I’m wanting to purchase my first ever road bike. I’ve always had a hybrid/mountain bike so I don’t want something too “aggressive” in it’s positioning. Anything compared to my canadian tire supercycle with non-functioning breaks will be a great improvement I think.
I would like it to be reliable. I probably won’t cycle more than 20-40 KMs in a given day. But it would be nice to be able to grow with the bike. I normally ride through the city of Ottawa, mostly on bike paths and paved roads and would like to bike to work occassionally.
I’m 5’7 with short legs as well. Any advice or considerations about these bikes and prices is helpful. It seems in my city every used road bike that isn’t vintage and beat up is at least $800 and anything carbon even 15 years old is at least $1000.
I should also note I went to the local Giant store and they fitted me into a size small in the contend 3 line of bikes at 53cm.
AcceptableFish04 on
Aluminum. Giant is gonna be less aggressive. Caads are great frames. Skip second hand carbon especially if it’s older.
thegunner86 on
5’7 with short legs here, 54cm is a hair to big imo
fivewords5 on
I’d say look for aluminum or carbon bikes with 105/ultegra groupsets. They’re the most bang for your buck on older bikes. I’m also 5’7 and ride a 54cm 2009 Cannondale Six carbon 5. It’s like exactly the right size for me which is not actually how I wished it fitted but it’s super comfortable and I’m not racing crits or anything. I’d recommend a 52cm for better saddle position and a 54cm for more relaxed.
There is nothing wrong with old carbon frames. If they’re maintained well, they’ll last for ages. Check for delaminating and cracks. They’re more stiff tho so not necessarily what you’d like from a commuter. I will say the older carbon market in the states is very affordable, I paid $350 for my Cannondale in 2022 in the south east of the US.
Overall, I’d say a caad model from Cannondale would be the best option with a lot of availability.
4 Comments
I’m wanting to purchase my first ever road bike. I’ve always had a hybrid/mountain bike so I don’t want something too “aggressive” in it’s positioning. Anything compared to my canadian tire supercycle with non-functioning breaks will be a great improvement I think.
I would like it to be reliable. I probably won’t cycle more than 20-40 KMs in a given day. But it would be nice to be able to grow with the bike. I normally ride through the city of Ottawa, mostly on bike paths and paved roads and would like to bike to work occassionally.
I’m 5’7 with short legs as well. Any advice or considerations about these bikes and prices is helpful. It seems in my city every used road bike that isn’t vintage and beat up is at least $800 and anything carbon even 15 years old is at least $1000.
I should also note I went to the local Giant store and they fitted me into a size small in the contend 3 line of bikes at 53cm.
Aluminum. Giant is gonna be less aggressive. Caads are great frames. Skip second hand carbon especially if it’s older.
5’7 with short legs here, 54cm is a hair to big imo
I’d say look for aluminum or carbon bikes with 105/ultegra groupsets. They’re the most bang for your buck on older bikes. I’m also 5’7 and ride a 54cm 2009 Cannondale Six carbon 5. It’s like exactly the right size for me which is not actually how I wished it fitted but it’s super comfortable and I’m not racing crits or anything. I’d recommend a 52cm for better saddle position and a 54cm for more relaxed.
There is nothing wrong with old carbon frames. If they’re maintained well, they’ll last for ages. Check for delaminating and cracks. They’re more stiff tho so not necessarily what you’d like from a commuter. I will say the older carbon market in the states is very affordable, I paid $350 for my Cannondale in 2022 in the south east of the US.
Overall, I’d say a caad model from Cannondale would be the best option with a lot of availability.