Road Cycling - New bike advice

Hello,

This is my first post on this forum, though I've been lurking around for quite some time.

I am looking to buy a new road racing bike, and I seem to have so many choices that I feel overwhelmed. There are three things that I could do: buy a new mid-level bike, buy a more high end, older, used bike, or build a bike from parts I buy individually. I am willing to spend somewhere under $1000.

As far as new bikes, I've been looking at Fuji and Trek, who seem to have decent deals. Fujis are light and good value--the Newest and Finest AL weigh about 20 lbs and range $700-$900. The Trek 1200 has the nice carbon fork, which is supposed to give a hugely improved ride over aluminum forks, but they seem heavier; though Trek doesn't advertise the weight, the 1200 is at least 23-24 lbs. I checked one out at the shop.

I haven't looked into old bikes and parts yet; I plan on visiting quite a few shops this week-end to see what I can find. The option of building my own is not very favorable (though I am willing to do it) as I don't have my own shop and would have to travel quite a lot to a place where I can work on it.

Any advice would be very appreciated. At this point I'm thinking that getting a new bike is my best bet overall, and am biased toward the Fujis a bit... I own a very old Fuji Royal that's been a good bike for many years. However, I'm not at all experienced with new bike technology, the differences between brands, materials (aluminum vs steel vs carbon, etc).

Thanks.

There are many deals under $1000. Also look at the Felt and K2 line of frames. Maybe going up to around $1200 can really give you more for your money.

Look into that. Many people tend to buy cheapest and then end up replacing so many parts that the it made no difference.

Putting it together will be more money.

Also look around as you will be surprised that for around $1500 you can get a real top brand. I just added to my online shop a few Coppi, DeBernardi and Ciocc compelte bikes and those are some great deals on brand name parts. So just look around and open it up to other more 'expensive' brands.

Just picked up a Fuji Roubaix - which is an AL frame with a carbon fork. Has 105 all round and a triple for those mountain rides. Performance Bike has it 10% off of $1039 - if you join their club for $20 you get an additional 10% in store credit - which if your buying other gear isn't a bad deal.

Also look at Supergo.com - they have a great deal on a 02 Bianchi that's in your price range and is a sweet bike to boot...

If your in the Denver area - there's a great little shop on old South Pearl that has some nice older bikes. Good prices and nice equipment.

Suggest you do not buy before you ride. And ride serveral different bikes in both aluminum and steel. You may find a surprising difference in how they ride at the price point you are talking about. Check out Lemonds. You will always do better on eBay. Can get a very nice used bike for under $1000. I have even seen Litespeed Classics go for that price. Full DuraAce equipped. Good luck and enjoy!!

Check out the Specialized Allez Sport at about $850-mostly Tiagra with a 105 rear derailleur. The frame is their A1 aluminum and is the same as on the $1050 and $1700 Elite and Comp models, respectively. It's also got a carbon fiber seatpost and fork. Pretty sweet deal, IMHO. If you can get up to the Elite model, it's full 105 with a nicer wheelset and fork.

most bike shops still have last years bike and will offer a great deal on them. I agree with ParamountScapin its not a good Idea to buy a bike with out riding it first.. fit is very thing. not just the
size but the feel as well.
good luckin finding a new bike.
Did I say that you should look for a bike that fits...
K

Awesome, thanks for all the pointers so far.
I've looked at Felt and Specialized Allez--they look like very nice bikes. That 2002 Bianchi Giro is SWEET. :) I'm really tempted.
I also found some local dealers who carry Bianchi, Specialized, Fuji, and hopefully others. I'll go in for some test rides.

One additional question: the bike size is the size of your inseam, right? Is there a rule of thumb for how much room there should be between the tube and the crotch when standing on the ground with the bike between your legs? One problem that has plagued me with my old Fuji is that it's way too tall. I can't comfortably stand on the ground at a stoplight...

Thanks!