Don't get too caught up in component specs or flash (hard not to). The most important thing is knowing what type of riding you want to do, buying the appropriate bike for that purpose and getting fitted properly. Buying from a local dealer will help you learn what you need, and he will be there when you decide to upgrade, or if the fit needs adjustment, etc. An uncomfortable bike never gets taken out of the garage after awhile.

That said, aluminum bikes are light and inexpensive, but tend to ride harsher than steel, which is more absorbent of road buzz. Good steel frames are wonderful for the effortless longer rids many of us enjoy, but are not as easy to find. Carbon fiber forks will dampen some of the buzz on an aluminum bike, and full CF bikes ride smoother yet but are pricey. I personally don't worry about CF frame failures - they are extremely rare.

The recommendation for a Trek FX series hybrid bike was a good one - they are fast and agile (I had one), but Specialized also has the similar Sirrus and Cannondale makes the Quick series. All are basically flat bar roadbikes that are a notch above the average hybrid in performance - but I wouldn't want to ride any of them for more than a couple hours at a time.

Keep in mind that flat bars actually give you fewer hand positions and can stress the wrists, and even the neck when compared to drop bars, due to the riding position. Its why I sold mine and bought my first steel drop bar roadbike - way more comfortable. Surly and Jamis make some nice affordable (and comfortable) steel roadbikes that are available in many shops and are great for doing most types of riding.

There are many other factors that need to be considered - where you ride, hills, your general fitness, etc. All of these variables reinforce the benefit of going to a local dealer for information, test rides and proper fitting. Good luck.

• OT Looking for a new Road Bike $1,000 to spend, Larry Byer, Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:30:49
  • Re: OT Looking for a new Road Bike $1,000 to spend, PGAero , Wed, 13 Apr 2011 01:49:46
    • Re: OT Looking for a new Road Bike $1,000 to spend, Larry Byer, Sun, 17 Apr 2011 07:55:01
    • Frame materials, OKSaabs, Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:13:40
      • Re: Frame materials, PGAero , Wed, 13 Apr 2011 06:42:08
  • Re: OT Looking for a new Road Bike $1,000 to spend, James, Tue, 12 Apr 2011 06:57:06
  • Fit & comfort most important, john b, Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:11:05 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: OT Looking for a new Road Bike $1,000 to spend, AlS, Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:32:49
  • Re: OT Looking for a new Road Bike $1,000 to spend, kaslop, Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:44:41
  • Trek FX Series, Boston Baab, Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:33:19
    • Re: Trek FX Series, Saabinhappy, Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:05:06
    • Ride lots; shop used, OKSaabs, Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:01:34

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