Well I have been cruising around on a cheap Walmart type cruiser  that weighs a ton for the last month since I started my fitness training. Today I decided it was time to upgrade and I went down to out local Bike Shop and picked up a TREK 1000C.


Man what a difference, I was able to almost double my ride time with the only thing bothering me being the gnads. I am going to have to find some padding or something to aleviate the boys. I have never had a bike that was more than $100.00. This bike is really nice and the people at the bike shop were very kind to me since I don't know squat about road bikes. They measured and adjusted everything to fit my frame. It was an overall great experience except for the hit to the wallet. It was a good end to stressful day at work.

So how mich $$$$

$660.00+ Tax+helmet +air Pump+Bike Lock, Damn near $800.00 Before I could get out the door.

No regrets though. It's for my health

Not a bad deal at all.    Be careful, you will ride this bike for a year or so, then the addiction sets in for a more upgraded bike. Just like black rifle disease.

As far as comfort goes, are you wearing bike shorts? If you are not, I would suggest not skimping on the shorts. Get the best ones you can.  You definetly get what you pay for.
You may also have experiment with different saddles too. I spent quite a few $$$ before I found the right one for me.

Enjoy your bike!  

Bike shorts...

If you are logging any amount of time in the saddle, get a few good pairs of bike shorts.

As you have experienced, there really is a BIG difference between a department store bike and a decent road bike.  

Be safe, and get yourself a set of clipless pedals and shoes next.

Thanks for the replys. I will be stopping at lunch to see about getting some bike shorts. I will have to pace the expendetures out over time to remain married. Not unlike the way I manage my BRD disease.

Here's a little bike porn, for all you roadies...



My Cervelo cost more than the car I drive.  

I've managed to battle BRD and RBD (road bike disease), and still remain married.  Good Luck.

edit to fix the picture

I just rebuilt my c1989 Cannondale Road Race 3.0 (aluminum frame)
She's still pretty light compared to today's bikes (but not the composite ones)
and she goes even faster now, I put some high psi Vittoria racing tires on her

Quoted: Here's a little bike porn, for all you roadies... i14.photobucket.com/albums/a309/illigb/cervelo.jpg My Cervelo cost more than the car I drive.   I've managed to battle BRD and RBD (road bike disease), and still remain married.  Good Luck. edit to fix the picture

I'll raise you one Cervelo.  Bummed though because I am going to have to swap bars to get something I can mount aerobars on for my next race.

Quoted: I'll raise you one Cervelo.  Bummed though because I am going to have to swap bars to get something I can mount aerobars on for my next race.

Doggonit...  mine came with bullhorns, aerobars and bar end shifters.  I was doing more road riding than tri-ing, so I took it to the LBS to swap the setup out with Ultegra STIs.

Nice looking ride...  

Man those are nice. I am ashamed to admit that I used to make fun of people that spent this kind of money on bicycles. I am falling pretty hard. Monday I will get some bike shorts and one of those digital trip meters that read mileage, elapsed time and whatever else they do. (any suggestions one this piece of electronics would be appreciated) Soon I will want the spare tire kit with the mini pump, although I am not sure how difficult it is to change one of these type tires.
I just got of mine for my second ride. I am really enjoying it. I haven't been able to get by the Bike shop to get the shorts, but I found some of my spandex type support undershorts and that took care of the previous problem I was experiencing with the boys. I am hoping that my ass gets used to the saddle cause it hurts right now. I am only riding every other day trying to give my body a chance to get used to it.

Quoted: Man those are nice. I am ashamed to admit that I used to make fun of people that spent this kind of money on bicycles. I am falling pretty hard. Monday I will get some bike shorts and one of those digital trip meters that read mileage, elapsed time and whatever else they do. (any suggestions one this piece of electronics would be appreciated) Soon I will want the spare tire kit with the mini pump, although I am not sure how difficult it is to change one of these type tires. I just got of mine for my second ride. I am really enjoying it. I haven't been able to get by the Bike shop to get the shorts, but I found some of my spandex type support undershorts and that took care of the previous problem I was experiencing with the boys. I am hoping that my ass gets used to the saddle cause it hurts right now. I am only riding every other day trying to give my body a chance to get used to it.

The 'boys' will get used to it.  All it takes is seat time, and a few good pairs of bike shorts.

Tires are not too bad to change.  Count on getting a flat at the worst possible time.  I do not go out on a ride without my pump, spare intertube, and a patch kit.  All that stows in wedge pack under the seat.

Bike computers can vary tremendously in price.  Just starting off, I'd get a real basic one.  Time, time-of-ride, MPH, etc...  The one I have on my bike (pictured above) monitors and displays more things than I care to know.  You should be able to get one for <$20 to do what you need.

I'm getting ready right now to head out for about an 80 mile ride with a few friends.  All gun nuts and bike nuts.  Resistance is futile...

illigb

Thanks for the reply and enjoy your ride. I am looking forward to tomorrows ride.

Good to see their are some fellow roadies here.  I ride a Cannondale R500 and love it.   I need to work on my speed and endurance but road biking is fun!

Max

Quoted: Good to see their are some fellow roadies here.  I ride a Cannondale R500 and love it.   I need to work on my speed and endurance but road biking is fun! Max

Dang--I'm in Heaven!  Bikes and black rifles.hrow
I'm riding a '99 Cannondale R800 w/105.  I might be crossing over to the dark side and refitting her with Campy Centaur.  

Buy AMD:  Because sex should be slow and hot, not your CPU.

Trey

Let's see some OLD school rides now! I discovered my  1985 Circuit at the bottom of a useless pile of junk and thought about what great memories I had riding in the mid to late 80's. My bitchin Greg LeMond Brancale shoes are splitting right around where my Look pedal binders are on the shoe so I guess those will have to go. What are you all recommending for shoes these days?

Quoted: Let's see some OLD school rides now! I discovered my  1985 Circuit at the bottom of a useless pile of junk and thought about what great memories I had riding in the mid to late 80's. My bitchin Greg LeMond Brancale shoes are splitting right around where my Look pedal binders are on the shoe so I guess those will have to go. What are you all recommending for shoes these days?

I am using my first pair of Sidi shoes now and wonder why I never got there earlier.  I have used Look, Northwave, Carnac, and others.  The Sidis are pretty high end though and were pricey, but they fit like a custom glove on my slightly narrow feet.

Yeah I have slightly narrow feet too so I'll try some Sidi's too. That's where I was leaning anyway. I'm desperately needing to shed 20 lbs in about a month and hoping for my bike to be the salvation point.