Can anybody talk me down from buying a bicycle?

I'm an impulse buyer, and thankfully for my bank account my pulse frequency has a rather long average bandwidth. I almost impulse bought a bicycle today while I worked myself over a frenzy.

I was shopping by price point, expecting to spend $500-$1000 on a light weight bike. I'm trying to go as light as I can without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort/durability (I'll be hanging it inside the apartment from a ceiling hook since our last two bikes were stolen from the bike room). It will only be for recreational use, short 1-3 mile runs as well as weekend 20-40 mile runs. I love going fast as well, and I'd like to commission my powerful thighs to keeping Idol or skiz off my backside if the need arises.

I'm no amateur enthusiast, let alone an expert, but this aluminum one caught my eyes:
http://www.bicyclebananasstore.com/2...enturaComp.htm

Can anyone talk me down from this purchase? My car insurance premiums are due in a week, and I'd hate to waste the wiggle room on a bad purchase. I visited one of my local bike stores once, their prices and overzealous natures ran me out the doors so I'm pretty adamant for buying online.

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Update: 2010 Jamis Ventura Comp purchased.

Looks decent for the price, except for the sora brifters, which may or may not be a bit dodgy.

TBH, if I was buying a Jamis, I'd go with a bosanova, though.

There's something about the cx-meets-tourer geometry that makes it really cool-looking.



So, to sum up, I've got no arguments against it, really.


Oh, and have a look here (radon bikes especially), here and here (check out their Vitus road bikes, among others).

Since you're ordering online anyway, it might be worth looking at those. I've used all three, and their pricing beats anything local where I'm at.


edit: There's one argument in favour of waiting, and that is that there may be better deals in the fall, in my experience. That Jamis has a hefty discount on it as it is, though.

First off, I have no idea what a sora brifter is, so I'm off to google that. Oh OK, the shifters. I have no idea what I'd prefer there so I'm not yet wise enough to be too picky about it. I checked out this Bosa Nova, and its added weight and price aren't seducing me.

German site: $1000 is 780€ so it's looking out of reach with all the international shipping and duties. Hehe, duties.

I am off to check out some reviews of the BeOne Storms that I spotted @ Chain Rxn.

Bloke I know cycles to the station, leaves it locked up in the cycle locks, and gets the train to work.

A couple of months ago he had his bike stolen, "fair enough" he thought, shit happens, so he claimed it on the insurance and bought a better bike.

A few weeks later that got stolen too, (even though locked in a CCTV area blah blah blah), so he claimed that on the insurance too and bought an even better bike...


Last week the bike thief got sent to jail. Result! It was in the local paper and everything. :01:


Anyway, yesterday when cycling home he appears to have gone round a bend too fast and fell off this super duper bike, ripping a hole in his suit and all kinds of shit.

So there you are.

This has really nothing to do with what you're asking, by the way, except that it too involves bikes.

And an imbecile. :dabs:

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Originally Posted by mjmacky

First off, I have no idea what a sora brifter is

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I think that's what you get if your saddle is too hard.

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Originally Posted by Barbarossa

Bloke I know cycles to the station, leaves it locked up in the cycle locks, and gets the train to work.

A couple of months ago he had his bike stolen, "fair enough" he thought, shit happens, so he claimed it on the insurance and bought a better bike.

A few weeks later that got stolen too, (even though locked in a CCTV area blah blah blah), so he claimed that on the insurance too and bought an even better bike...


Last week the bike thief got sent to jail. Result! It was in the local paper and everything. :01:


Anyway, yesterday when cycling home he appears to have gone round a bend too fast and fell off this super duper bike, ripping a hole in his suit and all kinds of shit.

So there you are.

This has really nothing to do with what you're asking, by the way, except that it too involves bikes.

And an imbecile. :dabs:

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I'm surprised he isn't being investigated for insurance fraud (selling them off), but I guess there are already enough holes in the suit.

Well it was captured on CCTV like, and they caught the "perp"... but they didn't recover either bike :unsure:

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Originally Posted by Barbarossa

Well it was captured on CCTV like, and they caught the "perp"... but they didn't recover either bike :unsure:

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If I was a filthy capitalist insurance lawyer, I'd be trying to link the perp with the client. They both seem like idiots, and that's just the starting thread without even considering motive.

