Road Cycling - Which bike would be your choice? Advice?

I'm in the market for a new, relatively cheap second bike ($800 is the limit). It's for use with a trail-a-long. After getting the trail-a-long and trying it out with my 40 lb. riding partner, I discovered that I'm going to need a triple to make it up the hills. It will replace my current bad weather bike/training bike, so it will be ridden a good bit when not pulling the trail-a-long. Also, keep in mind the back wheel will get a workout. The other bike I ride the most has a steel frame w/Campy (Chorus) components. Any suggestions given the following?

LBS:
Bike 1:
Trek 1200 - around $800
Aluminum frame -Components are mixture of Shimano 105 (rear derailer), rest is Tiagra.

Internet:
Bike 2

Motobecane Vent Noir $800 (aluminum with what appears to be better components than the Trek)

Frame DoubleButted/HandCrafted 7005 aluminum
Fork Kinesis carbon fiber
Crankset RPM Triple 52/42/30T Black Finish
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge Bearing
Pedals VP 162 Clipless includes cleats compatible with all SPD type shoes
Front Derailleur Shimano 105, Special Black Finish
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105 Special Blackfinish Edition
Shifters Shimano 105 Integrated STI, Flight Deck Compatible
Cassette/Freewheel Shimano 9 Speed Cassette 12-25T
Chain Shimano HG 9 Speed
Hubs Ritchey Sealed Bearing
Spokes Stainless Steel
Rims Ritchey OCRPro DS Black/CNC side
Tires Maxxis 700x23
Brakes Tektro BlackChrome DualPull
Brake Levers Shimano 105 Special Black Finish
Headset Threadless Sealed Bearing
Handlebar MWings Systeme Racing Aluminum 6061Butted
Stem MWings Systeme threadless Aluminum
Tape/Grip Black cork
Saddle MWings Systeme Racing
Seat Post MWings Systeme Micro Adjust Aluminum

Bike 3:

Mercier Aquila Euro - $760 (don't know much about Campy Mirage. Dependable? Better or equivalent to 105?)

Frame Handmade Reynolds 520 double-butted chromoly
Fork Reynolds Ouzo Comp Carbon Fiber
Crankset Cyclone Aluminum Black Finish 30x42x52 Triple
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge Unit
Pedals Alloy road with toe clips and straps
Front Derailleur Campagnolo Mirage
Rear Derailleur Campagnolo Mirage
Shifters Campagnolo Mirage Black Carbon Polymer Integrated Brake/Shifting
Cassette/Freewheel Campagnolo 13-26
Hubs Black Anodized Aluminum Campagnolo Compatible KT515/M33 with Quick Release
Spokes Stainless steel
Rims Alex AL-DA22 double wall, Black anodized with Machined brake track
Tires Kenda Racing 700x23
Brakes Dual Pivot Aluminum Alloy Black Finish
Brake Levers Campagnolo Mirage
Handlebar Kalloy Anatomical Black Aluminum
Stem Kalloy Aluminum threadless
Tape/Grip Cork
Saddle Velo Racing
Seat Post Aluminum Alloy Micro-Adjustable
Seat Clamp Ultralite Aluminum Alloy Black Finish

It seems each bike has its strengths and weaknesses. Good derailers, so-so cranks, generic hubs/brakes.

But, LBS = place to take your bike when it breaks.
Internet = ????

If you can rely on the LBS, get the bike there. If not, then I guess it's all a crapshoot.

Maybe find some other bike shops and see what's available. Maybe agood deal on last year's model?

Thanks for the response - point well taken. The LBS is a good one, and I would not hesitate buying from them. On the other hand, I do not want to forego significantly better components for the "service" - if that is the case. (this is the part of the equation I am unsure about. How do the components of the Trek versus the other two compare). The LBS will get my service money either way I go.

Generally I would never recommend one frame material over the other. But, if you find the components on Bike 3 acceptable, I believe that should be your choice. Why? It sounds as though you're using it for touring/traveling and pulling a substantial amount of weight. Since weight isn't an issue, steel is superior in by any other measure.

