Road Cycling - road bike 4 a grand? - suggestions?

I'm looking for my first road bike - been MTBing for years (love the ride of my Columbus Cyber frame). But I need some advice as to what to buy as a first road bike. Thinking of spending about a grand - any suggestions?

Aluminium or steel?
Campag or Shimano?
Wheels?

Grateful for any experienced, impartial views - cheers!

hi man if u have used columbus tubes..i guess u would like the steel frame but ........but remember that only good steel is cool........dun buy the cheap steel frame
the cheap steel just like iron...........the cheap al frame is buetter that the cheap steel frame ..........
if u wanna spend more than US$1.3k i think u can buy a good columbus bike if u wanna spend less go for a al frame then
sorry my english is not good

Mike-I purchased my first real bike in May '99. I'm probably somewhat biased here, but I would take a hard look at Raleigh. They have a reputation for giving a lot of bang for the buck.
I went with the R600. It is aluminumn with full shimono 105 components and it ROCKS!! You step on the pedals and it goes!!! Sorry, got off the tack here!! anyhoo, that is my two cents worth. Happy bike hunting!! Stan.

The guys at Torelli (Itallian import bikes) have some sound advice on what makes a good road bike .

http://www.torelli.com/

check with area bike shops and see if you can find something on consignment. I got a perfect fit Lemond Chambery carbon fiber frame with ultegra comps for $1000.

It was a great investment. Actually I wasn't even looking used, but I almost paid $3000 for trek model of the same bike when my shop mechanic mentioned that the other store had my size in said bike.

worth a shot, good luck.

Mike,
If you can stretch just over a grand, the Bianchi Campione retails for $1100. All steel, mix of Campagnolo components, primarily Veloce. Sweet bike and a good value.
Regards,
Raymond

I'm no expert, but I'm partial to Lemond, Bianchi, and Trek bikes in that price range.

To get a feel for what's out there in your price range, you can go to www.roadbikereview.com, select road bikes, then click on the "price" column heading. It'll give you a list sorted by price.

Mike,

I agree with Stan. Look at Raleigh. I bought a Raleigh R600 in March 1999 and have thoroughly enjoyed riding it. But it is now out to pasture and for sale. I bought a new bike in April. So if you live near Atlanta, have I got a deal for you! ;)

Seriously, it is a great bike. All Shimano 105 components. And I wouldn't settle for less than 105 on any bike you pick. Most other manufacturers don't give you as much bang for your buck.

But if you aren't sold on Raleigh, go to a couple of LBS and look at their selection and ask for recommendations. And don't forget to ask your cycling friends for recommendations.

I don't think steel or aluminum will matter on your first bike. Just get one that FITS and you like. Then get out and ride and enjoy yourself.

Ron

Cannodale makes a r800 triple that isn't bad. FWIW, I picked up my R600 double, a little after the issue year, and got it for 799, and it was mostly 105 and coda mix, with a carbon fiber fork.

I've got the C'dale R800 double. Just having the double isn't a problem here, as it's pretty flat.

I've just been riding the bike this year and am really enjoying it! It's got the mix of Shimano 105 and coda, with the carbon forks. It's the first roadbike I've had so I can't compare it with
steel etc. but so far I like it and I've got about 1200 kms on it.

I replaced the saddle with a Terry Ti Fly and that was a definite improvement. I've also got Airstryke 2000 aerobars which are nice for longer rides.

Originally posted by aerobat
I replaced the saddle with a Terry Ti Fly and that was a definite improvement. I've also got Airstryke 2000 aerobars which are nice for longer rides.

Terry Ti fly saddle? Any info on that?

William, I assume you got my email re: the Terry Fly.

For other's benefit, I got the Terry saddle from Performancebike.com. They had a sale on them in their stores, which the online section matched when I pointed out the price difference.

Other online mailorder places list the saddle, but you don't see too many in LBS's, at least not in Canada.

The Ti Fly is one of a line of Men's saddles, most of them being the holey type, this one has the Ti rails, but there is a version with, I believe chromoly rails.

They were reviewed on roadbikereview.com and got good ratings. After using mine for a while, with the longest ride being over 100kms I would recommend it. Some might like the slightly wider Terry Men's Liberator or one of the other models.