What road bike should I get? I'm looking to spend 1100-1200 dollars.?
404407
First of all, decide what you are going to do on the road bike.  Touring? Racing? Riding fast centuries? Triathlons?\n\nAfter this consider your riding style and body type.  A Cannondale might be the ticket if you're 6'0", 210#, and legs the size of tree trunks.  A smaller rider might opt for a lighter weight carbon frame.\n\nThere are a huge number of good or even great road bikes out there in this price range.  Some companies will even have two or three by themselves.  Buy the right purpose, and buy the right fit.
991406
ok, no one has really addressed your needs here, just thiers.  long distance riding, not RACING, requiers a bike with a few things road bikes lack.  when you hear "road bike" read it as "racing bike", because thats what they are designed for.  road bikes have \nstiff frames for acceleration, light weight for the same reason, flimsy wheels, same reason, and aerodynamic riding positions, same reason.  they also have narrow saddles, and a gear range that is too high, or hard, for normal guy long distance riding.\ntouring bikes on the other hand, have a much wider range of usable gears, including a series of extra low gears for steep extended hills, higher handlebars for less back and neck and hand and wrist strain, wider saddles for better sit bone support, \nmore compliant frames for a nicer ride, more powerful brakes for stopping under load, and more durable wheels, not to mention fatter tires, which makes the ride more comfortable.  road bikes cant take fat tires or fenders, rendering them useless in the rain, gravel, dirt, ect.  fat tires protect the rims from pot holes, and general road debris.  steel is generally accepted as the ideal touring bike frame material.  people say steel is heavy, but well made steel bikes are within a quarter pound of an aluminum bike, and will survive wrecks much better.  good steel bikes last a lifetime.  aluminum lasts a decade.  long story short, a good touring bike will be a lifetime investment, wearas a road racing bike is a fragil object at best, suited for fast paced riding over smooth roads in ideal weather.  \na decent touring bike can be had for 1300, custom complete, made to measure.  if a shop tries to talk you into a road racing bike, its cause thats all they know, and all they have to sell.  \ntouring bikes arnt money makers, they last too long, and cost too much to build.  800 dollars buys you nothing, not even a bad cheap road bike.  think of it as an investment.  road bikes, if your lucky, last 10 years.  thats if you never crash... they will never carry loads well, never handle predictably under load, and are prone to mechanical failure..
663029
A hybrid or a mountain bike.\n\nChoose a hybrid if you want comfort and efficiency first, and the toughness and durability to manage tracks second. The hybrid will not be able to go everywhere that a mountain bike does.\n\nChoose a mountain bike if you're willing to trade on road efficiency for the ability to go anywhere. A mountain bike is not so good for commuting and city-based recreational riding (that said, modern MTBs can be pretty good all rounders and you can always buy a second set of wheels - one lot with city tyres and a set of knobblies for the weekend).\n\nHybrids are sometimes merely mountain bikes with slimmer, tyres. Avoid these, because the frame geometry is wrong for street use. Go to a good dealer and try out genuine hybrids from manufacturers like Cannondale, Specialised and Trek. \n\nWhether you go for a hybrid or an MTB, buy the best you can afford from a well known bikemaker and a good, high end shop. Go for the best componentry you can afford (gears and brakes) because cheap components go wrong or work badly and this will put you off cycling.\n\nI recommend you go for good front suspension, but avoid rear suspension - for your requirement it is pointless, adds weight, goes wrong, reduces ride quality and adds price.\n\nCycling is great sport, great recreation and great transport. Enjoy it!
544762
Both are rubbish.\n\nSave up a little longer and buy a quality bike that you'll enjoy long term. \n\nMost important of all, buy your bike from a good bike shop. It makes a BIG difference, because they'll help you choose the best for your budget and for your intended use of the bike. They'll also give you good advice and they'll look after you into the future (you won't get any of this from Wal-Mart etc).
1149328
What bike... What are you talking about????
14925
Hard tails are best, unless you are riding on really rough terrain.  It's difficult to suggest a bike if you don't give a price.  But Trek makes a very nice entry level bike for about $400 in its 4300.  Gary Fisher makes some very nice entry level bikes in the $250-$400 range.  And the Specialized Stumpjumper can be had for less than $500.\n\nI'd stay away from anything you found in a deptament store, and instead head right to one or more of your local bike shops.  They can be very helpful in choosing the right bike for your budget.  And they don't sell crap that will fall apart in a year.  :)
410721
It really depends on 'what' type of riding you'll be doing and how much of it.  If you're just planning on being a weekend warrior and just want something decent to ride then you could get away with a lower end bike like the IronHorse Warrior or something like that.  If you're looking at seriously getting into the sport and spending some serious coin, then the options are limitless.  \n\nCheck out this site and sign up to post some questions.  I use it to find all kinds of info and find most people really helpful.  I go there daily to offer my insights or to ask a question.  \n\nwww.mtbr.com and click on the forums link.  Or just go to forums.mtbr.com\n\nThere's a specific forum for 'What bike to buy' and this question has been asked quite a bit.  So if you don't want to sign up to post, then you can just read other responses.\n\nGood luck!
685689
Any good well known brand makes inexpensive mountain bikes and you can usually get a good one on ebay.  Try the following:\n\nSchwinn\nGiant\nTrek\nGary Fisher\nKona\nDiamondback\nSpecialized\nMongoose\n\nThese are all good brands, the key to a good mountain bike and your satisfaction is in the deraulier gearing, make sure you get good gears (shimano) and good brakes.  Even if you are not going to race you want a bike to last and one of the above brands will make you happy, just make sure it fits and you are comfortable.