Hey toothpick, mind if I ask which shop you're looking at? I think most of the shops I visited when I lived in Dallas would hook you up with free minor repairs for a while if you bought a bike from them.

I would suggest the Bianchi Brava :D
Frame: Reynolds 520, Rack Mounts
Fork: Bianchi Carbon, Steel Steerer
Headset: VP, 1" Threaded
Handlebar: HL Alloy
Brake/Levers: Shimano Sora Brakes/ Sora STI Levers
Crankset: Sugino RD 3000T, 30/42/52T
Bottom Bracket: Tange cartridge,113mm
Chain: KMC
Cassette: SRAM,12/26T 8Spd
Pedals: WTB Clipless, 2 sided
Wheels: Shimano Sora hubs; Alex DA22 32h rims
Tires: Continental Sport 1000, 700x23c
Deraillers r/f Shimano Sora 8 spd/ Sora 28.6mm
Saddle: Selle Italia Onda Sudy
Seat Post Kalloy alloy, 27.2mm
Retail Price: $649.99
Owning a Bianchi: Priceless :D

Thanks for the response - point well taken. The LBS is a good one, and I would not hesitate buying from them. On the other hand, I do not want to forego significantly better components for the "service" - if that is the case. (this is the part of the equation I am unsure about. How do the components of the Trek versus the other two compare). The LBS will get my service money either way I go.


When I look at the 3 bikes I see what I mentioned before: good derailers, so-so cranks, and generic brakes (and hubs, too). Frames/forks are roughly equal. If you are going to tow a child carrier, it may be important to consider the point of attachment (of the trailer to the bike). If it attaches at the chainstay, then you might want to do some research on the durability of steel vs aluminum for that.

The big thing about the LBS and buying one of their bikes isn't just service - it's the warranty. Where do you go when an internet bike goes bad? Will they cover it for free, including the shipping costs? My view on it is this: unless the internet bike is overwhelmingly better than the LBS bike for the price, get the LBS bike.

I would not recomend the Bianchi Brava due to the Shimano Sora is not near as good as the Campy Mirage found on the Mercier. Plus unknown whether or not the Bianchi is double butted or not-the double butted 520 is a better design; and I also feel for your needs the steel frame is better. If you decide on one of the AL models however the Trek is using a mix of 105 and Tiagra whereas the Motobecane is all 105 and that stuff is far better than Tiagra (or Sora), and is about the same as the Campy Mirage; plus the Trek does not say if it's double butted AL or what type of AL.

You may want to check the frame warranty on each.

Anyway that's my spin on things.

If I were you, I would put the trail-a-long on a mountain bike. Remember that if you are going downhill the brakes on your bike need to be able to stop both of you. Good cantis, v-brakes, or even a crappy disc will outstop calipers. I had a friend tell me about a really close call with his kid doing the same thing. His brakes were full on and the bike took forever to stop.

I agree with the LBS bike. In town knowledge.
Take Bianchi_Rider with a shaker of salt, his answer to life's mysteries is 'Bianchi.'

Thanks for the replies/advice. Impreza, the shop is Richardson Bike Mart. Other than the snob factor-and the "brush off" a couple of times, I've had good experiences there. I mentioned what I was "possibly" looking for to one salesman and he steered me to the Trek, and on another occasion, a different salesman mentioned the Trek, but said that they offered a Specialized with better components at the same price point. I did not get too involved or pursue it much either time, meaning, I didn't have either bikes pulled down for closer look. I just don't want to miss out on something by not doing my research, as I know it's their job to steer me toward their primary brands.

As for mountain bike, it crossed my mind for a second, but I really want to replace my current second road bike - it is an old (heavy) 10-speed w/stem mounted friction shifters. The newer (primary) bike w/Campy has spoiled me.

