How to Choose Your Road Bike

How to choose your road bike. Well the first question is how much do you want to spend? Another question to consider is how much time will you have to ride your bike? The answer to the first question can be a tricky one. While some younger people such as students and those without established careers may have no other option than to buy an entry or mid-level bike, others with established incomes may feel that they need to buy the lightest fastest bike money can buy. Those on a tight budget will want to find the best deal they can so they can get the best bike for the money. Doing your homework by comparison shopping will pay off big when its time to pull the trigger. Those with money to burn should still consider what their motivation is and how much time will be spent riding. Sure its nice to have a sweet ride, but if you only have time for a one hour ride each week or won’t be competing in races, is it really necessary to spend thousands? Whatever your situation is, it helps to explore all of your options first.

Entry Level Bikes

Entry level bikes typically cost $700 or less.  They will more than likely have an aluminum frame with Shimano Sora or Campagnolo Athena components or a variety of cheaper components. These bikes will ride fairly well,  but won't be very light. They will usually be an 8 speed (16 total speeds) and will have standard non-aero wheels. This is a good place to start. At this level you are just looking for a brand with a good reputation at a low price, but at the same time isn’t bottom of the barrel. For instance Schwinn or Giant is a much better choice than Huffy. If you want a slightly better entry level bike, look for an aluminum frame with carbon forks and carbon rear triangle. If you are working on a budget this can be tricky. Buying a bike from an online retailer can usually save you some money and allow for the carbon fork/rear triangle option.  A superb entry level road bike is the Schwinn RS 5.0. It has an aluminum frame with carbon forks, carbon rear triangle, aero wheels and Shimano Sora group-set. This bike can be found at a great price at: http://www.slickbikes.com/product/schwinn-rs-50-road-bike-700c-wheels-64764

Mid Level, Touring and Possibly Racing

Mid level road bike are typically in the $700-$1,200 range. These bikes will be a little bit lighter, stiffer and handle better than the typical entry level bike. The frames will  usually be either aluminum or aluminum/carbon mixed. Components will usually be in the Shimno Tiagra/105 range and are typically 9 speed (18 total speeds). The wheels will be a little nicer and may include alloy semi-deep dish rims. A good mid level road bike like the Focus Variado 3.0 with carbon forks and Shimano Tiagra groupset can be found at a great price at: http://www.slickbikes.com/product/focus-variado-30-road-bike-us-exclusive-899

Top Level Bike For Racing and Pleasure

Top level bikes are usually in the $1,200 - $2,000 range. The components for this level of bike will usally be Campagnolo Veloce/Chorus or Shimano Ultegra/105 and are usually 9 or 10 speed (18-20 total speeds). The components at this level can inlude some carbon, such as the stem and seatpost. These bikes have frames that sometimes can be full carbon (depending on the deal). Full carbon frames are the choice of many competitive pros and top level amateurs. The reason is that full carbon frame bikes combine lightness and stiffness. This combination makes for a very responsive ride while at the same time not beating you up on rough roads. Wheels at this level bike can be deep dish alloy with fewer spokes which make them more aerodynamic. At this level bike you are looking more for quality and performance. It is still a tricky level  because there can be a fairly big level of difference in quality depending on the deal you get. A very nice Fuji Altamira 3.0 racing bike with carbon tubing and campagnolo veloce components can be found at a good price at: http://www.slickbikes.com/product/2011-fuji-altamira-30-road-bike-224999

Professional Level Bikes

Professional level road bikes are typically $2,000 and up. When you have the money to spend and want the best quality you want to look for the best brands. Colnago, Trek, Giant, De Rosa, Pinarello, Battaglin and Cervelo are some of the brands you will find at this level. These are professional road bike so they will have top end components (Shimano-Dura Ace, Campagnolo Record, Sram Rival, etc.), and will be 10 and 11 speeds (20 and 22 total speeds). Depending on how much you spend you can get an almost all carbon bike inluding components and wheels. These bikes are extremely light and stiff and can weigh in the
13-17 lb range. However, if you are looking for this type of machine, expect to pay upwards of $7,000 or more.  A very nice top of the line racing bike like the carbon fiber De Rosa Avant with Sram Rival components can be found at a great price at: http://slickbikes.com/product/de-rosa-avant-road-bikes-2999.

The Best Bike You Can Afford

You do usually get what you pay for, so get the best bike you can afford. Do your homework and comparison shop at your local bike shops then go on the web. But be careful. If you snag a nice ride at a great price your riding mates could get jealous! You can find a wide selection of the types of bikes mentioned here at the best prices at: http://www.slickbikes.com/.