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Entry level road/hybrid bike

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Childstar.
Posts: 1947 - Karma: 2,212

Im looking into getting into road cycleing and i was wondering if anybody has any recomendations.

The criteria i have is needs do mbe something i can ride down a gravel road with and not die but still is a mostly functional road bike. Im looking for it to be under 700$ and i also dont need a kajilion gears like im thinking a single sprocket on the front and like a 9speed on the back.

This would be my first bike of this type so i dont need anything really fancy, but im coming from a downhill back round so i enjoy haveing better than shit parts.

inb4 someone posts the natural gas motorcycle, or the dildo bike contraption. 

Apr 29 2011 9:20AM
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rigzz
Posts: 1768 - Karma: 147
Look into cyclocross bikes, since they are more confortable. Steel frame, and shimano gearing. Go into bike shops, many, and ask for what would be best for you. They can certainly help you better since they will measure you and find what's best for your body.
Apr 29 2011 9:24AM
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Childstar.
Posts: 1947 - Karma: 2,212

+k to you sir.

And thanks for the advice, ill probably ponder into a bike shop this weekend as the local bike swap is goin on.

Apr 29 2011 9:28AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6657 - Karma: 10,893
For $700 you will have a hard time finding a bike with a "drop handlebar" that will suit your needs. most cyclocross bikes will be above $900, unless you can find a used one.

check out "flat bar" road bikes. These are essentially road bikes but with a flat handlebar, wider tires for dirt/gravel roads, and will be in your price range. Something like the Specialized Vita or Sirrus.
Apr 29 2011 10:48AM
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Flying~Squirrel
Posts: 6494 - Karma: 192
trek 1000. light enough, sturdy enough, affordable, and easy to maintain. if your ging to get into racing or more serious riding, you will have to spend more money, but for starters i think its a good bike.
Apr 29 2011 10:51AM
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monkatizer
Posts: 4704 - Karma: 1,518
LOOK HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.bikesdirect.com/

i got an awesome road bike there for $500 it is comaprable to a $1000 trek, it has carbon fiber seatpost, fork, alunium frame, shimano tiagra, michelin tires, and alex race rims!

its am older model of this bike: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/orion_al_xi.htm

i highly recommend this comapny because i got my bike shipped free, andall i had to do was som basic assembeling! it is still riding like the day i got it 3 years ago and has about 2500 miles on it!

you should seriously consider getting a bike from here!!!!! pm me if u have any other questions!!!!
Apr 29 2011 10:59AM
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captainEMERICA
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 122
I flat bar road bike would fit your needs perfectly, the Specialized Sirrus actually began as a true drop bar road bike but they trasistioned it to a more hybrid style bike.  This makes it really quick and responsive just like a drop bar bike would be.  The Sirrus Elite is right in your price range at 700 and has components that wont fall apart on you. Its a really stellar bike.  The Vita is the Women's Specific Model and has all the same benefits of the Surris but in a women's model.
Apr 29 2011 11:28AM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
I highly recommend looking around on Craigslist, eBay, etc. for your first bike in this category.  You will save at least 50% in most cases.
Apr 29 2011 11:51AM
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HermioneGranger
Posts: 1933 - Karma: 101
Salsa Casseroll! Look it up.
Apr 29 2011 12:00PM
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HermioneGranger
Posts: 1933 - Karma: 101
Also, sorry for the double post, but another great option is to look on craigslist; it is tedious, but it can pay off. I pulled my current project off of craigslist: a 1990's Scott carbon composite; she needs some work, but when I get done with her, she will be quite the steed.

Apr 29 2011 12:08PM
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Childstar.
Posts: 1947 - Karma: 2,212
well i went into the bike shop today and based off of the norco XFR1 i rode around I ordered a norco XFR2.
Apr 30 2011 5:26PM
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Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
get a kona jake from the previous season.
Apr 30 2011 5:38PM
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