Road Cycling - looking to get back into the spin

Years ago I was a semi-serious rider (on a schwinn circuit) during my high-school and college days- I'd do long rides every few days and did a crit or two (very poor results...) I started some MTBing, but never really took off on that one. Now it's been about 15 yrs since I've been on the road.

I've been thinking of starting to ride again, and have started looking around for a bike. I'm mid/average size, 5'9" ~165, and in fairly decent shape (not spinning shape, mind you). I'd like to ride every day, although probably not long rides, and maybe do a crit or team ride when I'm in that kind of mood.

So here's the point: I need a bike: probably under $2k, but one that will be versitile enough for what I've described.

I really don't want to start a holy war over Ti vs Steel vs Al vs carbon.... but I would really appreciate everyone's expertise. So what do you think about frames?

American vs Italian? New vs Used? Steel/Carbon/Ti??

thanks very much!

Forgot to mention that I'll probably commute on this bike as well....

htb

To me it's a perfect opportunity to go to your local bike shop and ask them these questions (Leave out the $2,000 budget part). I'd think you would do well on a used bike until you get a feel for if you really want to commute, do crits, or team rides. Chances are the first bike you pick won't do all 3 real well and you may change your mind in a year anyhow.

After a year or so, you will have a better idea of what you want.

My $.02

Do you still have your mtb? Depending on the length of your commute you could slap a pair of slick tires on your mtb and do fine. It will take the rough streets and the extra weight of a rack and rack trunk or backpack or panniers that you might need to carry on your commute where a road bike might object.

Dirtsqueezer's advice on a used bike is sound, but it can sometimes be difficult to find one that fits since you can't just order the size you need. All of the major mfrs make excellent bikes for under 2k. For instance, the Bianchi Veloce is an excellent value - steel frame, carbon fork, full Campy Veloce component group. Lists for $1450.

As someone said, you would probably do best to visit different shops that carry major brands like Trek, Cannondale, Bianchi and see what feels best. Fit is probably the most important factor.

RainmanP is absolutely right on the fit! You wouldn't want to save money and get the wrong fitting bike. Fit is key.

Thanks for the advice guys- It turns out that my dad gave up his old aluminum trek, which I promptly snapped up. It's not exactly a race ready bike- the geometry is a bit off. The components are all early 105, which as I remember was not too bad of a set when it was first released (although perhaps not a good racing kit).

Nevertheless, it'll make a fabulous commuter bike, and I can turn it into a fixed gear if I get serious about training for crits.

It's a start, and I can't wait to get back in the saddle.

htb

htb,
A good source for reviews is the roadbikereview.com site. They also have a sister site for MTB reviews as well. There is usually some good sound reasoning behind the reviews and not the glossy propaganda you may get from a brand-specific dealer or site.