The mtb thread led me to make this one...
For the past 2 months or so I've been getting in at least 30+ miles of riding a week, but the thing is that I've done it on a mountain bike on road tires... I'm going to sign up for the Los Angeles River ride and hopefully do the century ride BUT I know I sure as hell won't finish a century ride with a 21 speed mountain bike. (I have a '96 gt Pantera mtb, for those wondering.)
So my svtp brethren, do any of you have any advice on purchasing my first road bike? I don't just want it specifically for that ride, but I'm actually looking to get into the sport and hopefully in a year or so do some local CAT 5 events but nothing too serious.
First off my budget is $800, but I could go up to $1000 if it's really worth it.
I want a bike that doesn't have too much of an aggressive riding position but preferably one that I won't outgrow skill-wise in a year or two. I've read that solid entry level components are Tiagra but many go with the next up 105 components which I guess are more race 'worthy'.
I've looked at a few bikes and am actually leaning towards a '10 Cannondale Caand9 6 bike that I've seen on special from $1,200 to $799.
So what do you guys recommend? (btw my bike size is a 52) And any advice for a nooblet?
For the past 2 months or so I've been getting in at least 30+ miles of riding a week, but the thing is that I've done it on a mountain bike on road tires... I'm going to sign up for the Los Angeles River ride and hopefully do the century ride BUT I know I sure as hell won't finish a century ride with a 21 speed mountain bike. (I have a '96 gt Pantera mtb, for those wondering.)
So my svtp brethren, do any of you have any advice on purchasing my first road bike? I don't just want it specifically for that ride, but I'm actually looking to get into the sport and hopefully in a year or so do some local CAT 5 events but nothing too serious.
First off my budget is $800, but I could go up to $1000 if it's really worth it.
I want a bike that doesn't have too much of an aggressive riding position but preferably one that I won't outgrow skill-wise in a year or two. I've read that solid entry level components are Tiagra but many go with the next up 105 components which I guess are more race 'worthy'.
I've looked at a few bikes and am actually leaning towards a '10 Cannondale Caand9 6 bike that I've seen on special from $1,200 to $799.
So what do you guys recommend? (btw my bike size is a 52) And any advice for a nooblet?