So, your friends are suddenly wearing an unhealthy amount of spandex, they've taken to shaving all their bodily hair, they're eating weird packets of goo, and they can't stop talking about their cadence. Strangely enough you want to be part of that awkward social club so you start looking at buying a road bike. With options ranging from a couple hundred bucks to over $10,000 there is a lot to consider when purchasing your first road bike. I've had more than a handful of friends or acquaintances ask for advice when entering the road bike market. Having owned four road bikes in the 10 years I've been cycling, I've learned a few things about purchasing a road bike.
Cost. Like most outdoor activities, cycling is expensive to get into. Sure there's the bike, but there is also padded shorts, clipless pedals, shoes, helmet, jersey, water bottles, computer, etc. While all these supplies add up, the bike is going to be your biggest cost. So, I always recommend setting a budget when purchasing a new bike. That'll help you have some parameters in place when you walk into the bike shop. Unless you can go in with an open wallet, identify what you want to spend and try to stick with it. Realize that the more you spend, generally, the better the quality of the bike. For an entry level road bike, expect to spend $800-$1200. You can do what I did and purchase a bike for $500 from ebay, but you'll quickly move on, so spend more money up front and save yourself the hassle of getting a second bike when your first one doesn't cut it.
Fit. Do not purchase your first road bike online. Sure there are sizing charts that recommend sizes, and bikes have gone to a small, medium, large format to ease riders into picking a size, but go to your local bike shop. You'll benefit from their knowledge, they'll be the people you take the bike into when it needs to be serviced, and you'll make some buddies. A quality bike shop with have you get on a bike and they'll measure you to fit you to a proper bike. This could be a longer stem or crank, adjusting your seat fore or aft, or simply raising your seat. Regardless, getting a quality fit will make a world of difference. I know because I bought a beautiful carbon bike because it was an absurd deal. The guy didn't want the bike anymore and just wanted it gone, I lucked out and knew him so it fell into my lap. Problem was the fit. After two fit sessions, new pedals, and shims in my shoes I finally didn't have knee pain on rides over 50 miles. Save yourself the cost and headache by going to a bike shop, getting a fit, and purchasing a bike there.
Components. For the sake of this topic I'm not going to include wheels when discussing the components. I will be honest, my experience is mainly with Shimano group sets (derailleur, brakes, shifters, may include cassette, chain, and crank as well), Rolf Prima wheels, along with FSA and Cane Creek components. In riding with guys who use SRAM components, there is no real difference that I can tell. I prefer Shimano because it is what I know, and my Ultegra set came in black so that was a slam dunk for me. Realize most bike manufacturers are using the same groupsets so the difference you're likely paying is for the frame. Assuming you're like most riders, a Shimano 105 gruppo is adequate for your needs. I know of a bike, I was the second owner before selling to a friend, that has 105s on it and is still racking up the miles. I opted for a bike with Ultegra because I was able to obtain pro pricing. Had I not received that discount, I'd be riding 105s today. If you're going to ride regularly I wouldn't go below 105, which is the advice I received when I first started cycling. Like I said above, I bought a cheap bike on eBay and after several hundred miles I upgraded and noticed a huge difference. Unless you're riding very casually, with kids, or commuting I wouldn't dip below 105.
Carbon vs aluminum. I've owned both carbon, aluminum, and steel road bikes. They all have their pros and cons, which will be largely based on you and your style of riding, along with the terrain. Generally speaking, I recommend new riders get an aluminum frame road bike, with a carbon fork. Since you're new to cycling start off with something less costly that requires much less attention. Now, you'll be able to purchase a carbon bike with 105 for around $2000, while an aluminum bike in Ultegra will run around $1500. So, you've got to decide what you value if you're on a budget. Some of my cycling friends ride 105 equipped, full carbon bikes while I ride an aluminum with Ultegra, upgraded wheels, carbon bars, and a carbon seat-post. All my modification still cost less than their bikes cost them new.
Wheels. Next to the group-set I think wheels are the biggest thing that new riders will ignore. Simply because new riders don't have the experience and won't know the difference a good set of wheels can make. I love Rolf Prima wheels. Riding buddies have used them for longer than I've been riding, and with no complaints. A friend blew a spoke on a Rolf wheel and we couldn't believe the customer service that they offered. I purchased an entry level set of Rolfs and have noticed a huge difference with them. I love the way they feel in a sprint, and they are incredibly durable. Now, if you have afford to upgrade your wheels do it. It is usually the most efficient way to reduce weight while increasing efficiency on a bike. It took me years to upgrade my wheels, and I regret not doing it sooner.
Pedals. These do NOT come with the bike, at least, not clipless pedals. Clipless pedals are like ski bindings for a bike. You wear a special shoe with a cleat that clips (read locks) into the pedal, which allows you to push and pull as you stroke the pedal. I have used Speedplay and SPD pedals and I've come to prefer the SPD. I feel that they improve my technique because they have minimal float (how much your cleat moves while in the pedal). Pedals are a personal preference, but please do your homework here. Like everything else there are pros and cons to nearly all systems. I currently use the Shimano 105 pedals, and have since completing my first Ironman distance race.
Brand. Just as driving a Porsche or Audi won't make you a better drive, riding a Cervelo or Pinarello won't make you a better cyclist. When you're starting out, focus more on the fit and ensuring the bike meets your needs. Brand should be one of the last things you worry about, in my opinion. I know Cat 2 guys that ride off brand full carbon bikes, and blow me out of the water on wheelsets I've never seen before. What I'm trying to say is the brand is far less important, in my opinion, than a lot of people may think. Sure some companies have been building road bikes longer than others, but when you go to upgrade you can start worry about names.
