Fifty Plus (50+) - New bike -- what matters?

I am looking for a new bike, and a LBS suggested the Trek Eqinox 5 or Cannondale CAAD9 Optimo 3 -- around $1,500. Are there other brands or models I should look at?

The CAAD9 comes in three models with different dérailleurs -- how do they differ? Are there significant differences in durability, shifting smoothness?

They also offer different wheelsets -- are there noticeable differences in weight or durability among wheelsets?

(I am 67, in good shape, ride about 40 hard training miles a week, have done one triathlon, and am planning to do another).

Larry

Get a bikenashbar catalogue and you can compare the components. Since you are looking at this on the web why not search on some other brands and see if you like the specs/$ better.LeMond, Giant, Bianchi, Look, Seven, are names that come to mind, but look around here and you'll see other brands mentioned.

Good Luck.
Joe
:beer:

So many makes of bikes but first of all find your LBS (Local bike shop). Try a few shops and you will soon find the one that you think you are going to like dealing with. You will find that one frame will come in several different prices. The higher the price- The better the components you will get and the lighter the bike will be. I cannot tell you the merits of a certain grade to go for but others will be able to make their own recommendations.

On the wheel sets- Big difference in types of wheels- Durability- Ridability and cost. You can spend your Inheritance on wheels alone but by far the best wheels are hand built. Most wheels that arrive on a new bike are machine built- can be one of the pricecutting zones on a bike- or to be honest can be rubbish. The cheaper grades of a model range will normally have the "Rubbish" Wheels, and it is well worth looking at the type of riding you will be doing before spending a fortune on a Good set of wheels. I for example only do about 80 to 100 miles on rough roads each week. I bought what the serious riders would call a training wheel. These are strong- have a bit of extra weight over the quality wheels but they will take the knocks of the potholes I keep finding and are comfortable. The "Go-Faster" wheels have less spokes- really look classy- transmit a lot of the road buzz back to you and cost a fortune.

There are quite a few bike manufacturers around that will crop up as recommended but I ride a Giant road bike. I am pleased with it and my LBS is a dealer. I got it because my LBS carries the range and it is a good bike. Others to be recommended are Specialised, Bianchi, Lemond and any other name you can think of. Only thing to think of is that your first bike must fit and be comfortable. If you sit on it and it does not feel right- Then don't get it. Try another size- or model or even shop. The other thing about your first bike- Is that it will not be your last. You get your first bike to find out what is wrong with it and then spend a lot more time in choosing your second bike.

I Only got a road bike last year and went for the cheapest in the range. Cheap components and I did not want to spend a fortune on a Road bike if it was not going to be for me. Only part I found not up to my standard was the wheels. Changed to a Hand built set and it is a different bike. Still trying a few set up differences but I have a bike that will be good enough for me for a good few years to come. Just wish it was the same with the Mountain bikes.

Once you wade through all of the BS it pretty much comes down to fit and budget.

A bike that fits well will feel better when you sit on it and ride it. Your budget will determine everything else.

Unless you are my wife who insists that the bike be powder blue, no matter what other features it may have.

Handlebar-end tassles are always a plus.

There have to be a gazillion bike stores in LA. I would consider Jamis, Masi, Giant for bikes in the price range you stated. Also there are some good Quintana Roo tri bikes. Knock your self out test riding.

Handlebar-end tassles are always a plus.

And a new deck of playing cards, with a bnunch of clothespins. (If you have ask what these are for, you are probably too young for this forum :D :D )

+1 for Retrogrouch. Fit Fit fit, and budget. While there is some subtle differences, most of today's components work pretty good.

Larry,

Since you like tri biking, get a tri bike. Check out slowtwitch for tri ideas.
Definitely read this article carefully BEFORE you buy a bike:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/difference.shtml