Road Cycling - Now I'm REALLY confused

I am looking for a new road bike. Here is where I am at. I'll try to keep this short.

Test rode steel, AL, carbon, Ti. Decided I liked the feel of carbon. (Trek 5200). I decided that I liked being married, so the 5200 is out.

Looked at the Scattante CFR. I felt a little stretched out, but according to an online sizer, it was in the correct range for me. I am used to a MTB so that could be it. Full carbon and full Ultegra triple for $1600. A lot for the money. I thought maybe a 100mm stem would bring it in until I get used to it. It has a 120mm. Opinions???

Then, just to confuse myself. I rode the Specialized Allez Pro. The Comp is in my price range. They did not have my size in the Comp. I was shocked at how smooth this AL bike was. Rode a 2003 Comp. It felt pretty good. Now I am wondering if I really need a carbon frame. Seat post and fork are a must.

SOOOOOOOOOOO.

Now I am going to look at the following:
Specialized Comp (58)
Specialized Roubaix Elite (58)
Trek 2200 / 2300 (58)
Scattante CFR - again (59)

What's your opinion on these bikes? Is it worth $300 for carbon seat stays??? The Trek geometry shows a little shorter top tube. A little under what the sizer recommends for me.

I presently do about 47 fairly fast miles on Sat. A couple of 20 - 30 mile rides during the week. (on a MTB) I would like to do a century now and then. 6' , 200lbs, 39 yrs old. Any and all help wanted!!!

what does your wife say?
failing that, ask your divorce lawyer.

fssb
sparky

Put an end to the confusion.... Its very simple if you think about it. Buy a Bianchi !!! :D
You can buy a Bianchi Giro for around $1500.00 and stay married, or you could buy a Bianchi San Lorenzo for about $3000.00 and get all the goodies .

I knew it. Troublemakers!!! :D

I think the wife will go to about $1800.

Bianchi_Rider. I am almost scared to look at other brands right now. What I might do is get this field narrowed down since it is fairly scattered (carbon, Al, Al w/ carbon seat stays). Then maybe throw another one or two in the mix if I am not sure.

I knew it. Troublemakers!!! :D

I think the wife will go to about $1800.

Bianchi_Rider. I am almost scared to look at other brands right now. What I might do is get this field narrowed down since it is fairly scattered (carbon, Al, Al w/ carbon seat stays). Then maybe throw another one or two in the mix if I am not sure.
okay okay, well since i cant get you to even peek at a beautiful bianchi, let me just tell you, I do have a bike (bianchi of course) that has a carbon fork . I also have another bike (bianchi of course) that has a steel fork. I do notice the difference, BUT!!!! the carbon fork is my road bike and the steel fork is my old school tt (funny bike)
I forgot what other things you wanted to know about so after I read your question again i will get back to you if I have any input...
BTW the Bianchi Giro does have carbon and its around the price your wife will let you spend :D

Now I am confused :(
you didnt even ask about the carbon fork LOL
See you start talking about trek and other bikes it just confuses ones mind.
I have one word for you "BIANCHI"
I promise, once you know that word there is no confusion...
Good luck in what ever you decide, sorry i couldnt help

oh one more thing...
look at this picture :D

just to add to the confusion....

Get a CrMo bike!!!! There are lots of great steel bikes out there...

Just try test riding one.. You'll like it.. :D

Want a bike that really fits? Get one custom made.

Get the scattante cfr. Im riding it right now and its great. The ultegra is top notch. The frame soaks up vibration just like carbon should. I also test rode some specialized allez sport or elite, cant remember which one, they felt sluggish and heavy compared to the cfr. I test rode the specialized and a scattante AL, within feet of riding the cfr I was thinking 'wow this is smooth.' I see you are in CA, maybe wait till supergo has another tax free sale, that'll save some money. Definetly try the bike out for size though. What components are on the comp?

beeanchi....beeanki.....BIANCHI. I can say it! That Gyro is beautiful.

TriDevil. The Comp is full Ultegra triple. Kysirium Equippe wheels.

Go cannondale r800 its a great ride and easy on the wallet...compared to divorce lawyer fees

Well, Avalance, when you get into the more performance oriented road bikes at the price ranges you are talking about, they are all nice bikes. Bike shops just will not carry clunkers especially at that price range.

So it comes down to things like subtle changes in geometry, where the money is spent on the component mix, just how the bike feels in handling and most importantly of all.... COLOR!

My point being, all of the above are pretty much matters of individual choice. You are doing the right thing. Make a list of bikes in your price range and go out and ride them. Then pick the ride you like the best.

Now, I have never used a carbon fiber seat post. That isn't where I want any flex. I don't know if carbon fiber seat stays would really make any noticeable difference. And these days, it seems, everyone has carbon fiber forks so you get those, like 'em or not.

It seems like you want a more compliant ride. Here is something that will do as much if not more then all that carbon stuff. Go up a notch in tire size. If you are on a 20 mm. Go to 23 mm. If 23 mm, go to 25 mm. If will be a little heavier but it will ride better usually.

I want it compliant enough for a century now and then with out getting beat up too much. I am doing my road rides on an AL GT Avalance (MTB) with AL post and it really isn't bad. I test road an AL Raliegh with AL seat post and I thought my fillings were going to fall out.

I, honestly have not considered steel. I guess that is a holdover from mountain biking.

CFR is nice.You can always put a shorter stem on it. Oh, i got steel,rides great.Its full ultegra with a ritchey crank for 1099.

I just learned on another thread that the Roubaix is a relaxed geometry bike, so that is off the list. The website makes it sound like an Allez with carbon seat stays.

Shokhead, That is what I thought might work. According to the fit calculator I used the CFR 59cm with a 120mm stem is perfect. It didn't feel perfect though. I might see if SuperGo will put a 100mm on it for a test ride.

PS. Thanks for all the advice. Keep it coming. This is a really hard decision when you are used to a MTB. It makes it hard to use what "feels" right, since that would be something that would be too short.

Does anyone know of someone near Pasadena that will do a proper fit? I don't want to just get it done blindly, because I am not impressed so far with some of the staff I have been dealing with at various shops. One guy told me I was 5' 10" and needed a 54cm. I am 6ft +. geez........

These are close
120mm=4.72inches
110=4.33
100=3.94
There ya go. I think they use weyless so switching should'nt be a problem. They have a sweet limited edition but its a few more. You know i think its only a 3 or 5 yr warr. A 5200 trek at about $2700 is lifetime i think,food for thought. CFR is nice as i check them out everytime i go to SG.