So, if you're looking for a road bike, go visit your local bike shop and see what they have to offer. I'm confident that they'll be able to provide you with a lot more expertise than I have here. Once you've purchased a bike please be sure to learn the cycling rules of the road, and stay safe while riding. Cycling is a great sport and one that can be enjoyed with clubs and groups. Look for no drop groups when starting out and go join the fun.
Fit. Do not purchase your first road bike online. Sure there are sizing charts that recommend sizes, and bikes have gone to a small, medium, large format to ease riders into picking a size, but go to your local bike shop. You'll benefit from their knowledge, they'll be the people you take the bike into when it needs to be serviced, and you'll make some buddies. A quality bike shop with have you get on a bike and they'll measure you to fit you to a proper bike. This could be a longer stem or crank, adjusting your seat fore or aft, or simply raising your seat. Regardless, getting a quality fit will make a world of difference. I know because I bought a beautiful carbon bike because it was an absurd deal. The guy didn't want the bike anymore and just wanted it gone, I lucked out and knew him so it fell into my lap. Problem was the fit. After two fit sessions, new pedals, and shims in my shoes I finally didn't have knee pain on rides over 50 miles. Save yourself the cost and headache by going to a bike shop, getting a fit, and purchasing a bike there.
Components. For the sake of this topic I'm not going to include wheels when discussing the components. I will be honest, my experience is mainly with Shimano group sets (derailleur, brakes, shifters, may include cassette, chain, and crank as well), Rolf Prima wheels, along with FSA and Cane Creek components. In riding with guys who use SRAM components, there is no real difference that I can tell. I prefer Shimano because it is what I know, and my Ultegra set came in black so that was a slam dunk for me. Realize most bike manufacturers are using the same groupsets so the difference you're likely paying is for the frame. Assuming you're like most riders, a Shimano 105 gruppo is adequate for your needs. I know of a bike, I was the second owner before selling to a friend, that has 105s on it and is still racking up the miles. I opted for a bike with Ultegra because I was able to obtain pro pricing. Had I not received that discount, I'd be riding 105s today. If you're going to ride regularly I wouldn't go below 105, which is the advice I received when I first started cycling. Like I said above, I bought a cheap bike on eBay and after several hundred miles I upgraded and noticed a huge difference. Unless you're riding very casually, with kids, or commuting I wouldn't dip below 105.
Carbon vs aluminum. I've owned both carbon, aluminum, and steel road bikes. They all have their pros and cons, which will be largely based on you and your style of riding, along with the terrain. Generally speaking, I recommend new riders get an aluminum frame road bike, with a carbon fork. Since you're new to cycling start off with something less costly that requires much less attention. Now, you'll be able to purchase a carbon bike with 105 for around $2000, while an aluminum bike in Ultegra will run around $1500. So, you've got to decide what you value if you're on a budget. Some of my cycling friends ride 105 equipped, full carbon bikes while I ride an aluminum with Ultegra, upgraded wheels, carbon bars, and a carbon seat-post. All my modification still cost less than their bikes cost them new.
Wheels. Next to the group-set I think wheels are the biggest thing that new riders will ignore. Simply because new riders don't have the experience and won't know the difference a good set of wheels can make. I love Rolf Prima wheels. Riding buddies have used them for longer than I've been riding, and with no complaints. A friend blew a spoke on a Rolf wheel and we couldn't believe the customer service that they offered. I purchased an entry level set of Rolfs and have noticed a huge difference with them. I love the way they feel in a sprint, and they are incredibly durable. Now, if you have afford to upgrade your wheels do it. It is usually the most efficient way to reduce weight while increasing efficiency on a bike. It took me years to upgrade my wheels, and I regret not doing it sooner.
Pedals. These do NOT come with the bike, at least, not clipless pedals. Clipless pedals are like ski bindings for a bike. You wear a special shoe with a cleat that clips (read locks) into the pedal, which allows you to push and pull as you stroke the pedal. I have used Speedplay and SPD pedals and I've come to prefer the SPD. I feel that they improve my technique because they have minimal float (how much your cleat moves while in the pedal). Pedals are a personal preference, but please do your homework here. Like everything else there are pros and cons to nearly all systems. I currently use the Shimano 105 pedals, and have since completing my first Ironman distance race.
Brand. Just as driving a Porsche or Audi won't make you a better drive, riding a Cervelo or Pinarello won't make you a better cyclist. When you're starting out, focus more on the fit and ensuring the bike meets your needs. Brand should be one of the last things you worry about, in my opinion. I know Cat 2 guys that ride off brand full carbon bikes, and blow me out of the water on wheelsets I've never seen before. What I'm trying to say is the brand is far less important, in my opinion, than a lot of people may think. Sure some companies have been building road bikes longer than others, but when you go to upgrade you can start worry about names.
So, if you're looking for a road bike, go visit your local bike shop and see what they have to offer. I'm confident that they'll be able to provide you with a lot more expertise than I have here. Once you've purchased a bike please be sure to learn the cycling rules of the road, and stay safe while riding. Cycling is a great sport and one that can be enjoyed with clubs and groups. Look for no drop groups when starting out and go join the fun.