$1000 is a tricky price point for a "road" bike.The best you can hope for at that price is a decent frame with semi-shite components.Personally if I was you I'd use a bike shop as they will assemble and properly fit the bike for you.Sure you'll be paying a couple of hundred dollars more but in the long run it's money well spent especially when you blow a tire or something breaks and you've already developed a bit of a rapport with the people there.
Anyway I'm probably the wrong person to be giving advice but you really need to be honest in assessing what you are going to do both short and long term with the bike.Except for pride of ownership you won't be getting much more from a $10000 bike than a $600 bike for 2 mile hops to the corner store.
Also if you are going to get anything semi-decent be aware that most come san pedals so factor in plus at least $200 more for clipless pedals ( a can't live without thing for "serious" riding )and shoes to match.Plus a helmet.Plus gloves,shorts,jersey,at least a couple spare tubes and tire levers,possibly a bike computer,water bottle .

Anyway this.All decent bikes and value for the money. Love me a good Trek or Felt or Cannondale or Specialized.
Think aluminum frame ,carbon fork, name brand components ,groups if possible since they are designed to work together, even if they are low end.

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Originally Posted by mjmacky

First off, I have no idea what a sora brifter is, so I'm off to google that. Oh OK, the shifters. I have no idea what I'd prefer there so I'm not yet wise enough to be too picky about it.

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I've heard they're not very responsive, due to the levers for shifting being a bit understated. Also, they won't have the sort of distinctive click you get with campagnolo shifters and gears, I don't think. Not tried anything sora myself, though. Closest I've come is a brief look at tiagra-levers.

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I checked out this Bosa Nova, and its added weight and price aren't seducing me.

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It's more of a multi-purpose all-rounder than a pure road bike. The steel frame, mudguards and disc brakes add weight, but in return it'll be tough as nails and better when the weather is shit. In all fairness, though, I'd not get rid of any of my other bikes if I bought it.

My main bike is a cyclocross, although I currently mostly ride it on the road and have kitted it out for touring. Without any added extras it weighs just below 9kgs, iirc, and the comparatively low weight makes it really nice to ride, so I'm not saying weight is irrelevant.

Also, if you're really short on space, a folding bike would be worth looking into, except that I don't see you getting anything lightweight and/or race-oriented (fex Dahon Vector x10 or x27, Tern Verge x30) sub $1000. Not this time of the year, anyway. Only mentioning folders cos I just got one I'm using back and forth to work, and it's been a lot of fun thus far, in a bmx sort of way, so I think I might be looking into something more srs along those lines next year.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

Also if you are going to get anything semi-decent be aware that most come san pedals so factor in plus at least $200 more for clipless pedals ( a can't live without thing for "serious" riding )and shoes to match.Plus a helmet.Plus gloves,shorts,jersey,at least a couple spare tubes and tire levers,possibly a bike computer,water bottle

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CRC is good for this sort of thing^

Also, there's a Jamis Ventura Comp in idle's test.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

$1000 is a tricky price point for a "road" bike.The best you can hope for at that price is a decent frame with semi-shite components.Personally if I was you I'd use a bike shop as they will assemble and properly fit the bike for you.

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The only bike I ever had that wasn't a complete piece of shit was given to me. But after experiencing all the cheap bikes afterwards, I realized the world of difference (and should probably have taken extra precautions to keep it from getting stolen). Anyhow with the point I'm making, I've bought nothing but cheap department store bikes my whole adult life, and am finally calling it quits. I don't expect my first purchase to be my permanent purchase, feel me?

You ween a man off of Cheez Whiz, you don't just start feeding him Stilton. So that's why I'm starting on the low/mid end. I am interested in developing my appreciation, and through experiencing both the joys and grievances, I'll have a much better idea of what I want after a few years, if I'm interested.

The bike I linked to in the OP is on the list in your link, has the aluminum alloy frame and carbon composite fork (details in spoiler). However, you didn't name Jamis (no love for them?). On sale for $600, do you think it's good for the money?

