Competitive Cyclist Reviews the BMC Road Racer SL 01

[CyclingAZ]

not to sure its good for the money or an entry level bike.....

[dironman86]

I test road this bike along with a pinarello. Although the pinarello was amazingly comfortable the sl01 had the responsiveness that I was looking for in my first serious road bike. The only thing I could critique was the top tube length was a bit short for my liking in a frame geometry, but that's easily compensated for with the stem and seat position. Going to get it fitted professionally next week... I can't wait!

[socal1000]

sl 01 or cervelo s1 which bike is going to be better for rec riding about 100 miles a week

[dahgutone]

This BMC SL01, Cannondale CAAD9 (2010 model), and Cervelo S1 would probably be the best entry road bikes out there.

[mooo90]

@dahgutone You are an absolute moron. The SL01 is carbon meaning it's not "entry level" not to mention MSRP is $3,200 which is way the hell over an "entry level" budget.

[dahgutone]

@mooo90

Good point.

I did some price checks and they are sub $3,000.

Tell that to Competitive Cyclist for calling it 'entry level'.

Moron? Ever heard of common courtesy?

[ConorJNixon]

@dahgutone what do you base this off of? i'm buying my first bike for this spring and would love to hear any input you have.

[dahgutone]

@ConorJNixon

An entry level road bikes are generally 2-3k.

Anything lower, I'd consider as a basic.

However, there are a handful of bikes out there under 2k that is well worth the money.

Anything higher than 3k would be considered a competitive road bike.

Something you can ride at a weekend road race as well as the back country on weekdays.

The Cervelo S1, and the Cannondale CAAD10 are great entry/competitive road bikes.

[dahgutone]

@ConorJNixon

My philosophy is that if a an aluminum frame is just as good, if not better than a basic carbon frame at a fraction of the cost...I'd go with the aluminum frame.

A well built modern aluminum frame road bikes are great starters for a first bike.

Of course, road bikes are mainly targeted for the performance in-mind type of rider. And if you are buying your first bike for recreational point A to point B uses..

Get a hybrid bike or a vintage 1980-1990s steel frame road bike.

[ConorJNixon]

@dahgutone thanks. well i'm actually looking to get into riding to supplement running, which is my primary sport. I've been riding about 50 miles/ week on stationary trainers this winter and i'm looking to ride about 50-100 miles per week during the warmer months (to go along with 50-60 miles of running). so i'm looking for something entry level, because i am a new rider, but I also want a bike that will accommodate me as i become a better rider. i'm just lost as to how to find the right bike.