Road Cycling - Choosing a bike?

Ok, started getting some money from my bike v/s car incident in April.

I got the check for my bike and helmet, jersey and shorts, etc yesterday to the tune of $2101.34

I should get a check for pain and suffering sometime within the next month or so. I should be able to buy a nice bike.

I was looking at the Litespeed Tuscany w/ Ultegra just because that's the nicest bike the LBS had, and I'm going to deal with him. I was thinking of an Ultimate, but I don't want to make him order one so I can give one a spin.

How does this work ethically? And how am I going to find an upper end bike like this locally?

What other bikes in the $3-4k range should I look at? I'm considering Ti and Steel. Want something that'll be with me for life.

Thanks guys!

Well sounds like you are loyal to your LBS which is something rare nowdays.

Just look around and if you find something you like ask your LBS if they can get. Smaller companies I am sure they will have no problems. You may have to help them out as I found out many shops out there do not know much in the way of bicycle products. I get many calls here a week from shops asking me to tell them where to buy goods. Basicly do the job for them. I hate this.

So look around and if you like another brand ask them if they can get for you.

well I'm happy with Litespeed, which they carry. it's just which model?

since they're a fairly small shop they can't stock a bunch of frames. and I can't ask them to order something for me to ride, just to decide i don't like it. you're right though. i'll just have to keep looking around and find the bike i want then see if they can get it. i think i knew that was the solution before but i didn't want to admit it. i'm too impatient to keep looking ;)

Here's a nice review I found of the Tuscany.

Made me want to get one and I know squat about bikes :D

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/tuscany03.shtml

Get him to order you a FONDRIEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also look at the Bianchi Boron XL. Boron is a type of steel but much lighter and stronger. My shop sells it for 2300 with Campy Centaur but from there u could put Record Components.

Look at the Seven or Moots. For the $4,000 range you can get a custom bike that would fit you much better than the "out-of-the-box" Litespeed. If you have a way of getting the May 2003 issue of Bicycling magazine they did a comparison of the Litespeed Vortex (much more $$$ than the Tuscany), the Airborne Torch and the Moots Vamoots. Their final overall review stated the Moots was "Best combo of ride feel and handling among our test bikes, good for everything from long, easy rides with friends to full throttle racing".

Best piece of advice I can give is that if your going to spend that kind of money, take your time and do your homework. You will have to live with your decision for a long time so make the best you can.

Snowblower

FYI, I originally wanted a Lightspeed too but went custom instead and have never looked back. I still smile and get excited every time I am on my bike......