Spoiler: Show

• Frame: Kinesis 7005 double-butted main frame, SST tubing diameters, sloping top tube frame design, replaceable derailleur hanger
• Fork: Full carbon composite straight blade road fork, forged alloy dropouts
• Headset: FSA Integrated, threadless, 1 1/8”
• Wheels: Mavic CXP-22 rims with CNC sidewalls, 28/32H, Formula alloy hubs with QR, 14g stainless steel spokes
• Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 23c
• Derailleurs: Shimano Tiagra RD-4500 rear and Sora FD-3400 front, 31.8mm clamp
• Shiftlevers: Shimano Sora ST-3400 Dual Control STI, 18-speed
• Chain: KMC Z-9000
• Cassette: SRAM PowerGlide 950, 9-speed, 11-26T
• Crankset: FSA Vero compact, 50/34T, 170mm (48/51) 172.5mm (54/56) 175mm (58/61)
• BB Set: Sealed cartridge, 68 x 110.5mm
• Pedals: Touring platform style, full alloy with toe clips
• Brakeset: Tektro dual-pivot calipers with Shimano Sora ST-3400 STI levers
• Handlebar: Ritchey Road, 31.8mm, 400mm (48/51) 420mm (54/56), 440mm (58/61)
• Stem: Ritchey Road 6D x 90mm (48/51) 100mm (54/56), 120mm (58/61)
• Grips: Jamis suede bar tape
• Seat Post: Ritchey Road, 2 bolt, 300mm x 27.2mm with alloy clamp
• Saddle: Selle San Marco Ischia
• Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm
• Color: British Racing Green, Gloss Black
• Weight: 21.75 lbs

You're determined to have a serious conversation about this aren't you... you lot ... :sadwalk:

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Originally Posted by ckrit

Also, if you're really short on space, a folding bike would be worth looking into, except that I don't see you getting anything lightweight and/or race-oriented (fex Dahon Vector x10 or x27, Tern Verge x30) sub $1000. Not this time of the year, anyway. Only mentioning folders cos I just got one I'm using back and forth to work, and it's been a lot of fun thus far, in a bmx sort of way, so I think I might be looking into something more srs along those lines next year.

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Space is an issue, which is why I looked into those. In the end, my thoughts were that I could get more bike pleasure for less money. That's why I've gone the route of hanging it from my ceiling.

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Originally Posted by Barbarossa

You're determined to have a serious conversation about this aren't you... you lot ... :sadwalk:

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I can do both, but I remember Idol requesting that I ask him anything of consequence, look at him go.

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Originally Posted by mjmacky

I don't expect my first purchase to be my permanent purchase, feel me?

You ween a man off of Cheez Whiz, you don't just start feeding him Stilton. So that's why I'm starting on the low/mid end. I am interested in developing my appreciation, and through experiencing both the joys and grievances, I'll have a much better idea of what I want after a few years, if I'm interested.

The bike I linked to in the OP is on the list in your link, has the aluminum alloy frame and carbon composite fork (details in spoiler). However, you didn't name Jamis (no love for them?). On sale for $600, do you think it's good for the money?

Spoiler: Show

• Frame: Kinesis 7005 double-butted main frame, SST tubing diameters, sloping top tube frame design, replaceable derailleur hanger
• Fork: Full carbon composite straight blade road fork, forged alloy dropouts
• Headset: FSA Integrated, threadless, 1 1/8”
• Wheels: Mavic CXP-22 rims with CNC sidewalls, 28/32H, Formula alloy hubs with QR, 14g stainless steel spokes
• Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 23c
• Derailleurs: Shimano Tiagra RD-4500 rear and Sora FD-3400 front, 31.8mm clamp
• Shiftlevers: Shimano Sora ST-3400 Dual Control STI, 18-speed
• Chain: KMC Z-9000
• Cassette: SRAM PowerGlide 950, 9-speed, 11-26T
• Crankset: FSA Vero compact, 50/34T, 170mm (48/51) 172.5mm (54/56) 175mm (58/61)
• BB Set: Sealed cartridge, 68 x 110.5mm
• Pedals: Touring platform style, full alloy with toe clips
• Brakeset: Tektro dual-pivot calipers with Shimano Sora ST-3400 STI levers
• Handlebar: Ritchey Road, 31.8mm, 400mm (48/51) 420mm (54/56), 440mm (58/61)
• Stem: Ritchey Road 6D x 90mm (48/51) 100mm (54/56), 120mm (58/61)
• Grips: Jamis suede bar tape
• Seat Post: Ritchey Road, 2 bolt, 300mm x 27.2mm with alloy clamp
• Saddle: Selle San Marco Ischia
• Sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm
• Color: British Racing Green, Gloss Black
• Weight: 21.75 lbs

