I've been riding mountain bikes since 1993 (I was 20 then), and raced for the first few years even. The mountain bike riding season is only about 6 months where I live. A lot of folks I ride mountain bikes with are also riding road bikes during the summer months. I would like to get a road bike so I can get in riding shape while the roads are dry but there is still snow on the trails. I'm looking at a bike that is comfortable on long rides, a good climbing machine, and not so twitchy that decents aren't scary. I plan on riding the LOTOJA in 2011.
I was looking at the Fuji SL1 PRO in Shimano, or the Giant Defy Advanced 1. I'm not sure about the TCR though. I'm a little nervous about the press in BB bearings on the Giant though. I guess I'm hoping the tools to replace my own bearings won't be too expensive. The Fuji uses a x-type BB, so those would be easy to do the work on myself.
I know I need to go and test both bikes, but having never ridden road before, I'm worried that I won't even know what to look for. What feels OK around the block might not feel OK after 50 miles, let alone 100+. I'm also open to suggestions for other bikes.
Thanks for the help.
ETA - What's up with the $3800 MSRP of the SL1 PRO? Seems a little high to me, considering the Defy Advanced 1 is $500 less. Anyway, I know a motivated dealer who will the SL1 PRO for $2800 out the door. Not sure on the Giant products.
I was looking at the Fuji SL1 PRO in Shimano, or the Giant Defy Advanced 1. I'm not sure about the TCR though. I'm a little nervous about the press in BB bearings on the Giant though. I guess I'm hoping the tools to replace my own bearings won't be too expensive. The Fuji uses a x-type BB, so those would be easy to do the work on myself.
I know I need to go and test both bikes, but having never ridden road before, I'm worried that I won't even know what to look for. What feels OK around the block might not feel OK after 50 miles, let alone 100+. I'm also open to suggestions for other bikes.
Thanks for the help.
ETA - What's up with the $3800 MSRP of the SL1 PRO? Seems a little high to me, considering the Defy Advanced 1 is $500 less. Anyway, I know a motivated dealer who will the SL1 PRO for $2800 out the door. Not sure on the Giant products.