Any of you guys have experience with road bikes? I am considering in the new year to upgrade my hybrid Gary Fisher bike to a GIANT road bike. Do you guys have any recommendations or experience with GIANT vs. TREK, or any other manufacture on road bikes? I see some the GIANT models have disk brakes but not sure if there worth the premium in price for a novice rider like myself?

My budget is between $1-$2k for 2015 model bike... which is a little on the pricey side for me but I think this is a good investment for at least 5 years. I am looking at this model of GIANT model called Defy Advanced 2 which has frame like a mountain bike (tube looking) but it actually a road bike at 11 speed with disk brakes. I am also looking to put flat BMX pedals on the bike as I don't plan to buy clip on shoes.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bik ... 732/76106/

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"You know 'that look' women get when they want sex? Me neither" ~Steve Martin

Huffy

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I did the same thing a couple of years ago but only wanted one bike, so I went with this. Great bike, disc brakes are better in wet conditions but take a bit of time to break in.

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/ ... elite-disc

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Thanks for the reply Danny. Do you mind me asking what was your experience with road bikes prior to purchasing the Specialized bike (how does it compare to another style of bike)? Are you riding outside in this weather or have a trainer indoors? Do use the flat pedals or clip-on? Also did you buy the bike at a local bike shop in chicago (ie Kozys)?

thanks,
P

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"You know 'that look' women get when they want sex? Me neither" ~Steve Martin

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I ride a 2013 Felt Z85. Couldn't recommend it anymore. Been a great bike.

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Team Cutler.

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Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

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Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

It's like Frank never left.

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I bought a Kona Jake this summer and have been very happy with it. It's a cyclocross bike and can either go off the pavement (if you ride a slick-tired road bike on crushed limestone you'll probably wind up on your butt) and if you have an extra set of wheels with slicks you essentially have yourself a road bike, too. I have not done the latter, but know a few people who have without any issues.

I also bought a 1UP USA trainer. I used it tonight for the first time, and it works as advertised -- pretty easy to set up and quiet.

Sweet bike, Tad.

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Sex isn't dirty, sex isn't a crime. It's a loving act between two or more consenting adults.

-Hank Kingsley

Does it cost extra to get pedals?

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Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

Thanks, Furious. It's been about 20 years since I bought a new bike and was a little surprised at how much they cost, but that model got very good reviews and I've been very happy with it.

Chus - yes, pedals are extra. Apparently people immediately swap out the stock ones for ones with clips or other custom ones so they don't include them. There are a lot of additional costs after you buy the bike (accessories, gear, etc.) that I wasn't aware of.

It probably goes without saying, but don't cheap out on U-lock, wheel locks, cables, etc.

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1926-1931-1934-1942-1944-1946-1964-1967-1982-2006-2011

I had no idea. I have never bought a bike, other than the tiny one my four year old rides. My parents bought me a BMX when I was little. They bought me a 10 speed when I got older. The Trek 850 that I have now, was given to me by a friend who bought a new, sweet bike. He didn't have enough room in his apartment for two bikes.

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Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way