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I didn't mention Jamis since I've never been hands on with one .The brand's fine though if lacking the mass market appeal of the bigger companies.The good thing though that that also requires them to live more on performance and less on cache as reflected by the specs which are probably as good as you are gong to get at that price.
The only real downside is the weight .22 lbs seems a tad heavy for anything other than a steel bike.Most people tend to put the money into the frame and upgrade components when and if they feel it's necessary. Anyway rotating weight is more important frame weight. Actually the motor is the most important component and you already have one of those.

Anyway like I said I'm not the best person to give you advice.Self acknowledged bike snob.

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Originally Posted by mjmacky

I don't expect my first purchase to be my permanent purchase, feel me?

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If it turns out you really enjoy it, no one bike will ever be enough. True story.

I've made it a rule that I'm only allowed to buy one whole new bike per year, and I'm only allowed to build one from parts at a time.

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Originally Posted by mjmacky

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Originally Posted by ckrit

Also, if you're really short on space, a folding bike would be worth looking into, except that I don't see you getting anything lightweight and/or race-oriented (fex Dahon Vector x10 or x27, Tern Verge x30) sub $1000. Not this time of the year, anyway. Only mentioning folders cos I just got one I'm using back and forth to work, and it's been a lot of fun thus far, in a bmx sort of way, so I think I might be looking into something more srs along those lines next year.

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Space is an issue, which is why I looked into those. In the end, my thoughts were that I could get more bike pleasure for less money. That's why I've gone the route of hanging it from my ceiling.

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Is a car that comes in two halves ever going to be as good,functional or safe as an integrated one?

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

Is a car that comes in two halves ever going to be as good,functional or safe as an integrated one?

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There's a youtube video of that, I know it. I think I've seen it.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

I didn't mention Jamis since I've never been hands on with one .The brand's fine though if lacking the mass market appeal of the bigger companies.The good thing though that that also requires them to live more on performance and less on cache as reflected by the specs which are probably as good as you are gong to get at that price.

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Call me a Mexican cherry picker, but that's a huge affirmative nod in my book.

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Originally Posted by ckrit

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mjmacky

I don't expect my first purchase to be my permanent purchase, feel me?

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If it turns out you really enjoy it, no one bike will ever be enough. True story.

I've made it a rule that I'm only allowed to buy one whole new bike per year, and I'm only allowed to build one from parts at a time.

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I was a bit like that with cars for awhile, until I finally found one that I could settle down and be monogamous with.

Edit: I'm hoping I'm not like that with bikes, I have expensive enough hobbies as it is.

Do it and then we can ride together and you can suck my wheel.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

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Originally Posted by mjmacky

Space is an issue, which is why I looked into those. In the end, my thoughts were that I could get more bike pleasure for less money. That's why I've gone the route of hanging it from my ceiling.

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Is a car that comes in two halves ever going to be as good,functional or safe as an integrated one?

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TBH, a good quality folding bike shouldn't have issues with stiffness or flex, or any safety issues, unless you weigh a whole lot. The hinges and whatnot add weight, however. Seems to me the smaller wheels make them faster at accelerating, though.

That said, they're something you get because the situation demands it. Ie you're really short on space, or need to be able to bring them on the bus, or whatever. Should be more of a complement to a proper bike, if possible.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

Do it and hen we can ride together and you can suck my wheel.

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I'm just going to be riding in gym shorts and an old t-shirt, no helmet either. So, no, I'm not going to let you Mork my Mindy.

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Originally Posted by ckrit

Should be more of a complement to a proper bike, if possible.

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That's if you're going to have a collection.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

Anyway this.All decent bikes and value for the money. Love me a good Trek or Felt or Cannondale or Specialized.
Think aluminum frame ,carbon fork, name brand components ,groups if possible since they are designed to work together, even if they are low end.

