Road Cycling - Want to buy an assembled road bike

I've been mountain biking for a while but I've been wanting to buy a good road bike to to do some general cycling (ie, ride up Mt. Diablo, ride around Lake Tahoe in a day, do 75 milers on the weekend) and would like to know what your opinions are as far as the best bike for the money (lightness, comfort, compontry, etc.). My budget is up to $1600 and I don't want to spend any more except for maybe pedals and seat. Do I buy a European or US make??? Steel or aluminum frame??? Any help would be appreciated.

I would suggest going to an LBS you like and ride a bunch of different ones. In that price range there is plenty of great stuff to pick from. I would also say Shimano 105 components should be your minimum group. Lemond Zurich and Cannondale R1000 would be where I would start if that was my quest, but ride'em and pick one you like and then ride lots more!!

The Zurich will be a little higher than your budget..but that is what you should do: try to ride several steel, aluminum, and even titanium to get a feel for what you prefer. Some like the comfy ride of steel, others like the stiff feel of aluminum. Titanium IMO is somewhere in between. Also, 2002's should be on sale right about now.


Dax

I saw a Treck 2200 at my local shop for $1400. This is a 2002 model and has been there all summer.(I was going to buy it but got last years model 2200 for less than $1200).

So I'm sure there should be some good sales going on now. Maybe even better towards the end of summer.

My 2200 has 105 group front to back(no mix match) It is a very smooth ride(shifting and riding) Also very light and fast.

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/road/2200.html

Bianchi Veloce. $1350-1450

You will not be dissapointed.

I would think a Trek 2200 or Lemond Buenos Aries would be a great choice. Both are around the $1600 price mark and are nice bikes for the money. The Lemond is almost all Ultegra with just the bottom bracket and cassette being 105. The Trek has 105 for the front derailleur and brakes, Ultegra everywhere else.

I ride a Lemond Buenos Aries and love it, and my wife rides a 2200 and loves it so I can recomend both of them with first hand knowledge.

My LBS has a Specialized Allez Comp 2003 model o hte wall for $1699. Shimano Ultegra throughout.

Sure fits your budget and looks real good with those paired-spoke wheels and smooth welds.

I wouldn't even test ride it though. Knew I would have blown my budget.:p