Road Cycling - Need Advice: Road bike w/Campagnolo

After suggestions from others, I am purchasing a road bike in February. I will be looking for an '03 model (price being a factor). However, I also want Campagnolo components. How much should I spend, and what makes should I be looking for in this entry level road bike? I'm on a hybrid now, riding 80-100 miles a week, but intend on increasing my milage during spring and summer seasons.

The Urbanmonk

Hi,
there is no set amount. You might (just maybe) find a great old bike for a couple hundred. A grand, give or take a little, is a good ballpark. The bikes I mentioned earlier today, the Volpe and Seqouia, are still worth trying. There are literally hundreds worth trying.... Hit a few bike stores and test ride a few bikes. Try and find a nice '03 on sale. If you want to consider more expensive ones as well, there's the Gunnar Sport, and Rivendell Romulus in the under $2K category. One thing I like about the Rivendell website is this pic.... http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/bikes_romulus_2.html
You don't have to ride bent over like a racer. It's hard on the back. That is a good riding position. I am a little more bent over than that, but I got there a tiny bit at a time. I also spend time in the gym strengthening my back.

After suggestions from others, I am purchasing a road bike in February. I will be looking for an '03 model (price being a factor). However, I also want Campagnolo components. How much should I spend, and what makes should I be looking for in this entry level road bike? I'm on a hybrid now, riding 80-100 miles a week, but intend on increasing my milage during spring and summer seasons.

The Urbanmonk

Bianchi Eros or Campione. Both list around $1100. Both are Italian steel bikes with Campy Veloce/Mirage gruppos. The Eros has a slightly more relaxed geometry and longer wheelbase for comfort over longer rides while the Campione is more of a racing bike. The Campione has been discontinued for 2004.

I think Orbea also has some affordable Campy equiped rides.

If you're willing to reconsider Shimano, your options increase a great deal especially since you are price constrained.

halfspeed has some good advice. If you're considering the Bianchi line (and you should) and want to spend a little more, take a look at the Veloce. Steel frame, Campy Veloce groupo, and a very fast, comfortable ride. Be sure to get the Celeste, of course....

I'd be a little leery of the Campione, I bought one in 2000 and had to replace the bars, stem, headset, and seat as they were all junk...after that it was a good bike, though the rear rim developed cracks after about two years. In the long run the Veloce (or something similar from another maker) would probably be a much better bargain. FWIW the Campione did get me hooked on Campy equipped Italian steel bikes though, and I replaced it with a 2002 Chorus equipped Tommasini Sintesi that I got on closeout last winter (for $2K)...

What locks you into Campagnolo components?

Well, it's not because I know anything about these components. Actually, my uncle, who was once an avid rider, always said to buy Campagnolo first, even if you had to wait a year because of cost. Now, I imagine technology and quality have not suffered but improved over the years, and I'm hearing various opinions on equal quality for less. Don't know what to think. Don't want to be a serious rodie, but serious on the miles, and the equipment to get me there.

A bike equipped with 105 or Ultegra stuff, would last just as long if taken care of.

Good luck finding an 03 and its what u want and fits at a lbs,they are about gone.Wait a 5-6 more months for a deal on a 04 and by then you'll have more money,some of the felts are sweet.

Just do a lot of shopping around & you might get lucky. A few years ago when Raleigh shut down the UniVega logo, they were selling the entry model with Columbus Thron tubing & the same Campy Mirage/Veloce group as the Eros for $600.00, I picked one up & later gave it to my grandson as I'm more used to the old stuff. Try to attend some of the big swap meets & you might find something used for not to much $$.

test ride as many bikes as you can...but campy is the right chose for componets.

Hi,
The real secret is this....you get what you pay for. The bottom of either line is not something I would want. From the middle of the line on up; I'd take any of them in a heartbeat. I can remember when Campy ruled. But shimano is pretty good now. I'd hate to see you pass up a bike that was perfect for you because it didn't have Campy.

After suggestions from others, I am purchasing a road bike in February. I will be looking for an '03 model (price being a factor). However, I also want Campagnolo components. How much should I spend, and what makes should I be looking for in this entry level road bike? I'm on a hybrid now, riding 80-100 miles a week, but intend on increasing my milage during spring and summer seasons.

The Urbanmonk

Sierra trading post is selling colnago asso's with centaur group for only $1359 and colnago chic with veloce/mirage components for less than $1100 a 50% off retail. Hurry up before it's too late.

Go Pure Italian,campy & Colnago They Have Been Around Forever
As Good As It Gets.

I just got a Viner Competition from www.gvhbikes.com It is an italian steel bike with Campy Centaur and Mavic open pro rims. All for under $1,500. I did some research and found that this was the best value for me. GVH was helpful too.