Road Bike Myths

Photo By: Darkmoon Evil

To get things started here at Mountain Static, I want to stir the cauldron with a few simple myths when buying a road bike.

Myth #1: I need a new bike. This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard, unless you've been biking competitively for years and need the best of what technology has to offer theres no need to buy a new bike. Head over to your local ebay and browse through the used bike section. Not only are they half as expensive, but contain most of the technology that makes newer bikes so expensive.

Myth #2: I need an extremely light weight bike. The difference in the weight of a $3000 carbon bike and a $1000 aluminum bike is minimal and unless you're competing at a high level there no need to buy a really light bike. Carbon fiber is awesome, but not worth the extra cash you could put into all the other cool bike stuff (i.e. new saddle, bike shirt and shorts). I recommend staying away from Carbon frames and sticking with aluminum or steel. Steel and aluminum are cheaper (a lot) and are much more common when searching for used bikes.

Myth #3: I can't afford a bike. This is the grandest myth of all. You can afford a bike, you just need to set a budget and follow it. Put some money into an older bike, steel or aluminum frame with all the necessities. It doesn't need to have carbon forks or Shimano anything, just a simple bike that looks like its made for the road. On average you should be able to find a bike like this for about $100 - $200 depending on how many specialty parts are on the bike. Invest in the bike, get clip-ins and shoes (~$150 new), a bike jersey, and you'll look like a pro in no time. Not only will these components help your style meter, but they'll also make riding much easier. Slowly you can take off older parts and replace them with news ones as your budget sees fit. You'll learn all about road biking parts, how to replace them yourself and maybe write your own blog about the experience. In the end a bike that could cost you $1500 brand new could be built for about $600, I did it, so can you.