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A few years ago, I bought a Specialized Allez. I haven't found anything disappointing with it. I believe it goes as far as possible without jumping off into REALLY expensive.

Maybe we should have a general all-purpose cycling thread in sportsworld. It would make a nice change to the tards listing their favourite footballers for no good reason.

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Originally Posted by Snee

Maybe we should have a general all-purpose cycling thread in sportsworld. It would make a nice change to the tards listing their favourite footballers for no good reason.

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Jens Voigt

Paylay

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Originally Posted by megabyteme

Paylay

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Shut up.

Attachment 113295

Ironically the bike's weight and the bike's cost in ounces of gold are exactly the same.

Just make sure that you will look for a quality and dependable bicycle but should not be a pain in your pocket.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

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Originally Posted by megabyteme

Paylay

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Shut up.

Attachment 113295

Ironically the bike's weight and the bike's cost in ounces of gold are exactly the same.

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I like the chest of drawers.

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Originally Posted by Something Else

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

Shut up.

Attachment 113295

Ironically the bike's weight and the bike's cost in ounces of gold are exactly the same.

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I like the chest of drawers.

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Yes, noice chair. Clearly pilfered from Versailles during the Vichy. You can't pedal yourself away from the holocaust, you monster.

I bet that's Hitler's left testicle in that little wooden shrine, too.

Attachment 113298

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

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Originally Posted by megabyteme

Paylay

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Shut up.

Attachment 113295

Ironically the bike's weight and the bike's cost in ounces of gold are exactly the same.

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Noice. Just above the minimum weight allowed by UCI for racing, innit?

I'm not liking your pedals, but then I'm not really a roadie. Time ATAC ftw. I'd not mind your wheels one bit, however.

Also, I'd have guessed you'd be sporting super record.

Not that Sram Red isn't several steps up from what I'm using, or anything.

Attachment 113302

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Originally Posted by Snee

I'm not liking your pedals, but then I'm not really a roadie. Time ATAC ftw.

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I have an inflexible ankle and a corresponding collapsed arch on one side from an accident and I find that the float in the Speedplays compensate better than the Times.Otherwise I like the Times better.

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Originally Posted by IdolEyes787

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Originally Posted by Snee

I'm not liking your pedals, but then I'm not really a roadie. Time ATAC ftw.

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I have an inflexible ankle and a corresponding collapsed arch on one side from an accident and I find that the float in the Speedplays compensate better than the Times.Otherwise I like the Times better.

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Ah, welp. I started out with Shimano SPDs (not SL as I rode MTB then later CX) anything half-decent beats the (very limited) float in the ones I used.

Is that your only bike, or do you do touring or anything like that with something else? I think I remember you saying you don't do much off-road.

Bikes don't kill people, accidents do.

Idol, lay your flesh bare and regale us with tales of your hideous accident, which plainly left you bereft of optimism and taste in bicycles. You don't have to if you don't want to, but I feel all I know of you is a muscular propensity, too much celluloid, and a stalwart refusal for all things stupid.

Let me in, or I'll blow the bloody doors off your bike to the max.

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Originally Posted by chavis

Bikes don't kill people, accidents do.

Idol, lay your flesh bare and regale us with tales of your hideous accident, which plainly left you bereft of optimism and taste in bicycles. You don't have to if you don't want to, but I feel all I know of you is a muscular propensity, too much celluloid, and a stalwart refusal to for all things stupid.

Let me in, or I'll blow the bloody doors off your bike to the max.

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I've not only crashed in every way known to Man I'm pretty sure that I invented a few new ones.Uphill,downhill,alone,in groups,at starts, at finishes,into moving objects and stationary ones.I've even managed to crash standing still.
The one for the lingering injury though was on a sweeping left turn right before the finish of a race in a meaningless sprint for 11th place or something. I was second wheel which would usual be relatively safe but the guy in front of me suddenly decided that he needed a closer view of the pavement.I have clear memory of sliding to a stop and looking over to see my bike a few yards away, still had the shoes in the pedals but thankfully minus my feet.

That taught me that basically life's a joke and at the end of the day the best you can really hope for is the company of people who make fun of your misery and a back room with some trashy furniture in it.