Looking for road bike under $1,000. Have seen Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Specialized bikes. Recommendations plz.

Question

What things should I look for as a first time road bike buyer? How do the above named bikes compare? Thanks for any input you might have.

Answer 1

Hi sdmac,

When buying a bike I would say it is just as important to take stock of yourself as a rider as much as the bike.
What you want to do with the bike should, to some degree, dictate what type of bike you get.

Are you planning to do long rides or short rides?
Longer rides -> more comfortable bike

Are you planning on racing, non-competitive long distance, fitness or recreational?
The closer to the racing side of things the more agressive geometry you want, the closer to recreational, the more relaxed geometry you want.
That means when you seat on the bike, if you feel stretched out forward, that is "agressive", if you feel like you are seating upright, that is more "relaxed".

What is more impartant to you , to have super efficient bike or to feel more comfortable and not feel like the bike is rattling on the road?
Super efficient -> look for stiff on marketing bable
more comfortable -> look for plush or forgiving on market bable

The best bike for you depends on what your criteria is. Bikes from Trek, Giant and Cannondale are good. What I would definitely not get is a bike with Sora components as it would be hard to upgrade later. Cannondale tends to use the same frame for many bike models up and down the price category but they tend to be race geometry. What that means is that if you want to get a racing bike on the cheap you can buy the lower price model and get a good deal, but if you want a comfortable all day bike you'll be regretting it. "Better" frame there is only true if the criteria is that you want a race bike.
The best thing is for you to go to the local shop and test ride all the bikes you are considering.

I base my opinion on having owned 7 road bicycles on the last 5 years. I have aluminum, steel and titanium bikes. I don't have carbon because I don't trust it from a reliability standpoint. I have made plenty of modifications to my bikes and all have been to make it more comfortable (less agressive) like raising the handlebar to be closer in height to the saddle, or shortening the stem so i can be more upright. If you are not racing against someone else all road bikes are plenty fast enough.
Have fun

Answer 2

Personally, I prefer the Cannondale from the list above. The reason is that I feel that Cannondales in your price range share geometry and features with their super high end product line. When you compare to Trek and Specialized, you will see that the others use less aggressive geomotries on lower end bikes. You can always upgrade parts but a frame is more permanent. They are also very light and durable.

Answer 3

Go and test ride the cheapest carbon fiber bike that Giant makes. And go from there. I was a beginner cyclist back in 1982 and bought a steel framed bike,then aluminum,now carbon fiber. Will never go back to anything but carbon fiber.
They are very affordable and comfortable. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Well for one, Cannondales stink. It's no wonder why they are guaranteed for life. Because they crack all the time. I know most of us don't ride like pros, but in my mind, if a pro, like Magnus Backstedt, cracked 7 of their frames in 1 season, what would make you think they'll last 2 maybe 3 seasons of good riding. Long rides. Friends of mine have cracked their frames just to have them replaced and crack again. No good. We like to call them Crack n' Fales.
If you want to go with one of those bikes, go with the Specialized with at least Shimano Ultegra components. It will be pricey but....I guess kinda worth it.
My opinion, go Italian. They call it trash, but when it comes to cycling, they know their stuff. Colnago, Cinelli, Wilier Triestina, Pinarello....the best. Campagnolo components...the best.

Answer 5

Personally, the Trek 1000 is the best value for the price.

Answer 6

Thank you all for your replies and opinions.