The Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer

DawnB · Member

Bike for a Newbie

wheelz3333 · Member

Another site that sometimes has a deal or two is pinkbike.com.

ricky · Veteran Member

I have a bike I did the 2009 ride on. It's a steel frame Specialized Allez and I put $400 into it last year. I ended up buying a new bike for 2010 that was too good of a deal to pass up. I was going to use it for commuting in Toronto but it's not right for that. I'm 6'2 and it was a great bike for me although used rather sparingly.

If you are interested reply in the forum and we'll try and hook up.

DawnB · Member

Hey Ricky,

Thanks for your message. How much would you be looking to get for it?

Thanks,
Dawn

twinpro · Veteran Member

How tall are you Chase? Have you been fit for a road bike? Are you sure that you need a 50 or 52cm frame?

DawnB · Member

I would consider trying a hybrid. I bought my Gary Fisher Kaitai on sale in the fall (mid October) for just over 500 (down from 750) and found it to be a very comfortable ride. Other than a bit of sore knees for a day after the ride I was good to go. I put some slicks on it and was able to finish the km ride in just over 6hrs each day and that's with stopping at all pit stops.

We've been doing alot of browsing around the bike shops in the area (Neworld, Bicycle Works, Brant Cycle) and have found them all to be willing to help a bunch of browsers (well, okay, droolers -- those cervelos sure do look pretty -- one can dream, right! lol).

I've also had awesome service at my own shop, Freewheel Cycle, in Dundas. Being very new to the sport, it's good to find a place you can trust and free, basic tune-ups for the life of your bike doesn't hurt either.

twinpro · Veteran Member

If you're getting a Specialized, get a Roubaix or an Allez. And you are wasting money if you spend $4000 on your bike. You won't gain anything spending that much versus a $1500 bike. You're paying for stiffness and better components - not comfort. Some riders gain but based on what you've written you won't. You need to work up to that bike - and you need to ride a lot to get the most out of it.

Also keep in mind you'll need to get pedals and shoes on top of the cost of the bike. And if you're spending $4000 on a bike, you should spend another $600 on shoes + pedals.

And if you're set on spending $4000 on your bike, you should get a Vitess. Check them out at http://www.vitess.com.

-- Edited by twinpro on Sunday 4th of July 2010 12:42:51 AM

SilverFox · Senior Member

I think you're looking at the wrong bike. A Triathlon bike is designed for speed over comfort and are generally not used for 100km rides let alone 160km. The pros only use the Triathlon style for time trials - which are usually last under an hour. And the Allez series starts at under $1000.

Given your previous comments about Pieriks you should consider other options. Consider Trek 1 series, Jamis Ventura, Giant Defy, Kona Zing. All are priced below the Transitions Triathlon A1 Elite. And don't buy without riding the frame.

jules18 · Member

If price is a factor and time isn't wait until the winter or early spring of next year to pick one up. I ended up saving at least 25% because I took one of the "last years stock" off their hands.

And Chase, I'm also in Hamilton, have you looked at Scatalon cycle up on the mountain?

That's where I got my bike, they cut me an awesome deal, and they do have some affordable bikes. They also have used bikes and the lady that sold me my bike was awesome to deal with.

-- Edited by jules18 on Monday 5th of July 2010 07:27:25 PM

ricky · Veteran Member

Dawn, sorry it took so long to respond. I haven't had time to think about it, but it would be more than $200. Let me figure out what it's worth and I'll let you know.

SMOKE14 · Senior Member

Dawn,

Please email me at work (Steve's Cycle Paths).

Thanks,
Dave

-- Edited by SMOKE14 on Tuesday 6th of July 2010 12:10:26 PM

SilverFox · Senior Member

Have a good summer Chase. Many of us will be taking breaks, doing all those things we neglected while fundraising and training.

After following your story for months, I do feel a need to make a few comments.

First of all, I am really impressed by what you have accomplished given the many challenges you have faced. You're dedication to honouring the promise made to your brother is nothing short of admirable

However....

The ride is not about you. My advice is to tone down your back story. Don't push it at people, try to draw them in. Too much uninvited information can work against you and could possibly come across as pity-seeking or begging. If someone wants to know more, they will ask, otherwise you will be tuned out. Attention spans are short, hone your message down to a single paragraph - and focus on the positive and the future. Not the past, not the negative. Same goes for the Youtube video.

Take your time in finding a new bike. Wherever you go, tell them exactly what you want to do. Be open minded, don't get so set on the Allez. It's a fine bike but given the comments about Pieriks, find another dealer even if it means another brand. Used is another option. Selling the Tank now would probably net you more than trying to do the same in the fall - and could give you a good start on the layaway

Finally - don't "hijack "message threads - which has happened repeatedly. If your comment isn't on topic, start a new topic. Basic netiquette.

wheelz3333 · Member

Some very good and very appropriate words of wisdom Silverfox.

RSinfield · Veteran Member

Looks like chase self destructed hmm

Chase · Newbie

No...took some time to deal with a cracked finger and H. Pylori. Fun.\

On topic, I just started layaway on a Specialized Allez. THey actually had two on sale and one was a 49, my size. If I learned NOTHING else doing the M200 and really struggling is was, I didn't train on hills nearly enough, and will be from April 2nd on. And that tank of a mountain bike is not appropriate for a ride that long. At least, not for me. I actually cracked the index knuckle on my right hand, right up to middle knuckle, yanking on the bars to get up hills. Didn't realize until after. All better.

I'm happy with this bike choice. I saw, well, everyone pass me, and that's okay, but I took note of just how many Specialized Allez whipped past. Sale came, trial spin. I like it. Mine end of September. Gear up on my own over the winter, and be ready for 2011. Hills, lots of hills.

jules18 · Member

So nothing's changed?