This will be my first serious road bike. I have a Jamis commuter that gets me and the dog to work every day, but I keep looking at these mountains and I'z want to ascend them. The Hybrid would be too much work. I don't know much, but I do know I want a Carbon-frame class. The store that I've been shopping at mainly carries Felt and Eddie Merckz. If you know these or other brands in the $1700-3000 range, do you have any recommendations/reviews. My question is: What is the value in upgrading from $1700 to various levels up to $3000. It seems to be about the parts (vs frame) but why should I buy that stuff vs just getting the entry model carbon frame? Again: My desire is a bike for 100km rides in the Rocky Mountains. Here's the Felt Z class I'm looking at Z3 http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Road/Z-Series/Z3.aspx Z4 http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Road/Z-Series/Z4.aspx Z5 http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Road/Z-Series/Z5.aspx
Components are a lot of the cost and I'd definitely not go cheap on those. You might check Craigslist. Theres usually a lot great deals there. I'd get fitted so you know what size you need
Yeah. Used bikes or parts. There will also be swap meets etc. I'd really look into a used bike. There are a ton of people that go buy a $3k bike and barely use it. You're in boulder right? Thats an active area so there probably a lot of quality used stuff. Just do research to find what you want. I wouldn't go buy the best frame and then go cheap on components. Unless you plan to upgrade the components over time. Cheap components can be a headache
For instance. A couple of weeks ago I almost got a $4k Cannondale for $500. The wheels alone were worth a grand. The frame was older but all the components were campagnolo
So I assume you have all the tools and knowledge to put together these used parts You're right boulder's Craigslist is probably full of deals. But for every deal there is an updawg in boulder scouring that site to buy cheap and resubmit for his weed fund. I am not knowledgeable enough as you to spot a reseller scamming me I don't have the tool shed either. I think short if having a buyer agent like you here. I need to buy at the store. Cheers Can you take a look at the components of the Z5 above. That's the 1700 entry level carbon
All the bikes you posted would be excellent -- if you can afford it go for the top level bike, but all are awesome.
Thx for the advice. Question: can you tell me what noticeable difference I'd experience between the Z3 vs Z5. Again I will climbing and descending 14ers. If the difference is just durability and longevity I will probably pass and go with the Z5 But smoother ride, less vibration to the hands and bidy. I'm all over that Another question. Is there any fatal flaw in the models that would prohibit one from being upgraded with components vs another tia
Go for a new one. You're making me change my view. I'm fortunate to have my brother scouting out stuff for me so it would prob be best to go new for you. And as KC said, those are all great bikes. There shouldn't be something to lock you in, you can always upgrade change over time But ask the dudes at the store about stiffness of the frames (smooth vs bumpy riding)
Cool guys thx. I'll get the entry level and use my savings on nice shoes, clips, helmet, clothes and **** Z5 it is. I'll post a picture of me on top of Mt Evans with a sign saying "KingCheetah is an updawg"
It's all about fit. Nothing matters more. I would go to a reputable bike shot and get fit kitted. It's a special bike that measures your perfect riding position.
This is key: get a bike that fits. I'd be way more concerned about getting a frame that fits your body than the brand or even the components, especially at the price point you are looking at. Make sure the shop you use will spend the time to ensure you get the bike with the best fitting frame. Ask if they will change out the stem if necessary and how many times can you bring it back for fit adjustments during the first year as you will probably want to get a more aggressive position after you've been riding a while (i.e. you may want to lean forward more as you get more comfortable in the drops). This is the main danger, IMO, of getting your first bike on Craigslist. You may be very tempted to get a bad fitting bike just because you found a killer deal. And then your bike will a great deal for the next Craigslist shopper because you quit riding or had to get a new bike because the "deal" is not comfortable to ride for any length of time. The other problem with Craigslist is that, unless you bring along a knowledgeable friend, you won't really know if there are issues. To be clear, you absolutely can get good deals on Craigslist but it just may not be great for your first roadbike.
spot on everyone about the fit. In Boulder, that's a given. An "out the door" fit comes with every bike. Then they recommend another fit a month later. The hour long fit (or two hours for bikeheads). This is when they have you ride the bike for an hour to see how your body drapes the bike under stress. That's $100-250. This advice is similar to skiing. People say, "get good boots, nothing else matters." West End Cycles in Houston (Heights) didn't do this for me for my Jamis. So, I can see why you insist. But in Boulder, they force it upon you. Cheers for all advice!
pics or it didn't happen I've had 3 bikes stolen in Houston. And my dog trailer got stolen here. (WTF, it doesn't work without my attachments on my bike) It is a big issue. And I am trying to figure out how to prevent this one. But to climb mountains, I think $1700 is necessary. I do have insurance though.
yea i didnt read the part about mountains and already owning a commuter.. my bike would probably break into peices on mountains.. built a bike from scratch, i learned alot through the process.
Best advice already given... get a fit. Way more important that the "this grupo versus that" or the "this frame material versus that". Especially with the miles you plan to ride.
Proud new owner of the Felt Z4 (all 105). My 2-hour fit is on Thursday and take the baby for its first spin on Saturday. Thx for the advice guys. Now the hard part. Training for Mt Evans in late July. In Boulder, fits are manditory (a given), so I didn't think to mention it in the OP. They really don't let you walk out of the shop without one, as opposed to Houston, where West End Cycles didn't even mention it when I got my Jamis, 9yrs ago.
The frames I believe are very similar (all carbon fiber) -- the additional costs would be components -- different cranks/ bottom bracket... etc. Any of them would be awesome.
