Road Cycling - my last road bike, what kind?

I"m ready to buy the last road bike of my life. I read everything and was convinced, I wanted a Litespeed Ghiallo with all Campy Record accssories. Go the Litespeed dealer only to be told they no longer carry Litespeed. I ask "what do you recommend?" as this will be my last bike and I want a good one. He says a Moots. I ask why they no longer carry Litespeed. The dealer was nice enough, he did not bad mouth Litespeed. But, I got the sense the dealer felt the quality was now lacking, i.e. not the bike it used to be. Is he right? What brand of bike do guys recommend? How about a Seven? How do you feel about Moots? Is Litespeed slipping? I'm ready to spend some big bucks and I do not want to make a mistake. Any imput- greatly appreciated.

What about Colnago, Look, or Merckx? Im not sure what Id buy. There's too much to pick from.

Yea it looks like your looking for a Ti bike? If so, Litespeed still makes some fine bikes. But however i think seven's quality might be a little better. however you should look at the merckx's and colnagos and maybe calfees.

Since it seems you're set on Ti, have you also considered a custom Ti bike? I'm sure there are plenty but some that come immediately to mind include:

Habanero (http://www.habcycles.com/)
Davidson (http://www.davidsonbicycles.com/html/home.shtml)
Independent Fabrications (http://www.ifbikes.com/)
Ti Cycles (http://www.ticycles.com/)
Legend (http://www.legendbicycles.com/)
Spectrum (http://spectrum-cycles.com/)
Epic (http://www.epicti.com/)


Serotta, Seven, Moots, Merlin and LeMond also have custom options on their frames I believe.

I woulda voted for Merlin, but it wasn't on the list, so I went with Seven.

I think I would look at a custom made Waterford, if it were my last bike. The ride is amazing, and the finish is beautiful.

Of the three listed I would say Moots,
Of the ones you didn't list you deserve
to check out Serotta (http://www.serotta.com) , they do a few levels of
Ti, and are very nice bikes.

Marty

Why last road bicycle? Are you dying or suffering from a disabling disease?


BTW: Buy the Moots

Maybe, reboot figures he'll take care of this frame well enough, he won't need another bike....

The poll asks the "wrong question". Which bike maker has a model that uses sizing and geometry that most closely matches your "style" and riding conditions? Beats me. only you could know that....

I agree, and since money is no object, you want a custom frame. That way you can get what you want down to the last millimeter.

I was in the same situation as you and I decided on a Litespeed Ultimate but only because I found one which fit me PERFECT and was pre-carbon seat stays. I'd recommend a custom Litespeed (yes they do that!), that way you can pick the model you want and have it fitted just for you!

I haven't ridden Moots or Seven, but I'm happy as a clam with my Litespeed Tuscany. They're all good bikes. Try 'em all, see what feels best and go with that.

Moots or Seven - custom made.

They make the best Ti in the industry, and they both have terrific warranties. If it was my personal bike, I'd buy the Moots in the wintertime - go to Steamboat Springs, have myself fit, and then go spend a few days on the one of the nicest ski resorts in North America, then get my new steed shipped to me and start riding in the spring.

Moots will give you a full tour of their facilities, it's fantastic to visit even if you aren't able to afford a custom made Ti frame of that level.

Merlin.

Merlin is now controlled by Litespeed and manufactured in the same facility (though seperated from each other) in Chattanooga. Having lived in Chattanooga and seen enough Litespeeds to choke a cow ... I'm simply not sure that I'd want to spend $4k+ on one of them. Seven and Moots both make far higher quality Ti bikes, as does Serotta.

I have no idea how the Merlin quality has changed, if any, from the move ... but it does make me a bit leary.

Originally posted by vadimivich
Merlin is now controlled by Litespeed

I thought it was the other way around or that the same controlling company now owns both.