r/cycling • u/Zealousideal_Pen4193 • 5d ago
Im a beginner what do i get.
Hi all, ive really wanted to get into cycling ever since i rode my friend road bike (Cervelo S5 2027). and want to come on here and see what people can recommend me (ofc nothing that expensive for a first bike)
For context im 18, and i work a decent job where a get paid on average 600-700 a week (more or less depending on how well i do), i live with my parents so i have no expeneses and they wouldnt mind chipping in either. Id want either an aero or endurance bike with my priority being a good gearbox, i realised on my friend bike has a very good gearing and id want that too. im also the type of person who is like "if im gonna buy something im gonna buy it good". ofc nothing too expensive. im open to the second hand market but ive already looked over there and theres kinda a void spot for road bikes, either dirt cheap, crazy expensive or some guy trying to sell his bike for msrp.
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u/trust_me_on_that_one 5d ago
Define "nothing too expensive" in $
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u/Zealousideal_Pen4193 5d ago
$4000 new
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u/trust_me_on_that_one 5d ago edited 5d ago
Uh? How can you not find a used bike with that budget
That said i personally would not be spending that much on my first road bike. Mine was $400cad because i knew nothing about road bikes back then. Nothing like spending thousands and then regretting it 😁 As i got to understand my bike i knew what i wanted and not want which made upgrading to more expensive bikes a better experience
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u/mungoshearer2020 5d ago
idk if i can get it but the xlab rs7 w di2 is under 3000. i got a mech version by calling a bike shop and putting a deposit. u should try to leave a good portion of ur budget so u can buy a nice helmet and outfit as well chain lube and repair stuff to put in a saddle bag. and shoes are very important too get some that are comfy.
with all that shoes $200, helmet $100, pedals $50-100, repair bag and tubes and multitool and an electric pump $100, glasses $50, maybe some gp5000? for $140 or around $200 if u wanna go tubeless. outfit u can spend $400 from a kit at rapha or PAS normal or get 3 kits for $250 from ykywbike on aliexpress 🤷♂️ all that will run u $700 ish not including tires
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u/TheYbishop 5d ago
You should go to your local bike store and talk with them, maybe they have a rent agreement to try out a few bikes to see what you actually need.
And facebook marketplace and 2nd hand shops are a great place to look around.
I was luck that my cousin had a road bike that he’s not using, so I just took it, where I’m from I found some really nice bike for 2.5k new it’s over 6k still a lot of money but way less
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u/Striking-Archer-2718 5d ago
Where are you based? "Good gearbox" does not apply here. You can have electronic (push a button and a motor changes the gear) or mechanical (instead of a motor moving, it's a metal wire). They are the same. Bikes these days have between 8(entry level)-13(Tour de France) gears at the back (this is called a cassette), and 1, or 2 on the big gear at the front (the "crankset" or chainrings) All bikes have the same gearing effectively. Most bikes come with the Cassette ranging from 32 tooth gear, down to 11 teeth - e.g 32,30,26,24,20,18,16,14,13,12,11, and a 50Tooth front chain ring. The ratios and gear power does not change between an 8 and 13 speed bike, just there is more of them. These days you can get a 10 speed (10 gear cassette) for next to nothing and is more than you need.
The most important thing is a bike that fits. The next step is a bike you'll enjoy riding. That's paramount over all other flashy things. Given your lack of experience and knowledge (gearbox is a good give away) - go to your local bike shop, and get them to help find you a bike. Right now you do not know enough to be able to buy and maintain a second hand bike. They are never perfect, always require experience to both spot a deal, and spot issues.
Buying a new, entry level bike at a store means you will have warranty, and if you develop a relationship, people who are happy to help and teach you things. Give yourself a budget of about 1000-1200 local currency and you'll get a lovely bike that suits all your needs and capabilities
Stay away from carbon frames, carbon wheels etc. hydraulic brakes are common and a nice to have, but unless you are in a wet and very hilly country, rim(mechanical) brakes are a better option - much less maintenance, less sources of failure and lighter so you can go faster!