Which is a better value road bike?
This is fitnessmemacoach’s husband. I’m 6’5″ and 200lbs. with 6% body fat. I really wanted a Trek, but just visited my local dealer and they showed me the Cannondale line of bikes? Another dealer showed me the Trek Madones. The madones started at $2000 and up and the Cannondales started at $800 and up. Price is a factor being that I’m a beginner and just want to ride. I’m not training for a event, or a tour just want to ride 50 to 100 miles in comfort. Cannondales low end model is alluminum, and then step up to both alluminum and carbon together, and Trek Madones are mostly carbon frames.
Price is a factor but I’m willing to wait and save up for a Madone if it’s worth it. Once again I just want to ride for fitness. I just want what is best for my needs, please help. The Tour de France has inspired me to start biking. Specialized Bikes is another option.
This is a lot of questions rolled into one. I’ll start with frame materials. Carbon is great, and I’ve been riding it for years. I do not, however, like dissimilar materials (like aluminum with carbon rear stays), especially for a rider of 200 pounds or more. If you are young enough to tolerate an aluminum bike just buy an all-aluminum frame. That’s where you’ll find the best overall buys.
I also like titanium and steel. Again, too much for a brief Yahoo answer. Take a look at Sheldon Brown’s article on frame materials below.
I tend to be budget driven. I just put a young man, a guy your size, but heavier, who was a college football player, into a bike for only $800 delivered, from Bikes Direct (link below). He’s very happy with it.
Don’t wait. Buy a budget bike this season and upgrade a year or two out. If you become a serious rider you’ll want to keep a “beater” bike anyway.
I don’t care what anyone else tells you. The most important part on a bicycle is the motor. You get it: that’s you. A strong rider on a modest bike can kick a lot of rear with no apologies.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve owned 3 top-end OCLV Treks and have a Cannondale in my garage right now. They are fine bikes, but online purchasing can’t be beat if your budget is tight.
Get a bike and get out there and ride!
Ben
Model Railroad Tour W/ narration.
