I remember the first time I walked into a specialty bike store; this would be my first expensive (at least to me) road bike. My eyes were like saucers and my emotions soared as I saw every imaginable make and model hanging on the wall. Each of them representing the pinnacle of cycling, how could I possibly choose one from another?
That was years ago, and I've owned multiple bikes since, but I have realized the most important question to ask yourself, how much cycling do you intend to do? If you'll answer this question truthfully, it will guide you in your choice and you can then almost automatically pick your perfect road bike. Of course this will need to be tempered with your age, physical condition, and whether you plan to race, or simply enjoy a leisurely ride on a beautiful road bike trail.
Certainly one of the factors will be financial, if you're a young and plan to ride consistently, possibly entering a contest or two, your perfect bike might be more expensive than you'd planned for. If you're older and established in the business world, perhaps money is not the issue, but how much time you have to enjoy your road bike. You'll certainly need to justify one against the other, and what works for one may be different for another.
Let's Start with the Basic Road Bike
There are specialty bike shops and larger sporting good stores that will have a variety of selections. The larger stores will probably offer road bikes with alloy frames, mixed with less expensive components, your bike is probably pre-built and will certainly provide a good ride, but there will be other bikes that are lighter and more expensive, using an alloy frame.
These more expensive road bikes usually allow customization ofeach individual component, i.e., saddle, tires, handlebars, wheel rims, et cetera. That is the ideal way to build your custom road bike however, it can be quite expensive.
So You Want Your Road Bike to Be a Racer
If you're considering a racing bike, if you have vision of the Tour 'De France, you'll find these gems in road bike magazines, specialty bike stores, and certainly online auction sites. When you began looking at these upper level road bikes, chances are you'll be buying it completed or assembled. This simply means that the manufacturer has already put the time and energy into ensuring each part integrates perfectly. The foundation of your road bike is of course the frame, and no doubt you'll be choosing an alloy frame, with carbon forks. This is the most efficient, high tech way of outfitting your road bike but not without expense.
The Top-Of-The-Line Road Bike
I'll drop a few names here, since we're talking about the creme de la creme of road bikes; Campagnolo Chorus or Shimano Ultegra are recognized manufacturers, whose very name invokes, "Ooo oo, ahh ahh" among road bike enthusiasts. If money is no object, (not the case with most of us), you'll probably be looking at carbon rims for the tires, however most will use high-pressure tires (such as tubulars) and alloy rims.
A top-of-the-line road bike could potentially cost thousands, and while it would certainly make Lance Armstrong proud, consider these top of the line models, only if you have the money and time to invest.
If you're someone like me, a person who simply enjoys riding, feeling the wind in your face, the adrenaline in your soul, choose a road bike that fits your personality, bank account and style. Once you do then pedal for life, enjoyment, and simple thrill of meeting the road on your terms.
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