Road Cycling - help deciding on my first road bike

I need some help and some feedback on the types of bikes I have been looking at as a starting point. This will be the first road bike that I have owned so I don't really want to by something that is going to be a dog to ride. So far I have looked in my LBS's at the Giant OCR 3, Trek 1000, Diamond Back Interval and also a Felt F85. I like the geometry of the Giant Frame but the fact that I does not have all shimano components is putting me off a bit. At this stage I am leaning towards the Felt but if anyone else has any suggestions in the price bracket of up to about $700us please let me now.:confused:

Test ride them if you can. Also compare the length of the bikes (top tube + stem) . Different manufacturers may make the same "size" but in different proportions. Use this to get a well fitting bike.

For compact frames use the effective top tube length, which they usually publish.

I use the Giant OCR1. It is Shimano 105 throughout. Unfortunately, it's a couple hundred above your stated price range.

I would get the FELT too. Great frames, well equiped and not the same old thing everyone else has.
good luck and tell us what you decide

Originally posted by webist
I use the Giant OCR1. It is Shimano 105 throughout. Unfortunately, it's a couple hundred above your stated price range.

DITTO!

I walked into the shop saying "ok. I only want to spend $800." So I expected to pay $1,000.

it happens :)

Of the bikes you listed I would probably go with the Felt also. I hear Diamondback is starting to get a "department store" image, but hey the black/blue frame looks cool ;). What I would do is print out the specs on these bikes and compare them side by side. I just recently purchased a Fuji Finest for around 400, you may want to look at this brand as they are generally considered to be good bikes. KHS makes a good steel frame bike but sometimes it's hard to find a dealer in your area. I don't think you could go wrong with any of those bikes really, but I like the Felt. Fit is most important!! Don't settle for a frame that's too big or small just because they don't have your size in stock. Do some research before you lay down the cash and you won't be dissapointed. :beer:
-BT

Don't buy a Sora equipped bike till you are sure you can live with the 'different' shifters, 7 or 8 speeds,and won't want 9 speeds,which gets epensive to upgrade.Cheaper in the long run to do it right the first time.

i just bought my first road bike, a trek 2000, its great, i love it. if u want cheaper than 1200 dollars then go with the trek 1000, trek is very good quality

There is alot out there between $1200 and a $600 Trek 1000.

Just bought the Trek 1200 and love it!!!!!

I have been doing some ringing around of my LBS and spoke to one small shop and spoke to one of the guys there about what I want. They sell a bike where the Al frame is made in Taiwan and sent to them with the parts and then he assesmbles it himself. It is about the same price as the Giant. I am going to have a look at it this afternoon. Thanks for all your suggestions and feedback.

check out kona. My lbs here has a few kona road bikes that look fairly nice for a good price...

I am going to have a look at a second hand Giant CFR3 this morning. It has Campag Chorus 8sp. I have spoken to some family friends who have suggested getting a second hand bike so I can get much more for the money. What do you think, the guy wants about $350us.

I know campy gets better with age according to all of my customers whom ive built bikes with campy for. Couple guys came back with 9 speed and said it works great if not better.. I'd say go for it if the frame is mint.

I recently purchased a Giant OCR3. It's a nice bike and is a big step from my old bike (~15 years old). The only complaints I have is that it's noisy (creaks under heavy pedaling) and the ride is rough. My last bike was steel so the rough ride may be due to the aluminum frame. It's in the bike shop right now getting the bottom bracket replaced so hopefully that will resolve some of the creaks.

I also bought my first road bike not too long ago. I'm the proud owner of a 2003 Specialized Allez Sport. It has a carbon fork/seatpost and a tiagra/105 component mix. Actually the only 105 component is the rear derailleur. A good deal IMO for $800.
I know it's a tad over your stated range but may be worth looking into if you have a dealer in your area.

I was also looking at Colorado Cyclist's Douglas Motive 105. 105 components throughout and a carbon fork (only 18.9 lbs. too). I decided against it because it was $900 at the time and didn't have pedals. If I was shopping now, I'd probably get the Douglas since I ended up getting clipless pedals anyway plus they lowered its price to $800.

I do love my Specialized though. Happy shopping (if you haven't bought yours already).
(I think that's enough for my first post.) :D

OF