In the market for a road bike...what's my first step?

step 1: go test ride multiple brand bikes so you can figure out which one's geometry fits you best.

What is your intention with the bike? Trying out cycling, group riding, triathlons???

If you're new to cycling, I would go to a decent local bike shop and get fitted to a certain frame. Once you know your fit, I would start off with something used off of craigslist or ebay. If you continue to ride or get more involved in cycling, resell the old one and upgrade. No point in dropping a few thousand if it's something that doesn't stick.

I'd go to the one on Florida @ Airline next to Cullen's Babyland. They're much less likely to rip you off then most of the other shops.

Also, if you're goint to be riding on BR streets, especially around LSU, you're going to want a bike with shocks and mountain-bike tires.

If you're into serious cycling with the intent of doing bike races, then get a street bike or a racing bike.

I'm just doing it for fitness reasons. I have no aspirations for competition.

I think a used bike will be just fine for my needs and then I can upgrade components if I stick with it. I suppose my main concern was wondering if a bike shop would spend the time with me if I have no intention on buying something new from them.

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I'm just doing it for fitness reasons. I have no aspirations for competition.

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what exactly does "geometry" mean in regards to the bike?

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some bikes designed for racing have a very tight geometry that will kill your back on long rides. while these bikes are designed to go fast, they are not the type you're looking for. given your comments above, you definitely want a more relaxed geometry that will allow you to ride for hours in comfort.

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I think a used bike will be just fine for my needs and then I can upgrade components if I stick with it

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***WARNING WARNING***

you need to be careful here. most road bike groups from the big 3 (shimano, campagnolo, SRAM) have moved from 9-cog cassettes to 10-cogs in the last 6-10 years and now most groups have moved to 11(!) cog cassettes.

what this means, is you might find a great 2005 bike with 9-cog components, then as soon as a shifter goes out, you are screwed or stuck paying OUT THE NOSE on ebay for a replacement part.

a $500 used bike with good components isnt always the best deal.

to further illustrate my point, if you found a 9-speed bike and the right (rear) shifter went out, you'd have to do the following:

- buy a new 10 speed cassette
- buy a new rear derailleur
- buy TWO new shifters (you can't typically just buy one)
- possibly need a new thinner chain designed for 10 cogs


you're looking at more than $500 just to 'fix' your issue.

also 9-speed shift levers are getting pretty fragile these days and shimano can't be rebuilt...believe me i'm a cheap bastard and I TRIED.

compounding the issue is the fact both the braking and the shifting are incorporated into the shifters now making these the most $$$$ part of the bike..and most subject to breakage.

so keep that in mind when searching craigslist.

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Find a used bike with a 10 cog cassette?

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yes. *if* you're going with a true road bike.

parts will be much cheaper and readily available.

eta 105 (if shimano) is fine. you don't need ultegra or dura ace to have a great road bike.

in fact, tiagra is actually fine (a step down from tiagra)

i'm not a fan of campy. i owned a RECORD component group and had a record number of problems :rimshot:

likewise with SRAM. while they've come a long way and the current components are fantastic....if you're buying used you never know what you're going to get.

in short..look for shimano on a used bike.

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Sorry for the dumb questions but I'm really a novice.

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no problem. that's why we're here.

you have lots of different kinds of bikes:

- road bikes - drop handlebars, skinny wheels..what you see on the sides of the road with the spandex wearing freaks..also triathlon/time trial bikes fall under this category <-- probably least comfortable for general fitness..at least starting out.

- mountain bikes..you are 'sitting up'; straight handlebar in the front, big knobby tires like a jeep. mainly for off road use but can be ridden on the road..typically have a big shock in the front and/or a shock in the back as well. <-- better for general fitness

- hybrid bikes - typically a cross between mtn & road; wider tires but still slick for roads but not really the best at road riding or offroad..a compromise. (i spew hybrids out of my mouth ) <-- probably the best for general fitness

- cruisers/townnies - a casual day a the beach or to scoot around downtown.

- fixies <--- GAAAAY! these dont allow you to stop pedalling because its a fixed gear but all the douchebag hipsters ride them..you can tell because they usually have GREEN wheels or BLUE wheels or some shite like that and the guy riding it looks anorexic.**


**fixies <> single speed bikes. single speed bikes allow you to coast & brake. fixies basically turn when you turn the pedals and stop when you stop which is what makes them dangerous.

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I have a Specialized Sirrus and I would recommend it to anyone. Best road bike for under 500 out there

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I have a Specialized also (paid about $500 too) and agree, it rocks!!!

Any recommendations for shops around Baton Rouge?