newb cycling question...

[Xatrei]

First, some background: In the early / mid 80's, I had a midrange Trek road bike that I put tons of miles on with a local cycling club. While in college and again while in the military serving in Germany I had hybrid bikes that I used to get around. I haven't been on a non-stationary bike in 13 years, though, and I've not kept up on cycling at all during that time. Lately, I've been thinking of getting a bike for training on my non-run days (I run 3 days a week, about 20 miles total in 3 different workout modes). Basically, I'm looking for a decent starter bike that will be good for 60 to 90 minute, moderate intensity training rides 2 to 3 times a week. I'm not interested in competitive cycling or high performance, so I think my requirements for the bike are relatively modest.

I'm looking for some help on where to start. I know that I need a 54-55 cm frame for my build. I'm not opposed to buying used to get more bike for my dollar, so long as it's local (I don't like buying any kind of used equipment that I can't physically inspect first). There are several good, locally owned shops around here, but I want to expand my knowledge and narrow my options down some before going in and having a sales person trying to push me in one direction or another. I've been looking around at some bike review sites as a start, but most of what I've found has been focused on higher end bikes. I know several of you are quite knowledgeable in this area, so I figured that you guys might be able to help me out with some pointers or give a little direction on where to turn for solid info online. Any other information or suggestions are welcome. I've not set a budget yet, but I'm not looking to spend a fortune on a high end road bike. What should I be looking for in a starter bike? What are the "must haves" that I can't ignore, and what are some of the "gotchas" I need to be concerned about?

[noel]

Don't dare ask an easy question... When you get closer to something or have specifics, I'll try to give better answers, but for now I'll be brief.

Ummm...

I'd spend $2k minimum. That will get you a really nice bike that will last you at least 5 years, and suit you well even if you want to do a triathalon/century/whatever... if you decide to start competing, or doing more it'll be there for you.

2k will get you the Shimano Ultegra component group, which would be a minimum for me. Look for framesets that were on either previous top of the line models, or are common to some of the higher end models. Check out Trek, Orbea, Cannondale and Cervelo as far as brands go. Most inexpensive bikes save money on the wheels. Shitty wheels will need (more) frequent truing.

Also, remember you'll need to spend money on pedals (I prefer Speedplay), shoes (assuming you're getting clip-in pedals), a helmet (I recommend Giro, especially the Atmos), a new seat (try out a bunch), and at least two cycling 'outfits' which will probably run you about $200 each.

Finally, only buy from a place that will give you a custom fitting. You might know your frame size, but making sure the whole bike is fit (stem, seatpost, pedal length, bar width) for you is much better.

[Winnow]

Is there a point where it makes more sense to stop putting money into the bike and gear and spend it on upgrading leg waxing or shaving techniques?

Post a pic of the bike you're talking about Noel.

[noel]

Here's a cervelo... $2300

[Dregor Thule]

Sports forum that way!
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[noel]

Cervelo is made in Canada... just like Dregor!

As an aside, I too wondered why this isn't in the sports forum, but in an effort to help a fellow poster who's name is not Funkmasterr, I responded.

[Xatrei]

Noel - Thanks for the starter. Several of the bikes I've been looking at as I've been researching have had either 105 or Ultegra components. Having not kept up on this sort of stuff over the years, I was feeling a bit lost trying to familiarize myself with the options and settle on a budget. I'll be paring things down to more specific equipment (and questions) as I continue the process of (re)orienting myself with the options.

Dregor - The sports forum struck me as more of a spectator / fan oriented discussion area than one for discussing fitness and equipment matters. Kwon's forum has some fitness discussion, but is mostly oriented towards weight training and UFC kind of stuff (plus general Kwon randomness). Given this, I thought GD was the better spot for it, but if there was a fitness forum, I'd have certainly placed it there Mods can move the post if they want, I guess.