[runrchk]

How much would a decent entry level road/racing bike cost me? What are some good brands? I have an old Trek now and like it but I think it is time for an upgrade.

 

[itri]

roughly $800-$1000 for good new entry level bike. May want to consider a used bike where you can get a little more for your money, particularly if you know the person and that its been taken care of. Of course, make sure what ever bike you get has the proper fit. Trek, Specialized, Giant are most common, but most brands are fine. Fuji has some very competitive models where you can get a little more bang for the buck. Good Luck!<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[jroden]

I agree with the range above, an 800 bike today was a world class bike 15 years ago, the technology and quality of even an entry level bike is really quite nice. Fit is always the big consideration especially for a woman or anyone outside of the "average" build.

 

[wyrillco]

Sheldon helped me find a good bike, that was about $700 a little over a year ago. Hoepfully he'll pop in. It was last year's model, on clearance at Performance, to make room for the new model. I got a great deal, and I looooooooove my bike.<br><br>
But I was also upgrading from a $100 Walmart Mountain Bike, so probably anything that didn't weigh 50 pounds would have been a good change. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
My LBS also helped me with a new saddle, after riding for a while and getting numb/tingly sensations in my private parts. The saddle helped so much. They also helped me raise my handlebars, which made riding so much more comfy for me. Maybe this year I'll take the plung and do the clippy pedals, who knows.

 

[Dougie Fresh]

When I bought my bike last year I picked a leftover (new) from the year before for a significant discount. That can make a big difference in what you'll pay if you can find one.

 

[QuixoticNotions]

Mine was a Giant OCR 1-w... I didn't get a discount or anything... It was $1100 and I love it. I recommend going and trying a few at stores for your first bike to get a feel for sizes and types you like. If you want you can find deals after that on Ebay and such for the bikes like you like... I didn't want to do that because the bike shop was so helpful for me.. but it can mean good savings.<br><br>
Still, try some before you buy online. And get sized if you can.

 

[runrchk]

I think I will try to go for this option if it is not too late. Thanks for the advice everyone!! Oh BTW what is the best type of seat for a girl. The one I have now is hard and not the most comfortable. The next day my butt is sore from the seat. I need some comfort!!

 

[Cashmason]

I paid 680 dollars last year for the previous years Trek 1000.<br><br>
Everyone's butt is different, so what one woman likes another might not like.<br><br>
The first 10 rides, everyone's butt is sore. But most stock seats aren't that comfortable.<br><br>
Many women seem to like Terry Butterfly seats.

 

[Tithers]

I have the terry butterfly tri saddle. They have a 30 day return policy so you can return if you no likie.

 

[jroden]

The terry is a very popular saddle, note that a "tri" type saddle will have a longer nose for use with aero bars, which may not be what you want if you plan to use a conventional road bar, I believe they make both types.

 

[Tithers]

Terry has MANY styles. I HEART mine.<br><br>
The first time I used mine (stupid to do something like this on a new piece of equipment w/o trying a long distance on it before) was a century ride. I had zero issues and my "kitty kat" was not injured, nor was she unhappy. It has a hole to make your "kitty Kat" not suffer too much.

 

[hobey]

I love my Terry too...Butterfly Ti for me.

 

[Tithers]

Hobey...what's the entry fee for alcatraz? I just noticed your sig...<br><br>
Ok-sorry for the hijack.

 

[hobey]

$320 this year and I sprung for the Alcatraz tour with a pro for the day before which added another $80 for me & BD. It's like paying for an IM. <img alt="roll_eyes.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/roll_eyes.gif">

 

[Tithers]

<br>
Snort. I'm lucky I'm a daddy's girl...he paid for a community slot <img alt="shock.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/shock.gif"><br><br>
Lol...when you start thinking IM...$320 sounds...reasonable. Can't believe that came out of my fingers...

 

[QuixoticNotions]

I stuck with the seat my bike came with and padded shorts. Butt gets used to it quickly. (if you're not used to riding I think being a little saddle sore is a little unavoidable but it goes away)

 

[Tithers]

H-your WS saddle was way more cushier than my hard azz saddle that came w/my giant. You lucked out <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[QuixoticNotions]

Really? Well then the seat on mine (that comes with the Giant OCR-1w) is the: Selle Royal Viper for Women - works just fine

 

[Tithers]

Yah...my GIANT seat was not as cushy. I didn't get a women's bike tho.

 

[runrchk]

Maybe that is part of the problem. I never buy womens bikes. I always go with the mens. Not sure why I just do.<br><br>
Thanks for the advice. I will just shop around and go with what feels right. You know kind of like shopping for a man<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">