Road Cycling - Best Road Bike for $1500

I have an Iron Horse Triumph with Sora componets I bought 3 months ago to see if i liked the sport. I love it and am ready to upgrade. Whats a good bike in this price range. Thanks for the info.

Bianchi

Look at Felt and Jamis. A lot of bang for the buck. You should be able to get an Ultegra equipped bike for a lot less than $1500. Not made in USA but hey you have to go where the value is

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/ce/model-4RR8D.html

The most important thing is fit. It should also match your riding. You don't want a touring bike in a criterium; or vice versa.
The previous suggestions are great. You might want to try a Specialized Allez steel.

You know your size, so go to eBay and find something you like. You can get a high-end 1-5 year old Litespeed, Lemond, whatever, for the money you are talking. Just stick with the major names and you will be all right. Once you find something, post it here for a couple of days to get some opinions. Probably even get a Campy group, as well. At least Ultegra, if not.

Also check out campyonly.com Lots of highend bikes listed there. And they will definitely have Campy components.

Also, if you are looking for a comfortable ride for the long-term you will do best on a steel frame. They are very long lasting and generally considered the most comfortable of rides. It is only the last couple of years that aluminum frames have become "comfortable". And less expensive aluminum frames generally give a harsher ride. Again, if you get one a few years old you can get the high-end model and the better design and thus riding bicycle.

I just bought a '98 lugged steel Serotta off of eBay. I will have repainted and decaled. When I am finished with it I will have about $1500 in it with Ksyrium wheels and a Campy Centaur (although I am beginning to think Chorus or Record) 10-speed group. You can do the same if you want to have some fun building up your own bike.

Also, one of my LBS has a new, 2 or 3 year old 55cm Serotta CSi with full Ultegra he was asking $1800 for a few months ago. that is about 50% of new list. Shop around at all the bike shops you can find. They will often have leftover bikes from one or two or even three years ago and you can get some great deals.

First off, get a bike that fits you and feels comfortable. There are a lot of choices for that money that will get you a quality bike.

Having said that....... I just picked up a Cannondale R800 a few months ago and love it. Very fast bike, very stable.

The best thing about it is the CAAD7 Optimo frame. It is the same frame they use on the highest end Cannondale team bike. The only difference is the components, Shim. 105 vs Dura Ace., wheels, saddle, etc. So if you get real into biking you can always upgrade the components as you progress, but you will have a great racing frame.

I picked up mine for $1250, so that leaves some money for other stuff too.

Ever looked into the new Klein's? I just bought a 2004 Aura XV and love it!! Full Ultegra, comfortable, light and a great climber. It looks great too!

Good luck in your search...and have fun doing it.

Keep us posted with your findings.

Put 500 bucks extra and you can get a nice Litespeed. They came out with the Firenze for 2K with Ultegra and a 3.5/2 Ti Frame. My shop just got one in, and its pretty nice. I would say go for it, its worth the ride. If not, look at Bianchi and I hear Felt has bikes at a good price.

I recently ordered a 2004 Fuji Team. It's an Ultegra bike/Aluminum frame w/ carbon seat stays etc.

On the website it says it retails for $2000, but I got it for significantly less at a team night at my LBS. I believe you will be able to find them in the $1600 range.

http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myArray=87,88,89,90,91,92,93,106,102,94,95,105,96,103,97,104,99,98,100,101,107,108,109,112,110,111,1 13,114&myArrayID=5&yr=2004

btw, it's a 17.2 lbs bike w/out pedals.

How much would it be to get a Fondriest Mega PLus?

Ive got a Bianchi Vigorelli, and am loving it. The Ultegra works good enough to last me years. Ive got about 500 miles on it so far. The nicest thing is that it feels right, right out of the box. I didnt have to spend a ton of money changing equipment to suit me. I even like the stock seat. :)

Check out Orbea too. They have more full bikes available this year and they're great for the money. Really underpriced here.