight is small when compared to total weight of bike and rider. I agree with the rest here, take your time, make sure you know what you want and get fitted.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by fast ricky love

If you can find a used bike with a frame/stem/componentry that fits you you'll save thousands.

+1

It will be a while before you really know what you want and how much bike you need. This is a great time to buy a hardly used pre owned bike.

[angryrooster]

Find a bike shop that will find the right size and will fit you to the bike. Road bikes are not 1 size fits all and a good fitting will make riding so much more enjoyable. That and get a good seat and a good pair of bibs. Your taint and prostate will thank you for it. Oh, and ride like every driver on earth is out to kill you. Get those right, and its a blast. I love it.