Road bike question

I'm going to start looking for a new road bike. I was trying to find out somethings before hand. I intend to race it, such as century rides not time or tri's. I've looked at the Specialized and Treks but I'm stumped.

I would be looking to spend hopefully no more than 1000 on it, that it also being used most likely. I can't decide on any bikes, all the ones I've looked at seem the same to me in terms of what they're meant to do.

Any suggetions?

 

Stick to large, band names. Giant usually has the best prices, but they tend to skimp a little on the quality. I'd say try to get 105 components at least, stick to double chainrings instead of a triple, don't get a 'cross bike unless you plan on using it for 'cross racing-fatter tires are harder to pedal. Focus on FIT as you spend way more time in the saddle on a road bike than you ever will on a MTB. Most good bike shops will let you ride the bike and should give you a precursory bike fit for free or at least a discount. Brands?
Specialized, Giant, Felt, Cannondale, KHS all spring to mind. Welcome to skinny-tire land!

 

What size do you need? I have a used felt frame 54cm.

I second the double instead of triple. If you feel your gearing is too big or you're doing more hills, you can always go compact.

As for preferences, I have a Scott that I love, but it was more than 1000. It's great, stiff and fits me well (fit is EXTREMELY important, especially when you're doing long rides like centuries)

 

If you're around 5'10" to 6', someone was selling a GT road bike at a great deal. The thread should still be lurking in the Marketplace.

I agree with fit, it should be priority #1.

 

I had a compact 54 frame, I found it to be too small for me.

 

Check out the latest isue of Road Bike Action, I was flipping through it at B&N yesterday and I saw an article about road bikes for $700. I think one was a Trek (?) and I know the other was a Scott. Sounds like either one could be up your alley.

I got my Allez Elite from Specialized on close-out at a LBS for just over a grand. Good luck, they're a blast.

 

Not wanting to cloud the issue, but I actually found that frames that were slightly smaller were best for me. Handled better (Bottecchia, GT), accelerated quicker (Cannondale, GT). 50 to 70 mile days were the norm for me when I was on the road, and I never had problems with comfort. Be sure to take some test rides.

 

If you plan to go with Specialized, I would see if you can find a used Roubaix, they're designed for long rides and more relaxed geometry. A size 56 will probably fit well if you are between 5'10 and 6' tall, try out a few bikes in different sizes before buying.

You might even consider something with a steel frame, maybe a Bianchi, or a carbon Bianchi C2C.

 

Roubaix will be comfy....esp on long distances. There's one on ebay right now in fact thats a pro frame.

 

Adrenaline has pretty sweet deals on the C2C.

http://www.adrenalinebikes.com/stor...ategoryname=Top Selling Bikes (Mtn. AND Road)

You can get a complete carbon 928 with 105 for 1899, and that comes with Mavic Aksiums, which are decent entry level wheels. Or go with Ultegra for a little more.

 

If want way to do road/tri, go with a cervelo. You can get the dual or soloist (exact same frame geometry). You just flip the thing on the seat post for a steep or not so steep seat angle (for road or tri). You can try and find a used soloist with the road bars and just put some clip ons for the tris, or you can find a used dual and later have to get the drop bars if you really want them.

You might be able to find a dual for cheaper though because they don't offer it as a tri bike anymore. The p2sl is the new dual and its a little more aero than the dual was for the same price so the dual just lost value!

 

Just some other options ...

For the budget minded and if a compact geometry feels good then give the Giant OCR line a try. You should be able to find an '07 OCR C3 very close to your budget or you can go for the entry level and get an '08 OCR 1 in your price range. The MSRP of the OCR 1 is 1175 so I would think you could to a bit of haggling. :-k

When it comes to road bikes I have and always will ride Bianchi all though I have owned others. If you could up the budget a bit I would say take a look at the '07 1885Veloce, the Via Nerone 7 or go steel and check out the '07 Imola.

If you need a Bianchi dealer then give Roger a call at New Hall Bicycle Company. I do not have the number in front of me.

Another option would be the Scott CR1 but that would push your budget way up.

One thing I would say, try not to get less the Veloce if you go Campy and no less then 105 if Shimano. I have not rode anything with SRAM so no comment there.

Pics of all the recommended rides below

Bianchi 1885


Via Narone '07


Imola '07


Scott CR1


OCR C-3 2007


OCR 1

 

Where do you find that Magazine? I don't think I've seen it in a book store.

 

B&N....Barnes and Noble:?:

 

Probably because road bikes are pretty much all the same, especially in that price range. Try a few, buy the one you felt the best on.

 

Having only ridden one of the bikes mentioned here so far (the TCR 01) my experience is limited with the suggestions. However based on those suggested I would go with a Bianchi.

I would suggest looking at Motobecane bikes from Bikedirect.com. You can get a lot of bang for your buck. Sure it's a Chinese carbon frame, but what isn't?

 

OK, here I go again but The Path has some killer deals on road bikes left over from last year. Give them a call!

 

What size do you need? I have a a 2007 Felt F55 in a 58cm that I am getting ready to sell.

I bought a bike off the floor to take the drivetrain off of for a new bike that I built. I built that frame up with my older parts.

Brand new frame, wheels, handlebar, stem, tires and seat.

Weight should be about 18-19 lbs.

Would like to get $850 for it. Wheels and frame are worth that much.

Specs:

Alumnium Frame/Carbon seatstays
Carbon fork/aluminum steerer
Mavic Aksium Wheelset
Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick Tires
Felt 1.3 Alloy Bar
Felt Stem
Felt 1.1 Saddle with Carbon Injected Base
Shimano 105 9 spd shifters
Shimano 105 Brakes
Shimano 105 front derailluer
Shimano Ultegra Rear derailluer
SHimano Dura Ace 11-21/11-25 cassettes
FSA Energy Cranset
FSA Platinum bottom bracket
CaneCreek Headset

 

^Damn good deal.

 

I ride a 56cm. Thanks though.