| Title: | Bicycling |
| Notice: | Bicycling for Fun |
| Moderator: | JAMIN::WASSER |
| Created: | Mon Apr 14 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 3214 |
| Total number of notes: | 31946 |
I'm in need of a new road bike and am very confused with the
options available to me. The bike I presently have is a ~10 year old
Centurion, heavy steel but has also done what I've wanted it to do.
The biking that I primarily do is "fast" recreational riding putting on
about 100 miles per week with alot of hills in the course / courses that
I ride. I try to do a century each month during the summer while I
hang up my bike for the ski season. Assuming that I have time
available in the foreseeable future, and that option may be available
to many of us, I'm hoping to do a major ride during the summer with my
daughter.
The problem that I'm having is trying to decide what kind of bike
to get and now that the sales are around us should I buy now. I've
pretty much settled in on getting the Shimano 105 series components, as
all I've been reading is very positive news about them. I was at
Nashbar last weekend and they had Nashbar bike for sale reduced to $420
from $490 with the 105 components, a "light" frame, and 12 speed . The
questions are: Is Nashbar products high quality? Is this type of bike
the type I should be looking for ? Are there other brands comparable,
without me spending significantly more ? Will I see and feel that much
difference with a new bike or maybe should I keep the one I have ?
Will 1991 new products be significantly better / different within my
price range ?
Al
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1796.1 | Weigh the quality of the frame in your factors. | IAMOK::FRERE | Ellas Danzan Solas | Thu Dec 06 1990 13:50 | 14 |
I would be careful with buying a Nashbar frame. No doubt that you will
be riding enough to warrant a good bike from the riding that you plan
on doing. I would, however, not solely focus on on components. If you
are on a budget, try to balance the frame quality as well. A better
choice, in my view, would be a Diamond Back (aka Centurion).
Chelmsford Cyclery is selling Diamond Back Expert bikes. This bike was
rated one of the top 10 (in its class) by Bicycling. The frame is much
better (TIG welded frame) and comes with Shimano RX100 which the
biggest difference with 105's is the color (the casting marks are
identical). The store is selling the bike for $460 which is comparable
in price but, overall, a better bike.
Eric
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| 1796.2 | GOBACK::FOX | Thu Dec 06 1990 14:01 | 13 | ||
I'll second the recommendation of RX100.
FWIW, I was in the same boat. Currently own a 10 year old Centurian,
looking to get into the current generation of bikes, etc...
I rode a few bikes, with a variety of frame materials, components,
etc, and really felt the RX100 was the best value. I did want a
quality frame - something I could hang upgraded components on if
I ever got the inkling (which I doubt).
I ended up buying a 90 Miyata CT3000. It's a carbon tubed frame
(aluminum rear and fork), with moderate racing angles. Weighs in
at 20 pounds as is. Swap the fork, and you could drop another 1/2
or so. Retails at $900.00, paid $600.00. Can't wait for Spring!
John
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| 1796.3 | EXPRES::HUI | Thu Dec 06 1990 16:49 | 11 | ||
Also look at the Cannondales, Bianchi, Myiata and so on. The more you
ride, the better feeling you have on your needs. For the milage you
ride, get a bike with a better quality frame. You can always upgrade
the components (Some catalog company sell a complete 105 shifting
system for about $100).
Good Luck,
dave
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