Hi! I’m new to this community, so please excuse my ignorance and questions. I’m really looking to learn and consider the experience of people in here who have much more knowledge than I have.
I did about 4 sprints with a Fuji leisure riding bike and it was so heavy and difficult (1st picture). It was highly recommended by Bike Shop “A”, and I was just excited to get into races. The past 2 years in grad school took a lot of time and energy so I got out of racing. Now that I’ve graduated, I am wanting to upgrade. I went to a Bike Shop “B” this past weekend and they were very surprised that A even suggested that heavy ass bike for me when my main purpose for it was for sprints/racing. Looking back, I am disappointed too because I always wondered why people had such light bikes and I had such a heavy monstrous one.
After several hours at bike shop B, I learned I am very comfortable on a 54 with a 60mm stem ( for the handbags?) and I enjoyed the drop bars more than the flat bars. An avid biking friend has an AL5, and is really hoping I get that too. The bike shop is pushing and saying that they’d be willing to sell me an AL3 and a used FX (flat bar) for the same price as AL5…so about $2100 with the tax and everything. He said that the FX can be used for neighborhood riding with friends, like to go to a brewery or grocery store. And the AL3 could be used for the races, plus the 30 ish mile rides I’d like to join in on with my friends.
My question to everyone here is: is that really a good deal? Go with the 2 bikes ( second and third picture) and maybe sell the Fuji on marketplace. Or get the AL5 and keep the Fuji.
What are your thoughts? I’m interested in making a purchase, but lack the knowledge on whether a good deal is truly a good deal. Pictures are of the Fuji I currently have, the AL3, and the used FX bike he is offering. AL5 would need to be ordered.
by nuniinunii