| Re: Advise on frame & fork materials for strong road bike?
Claire Said:
> If you do like going off-road from time to time, maybe you'd be happiest with a cyclo-cross bike?
A cross bike is an interesting suggestion. Would I be notably slower
on the road riding a cross bike when compared to a touring or racing
bike? I assume the cross bike would be notably stronger? Are most/all
CX bikes steel frame/fork?
Claire Said:
> You mention "racing" bikes, but nowhere in your post do I see you're interested in racing.
While I don't see myself ever being a full-blown racer, I would like
to hook up with a club and do a couple group rides this summer. I also
want to enter a beginner's race this fall. That said, I don't
think I need a "racing" bike. I just want to take the fun of
putting away 100K while working on my average speed to the next level.
When I went from my MTB to my current 1970's SS road bike for my road
rides last spring and the difference was amazing. I see a geared
semi-racy bike as the step after the SS. That, and I don't think I
could hang on a club ride without gears <g>.
Claire Said:
> What's your budget?
It should be $700ish. I could stretch it a bit. Someone tempted me
with a leftover KHS for (IIRC) ~$850 recently, but as pretty as it was
it looked fragile. Much higher than that may create a war at home.
Less would be great. Much depends on the price of the upcoming home
repairs, which is why I'm just trying to get my research done now.
If I luck out with the house, I could have $1000. If luck outs me, I
could be shopping used for $500.
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