820367
Diamondback and specialized are not good bmx bikes.  I say this from experience.  They may be affordable but the parts quality is poor.  In racing you get what you pay for.  To build a decent light bike it takes around 500-700 dollars.  Mine actually cost 1200.  You didnt give your height so it makes this a little harder.  If you really want to you can buy a complete haro SX1 http://www.harobikes.com/bmx/bikes/group1_sxpro.php  It is a decent race bike complete for about 450 bucks.  You can also buy a complete Staats http://www.staatsbikes.com/Default.aspx?tabid=789 for around 550 i believe.  The Haro is a pro xl and if for riders 5'11 and up the Staats is a pro sized for riders 5'7 and up.   I would personally go for the Staats I believe they are better bikes for the money.  I am going to purchase their top of the line aluminum frame after I get over my broken wrist.  MCS also puts out a couple of complete bikes.  You can check www.danscomp.com for them and you can find other bikes if you are a shorter rider.  Here is a weblink for a sizing chart so that you can make a better informed decision on your bike.  http://www.wiregrassbmx.com/bmxtech.html  Now you can find your size and look for bikes in that area.  Though if you want to build a truly light and possibly smoother and more personal bike buy a frame and pick out the parts you want.  You will be much happier with the bike and can make it lighter than a stock bike.  Hope that information helps you out.
79408
if $$$ is issue here, check out the DOUGLAS bikes at coloradocyclist.com, for 1500, you can get a full ultegra douglas fusion with easton wheels and fsa extras.  the frame weights only 2.5 pounds.  compare that with any other brand...you cant....i have a 4200$ tcr comp, but this douglas is so well equipped, i thinkin about gettin it for my commuter/rainday bike......1500$ and >17 lbs..not bad.
32685
if you are planing to go off road, i just purchased a giant trance 3 and i love it, full suspention, disc brakes, twenty-seven speed, aluminum frame it weighs about 26lbs, and i payed around $1300, extremely happy with this purchase. \nI recommend talking to your local bike dealer and getting sized for a bike to fit you and your needs, don't just buy one from wal-mart, because when you shop at a dealer they will give you mantainance packages and they can help you better
917441
I own a Haro X1 backtrail and a F-2....that f-4 is nice...highest of the line in the f- series...good bike, haro makes good bikes, but don't try flatland with them or you will snap the axle or yourself. they have been around for a few years, they arent just really old, but as long as its in good condition, great..if you want any upgrades go to flatlandfuel.com...great site for bmx bike upgrades....that where i got my parts to build my $1,500 khe equilibrium bike.
752490
forget the choices you have I'd suggest a Giant STP..you can get a 07 frame for $300 or talk to your local Giant dealer about a 2006 stp complete bike, I know right now giant is blowing them out to make room for the new stuff. the STP (Street,Trails,Park) is a sweet bike, the geo. is perfect for street or DJ and it rides well on the trails\nI have owned a P bike and a Cowan before and will never go back now that I ride a STP
34655
That is a really good question. From my experience in New England with the many big hills that we have, a tripple is never out of the question. Just the same, when you go with a double, you have fewer gears (and perhaps,fewer problems) to think about. Maybe, you could try out some bikes with each kind to find out which might be better. They do not need to be anything close to the Madone's quality. In other words, any basic road bike might provide that answer for you. Good luck and have an awesome riding season.
1134302
Well, you'll want a bicycle. I don't know your money situation, but you can easily spend thousands. I don't recommend that till you know more. But don't get a bike at Wal-Mart or any other "general" store. To really enjoy it, you want a bike that is well-made and fits you properly, and the only place to get that is at a bike shop. \n\nLook for a shop that carries used bikes, along with a big selection of new bikes. \n\nTell them what kind of riding you think you'd like to try, and how much you can spend. They'll show you the options and help you out.  You won't find high pressure sales at a bike shop, these folks are also enthusiasts who just want more people to enjoy the sport.
12744
You made an excelent question, and often an overlooked factor when buying a bicycle.\n\nAs a rule of thumb never buy a serious bike at a departament store, always go to a local bike shop, where you will get great advise.\n\nThe most important measures when buying a bike are\n\n1.- Frame size. There should be 1 or 2 inches between your crotch and the top tube. A longer top tube will give you more stability.\n\n2.- Saddle height. Your leg should be slightly bent while sitting on the saddle and the pedal is at the lowest.\n\n3.- Handlebar Height/lenght. Depending on what you want to do, your handle bar could be 1 or 2 inches below the saddle (mostly MTB and race bikes) or even with the saddle ( touring ) - A short stem will gove you better handling.\n\n4.- Saddle. Once again it will be determined by your riding style, you should find the center of gravity for your riding\n\nThere are a lot of internet sites that could help you make a decision, I suggest you read more on the subject and most important, go to a local bike shop where you will get expert advice.
1133409
First off, you want to consider your short term and long term capabilities.  Do you plan on getting good in a short amount of time and needing an upgrade?  Do you plan on using it for a rec tool and have no plans on advancing?  If you plan on advancing in the future, get a bike that has some room to grow, but not too much in terms of high-end parts.  You can get a good bike for a medium budget that will be ideal for beginner to intermediate riders.  Ebay is a great place to find slightly used bikes due to many people feeling the need to upgrade bikes every year or two.  Look for a Trek, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Specialized with LX components and you won't pay more than 400-500 dollars for a low mileage bike.  Good luck!