Hi all,

I am looking to purchase a new road bike in the $2000 range, I have looked at the Trek 5100, Fuji Roubaix, Specialized Tarmac, Felt -> a aluminum frame with carbon seat stays and front fork, and a carbon Giant. Anyone have any recommendations? Except for the Felt, all these bikes are full carbon frame. As for usage, I will be riding approx 50-100 miles on the weekends with no racing.

I think I have decided with a minimum of Ultergra components as I am not sure Durace is worth it to me. Many of the cranks I have looked at are FSA which should be fine. I have not gotten into the wheel sets too much, but will look at them in more detail when I test ride.

Any recommendations on frame type (aluminum, carbon, or even steel), bike manufacturer would be helpful. I am having a difficult time deciding on what bike to go with so any decision points you have all used would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

There are a bunch of choices in this price range. I have personally owned a Giant TCR 1 aluminum and Cannondale R2000 aluminum. Both were terrific bikes. Very nimble and fast. The Cannondale had the advantage for comfort becuase of the "S" seat stays. They tend to have more give to them then straight seat stays, like on the TCR's. Giant Carbon's are nice, but I think if you go with Ultera, you'll be looking at closer to $3K.

Felt is a very nice bike as well. I would go try a Cannondale R1000 or R2000.

Most importantly, whatever bike you end up with, be sure that you are properly fitted by someone who knows road bikes.

 

My take as someone who rides almost every day.

Stay away from aluminum if you plan on long rides. I have an old C-dale Al frame that I love, but it beats the hell out of you.

The same applies to CF to a lesser extent.

I'm a big fan of titanium and a big believer in never buying a bike new. Dig around on craigslist etc, you can find great deals on bikes just a year or two old.

I ride with a guy who has a 1982 french steel frame -- with upgraded components all around. Yeah it is heavy, but that bike is so comfortable on the long rides.

 

(no road bike content but...) almost bought an OCLV 9800 for $250 last week... some other dude beat me to it by like.. an hour...

re: Ti, a roadie friend of mine just bought a Moots and he really loves it.

 

"OCLV 9800 for $250"

 

I agree with Steve. I have several bikes. I ride my Ti bike more than all my other bikes combined. Aluminum bike are uncomfortable for longer rides - mine sits at my brother's place in another state - I use it when I go visit him.
I would try to get the best frame possible for the money.
also, if you get it from ebay, you can get about 30% off MSRP - no warantee but big discount.

 

I agree that you should definitely look for good deals on a used bike. That being said, I've also worked at a pretty high-end bike shop and have sold a ton of bikes. You'll definitely want to go down to a reputable shop and be fitted for a frame. Different bikes have different frame geometries, and each fits differently. You'll be miserable if you get an ill-fitting bike.

Aluminum is definitely the harshest material, but its the most responsive. If you want what I consider to be the most beautiful bicycle ever built, look at a Klein Quantum (I think they just call them, "q pro" now). They probably retail for ~$2500 to start, so you can easily find a used one in your price range.

 

I would have mentioned titanium as well (my mtn bike is ti) but it seems that could be well out of his price range. Unless, you do dig around for a well used bike. Also check roadbikereview.com. They have a classifieds section.

 

heh.. thats was me dream bike back in the 90s.. SO close.. but so far again. i'm gonna see the guy who bought it in 2 wks.. will up his old offer and try to buy it again...

 

on the subject of bike lust
I used to want an OCLV. But now I'm lusting after this
http://sevencycles.com/bikes/aerios.html
or
http://sevencycles.com/bikes/elium.html

if you have to ask the price.