Entry level road bike spec...what do you think?

What are the minimum specs I should look for in getting an entry level road bike (I am still in serious sticker shock so I am looking for lowest-end but servicable for a few fun triathlons)

How bout this bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

This one? (I am short so I need a small frame)http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawe...

I'd go with the Motobecane over the Dawes. Why? I'm not crazy about that top sloping geometry of the Dawes, the 650 size wheel is good for triathons, and the components are slightly better on the Motobecane--not by much, but Shimano Sora is better than 2200.

As any cycle snob will tell you, Shimano progresses from 2200, Sora, 105, Ultegra, to the very best, DuraAce 10 (7800)! The 105s are considered the entry level though for racing while Sora and 2200 are for casual riding. Oh well, I don't know about you, but I don't shift much anyway, and the Sora and 2200 will do the job--just fine! Especially for having fun riding in Triathlons. If it turns out you want to seriously compete, you may want to consider upgrading.

Be careful of the sizing. I'm also 5' tall, but I'm closer to 48-49cm sized bike, NOT 44cm or Xtra Small! Actually I'm inbetween the two, and my bike is built, not with a slope, but with a dip right in the middle of the top tube to accomodate my size exactly. Measure your standover height and make sure! It makes a big difference, and you will not be happy if you buy a bike that's either too small or too large for you--trust me on this!

This is my bike: http://www.epinions.com/bicycles_2002_Ai...

(Only mine is newer, has 650 wheels (much better ones) equipped with Dura Ace 10, and is a double, not a triple. And do you see how desperately the bike needs tires with yellow sidewalls?)

Edited: McG Yes, that new Ultegra SL is a great light weight option--especially for the price, isn't it?

I know a several cyclists who ride Motoecanes, as well as Dawes, they're higher end ones, but they seem well satisfied. I've never met anyone else who rides, much less who has even ever heard of Airborne, and yet they all seem to oogle my bike with lust.

This bike's specs are at the very entry level. That's what anyone should expect given the price. So, the bike will be serviceable. If you train for traithlons, I would expect you to outgrow this bike's capabilities fairly quickly.

HTH

Both of these are are good inexpensive bikes. My friend bought the Motobecane Mirage Sport last year, he likes it. I built it up for him and had a problem with the stem. It didn't fit well (I couldn't tighten it enough - really strange), but I had one laying around and used it instead. Also, while he rides with the saddle provided, I didn't like it at all.

Remember you will have to partially assemble and tune the bike if you buy on-line. This includes truing and retentioning the spokes.

The Dawes has a sloping top tube - usually good for shorter riders, but I note that the Moto comes with 650 wheels in the smaller sizes also good for short riders.

hi i am a cycling junkie , i started only a few years ago. an entry level bike can start off around $700. this is the most basic of bikes which means low in quality. the frame will be a lightweight aluminium frame but it wont have any of the fancy gadgets. the bike i currently ride is a Scott speedster S2. it has a light weight alloy tubing frame with a high density set of carbon fibre forks and a shimano 105 groupset. there are faster bikes out there but as u spend more money it costs more to fix. my recommendations are:

-shimano 105 (race level entry)
-alloy frame (it dents, but is alot cheaper and sometimes lighter than carbon)
-carbon forks (come with most entry level road bikes)
-clip on shoes (sold extra)
-factory wheels (shimano if possible)
shouldnt cost more than around 1500-2000 Dollars

note: do not buy campagnolo, although it may be a very well desgined group set its very exspensive to reapir and most bike shops will not carry the bolts or parts needed. the parts generally have to come from France!


all price estimates are in NZD$

Please for the love of god, do not buy a motobecane. These bikes are mass produced in a factory. Just because you buy a bike from a company that makes $6000 bikes doesn't mean all their bikes cost a lot, specialized, giant, god forbid trek, and felt make much better bikes.

Not much to add to the answers above except, I will mention both these bikes are capable of going faster than you can, they will certainly give you a good footing!

I actually like sloping frame geometry but thats down to taste, I don't have any experience of Motobecane as they are unpopular in the UK (infact I have never even seen one)

Cauldron, you forgot to mention the new Ultegra SL in your gearing line up - How could you!! - lol.

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Get a Giant OCR they start around $650..lifetime warranty on the frame and all shimano stuff...very nice entry level bike