Oh, the trail-a-bike attaches to the seat post. No chainstay attachment

Toothpick,
Not sure where you are, but the new RBM opened in
Frisco (YAY!) and I'm betting they are having a sale
this weekend (opened Monday I think).
Which RBM did you go to? coit or the whiterock store?
if Coit, look for the older sales guys, if possible talk to
Woody, Tom or Jim Hoyt (owner) older looking guy with
glasses calls everyone kid (or kids). They should be able to really help and not give you brush off or push the snob factor too much. If you need directions to new store let me know (either here or PM).
Marty

I'm in the market for a new, relatively cheap second bike ($800 is the limit). It's for use with a trail-a-long. After getting the trail-a-long and trying it out with my 40 lb. riding partner, I discovered that I'm going to need a triple to make it up the hills. It will replace my current bad weather bike/training bike, so it will be ridden a good bit when not pulling the trail-a-long. Also, keep in mind the back wheel will get a workout. The other bike I ride the most has a steel frame w/Campy (Chorus) components. Any suggestions given the following?

LBS:
Bike 1:
Trek 1200 - around $800
Aluminum frame -Components are mixture of Shimano 105 (rear derailer), rest is Tiagra.

Internet:
Bike 2

Motobecane Vent Noir $800 (aluminum with what appears to be better components than the Trek)

Frame DoubleButted/HandCrafted 7005 aluminum
Fork Kinesis carbon fiber
Crankset RPM Triple 52/42/30T Black Finish
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge Bearing
Pedals VP 162 Clipless includes cleats compatible with all SPD type shoes
Front Derailleur Shimano 105, Special Black Finish
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105 Special Blackfinish Edition
Shifters Shimano 105 Integrated STI, Flight Deck Compatible
Cassette/Freewheel Shimano 9 Speed Cassette 12-25T
Chain Shimano HG 9 Speed
Hubs Ritchey Sealed Bearing
Spokes Stainless Steel
Rims Ritchey OCRPro DS Black/CNC side
Tires Maxxis 700x23
Brakes Tektro BlackChrome DualPull
Brake Levers Shimano 105 Special Black Finish
Headset Threadless Sealed Bearing
Handlebar MWings Systeme Racing Aluminum 6061Butted
Stem MWings Systeme threadless Aluminum
Tape/Grip Black cork
Saddle MWings Systeme Racing
Seat Post MWings Systeme Micro Adjust Aluminum

Bike 3:

Mercier Aquila Euro - $760 (don't know much about Campy Mirage. Dependable? Better or equivalent to 105?)

Frame Handmade Reynolds 520 double-butted chromoly
Fork Reynolds Ouzo Comp Carbon Fiber
Crankset Cyclone Aluminum Black Finish 30x42x52 Triple
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge Unit
Pedals Alloy road with toe clips and straps
Front Derailleur Campagnolo Mirage
Rear Derailleur Campagnolo Mirage
Shifters Campagnolo Mirage Black Carbon Polymer Integrated Brake/Shifting
Cassette/Freewheel Campagnolo 13-26
Hubs Black Anodized Aluminum Campagnolo Compatible KT515/M33 with Quick Release
Spokes Stainless steel
Rims Alex AL-DA22 double wall, Black anodized with Machined brake track
Tires Kenda Racing 700x23
Brakes Dual Pivot Aluminum Alloy Black Finish
Brake Levers Campagnolo Mirage
Handlebar Kalloy Anatomical Black Aluminum
Stem Kalloy Aluminum threadless
Tape/Grip Cork
Saddle Velo Racing
Seat Post Aluminum Alloy Micro-Adjustable
Seat Clamp Ultralite Aluminum Alloy Black Finish
I have a nice felt sr71 for sale,its an 03 for $550.

If you decide to keep looking beyond the bikes you list, you might swing by Bicycles Inc in Keller. I have dealt with them (Rick) for a couple of years and find they are great to work with. They would help you find something that meets your needs.

Work with the guys at Richardson's and you can't go wrong. They know more about bicycles than most people who post on this sight. No offense guys, but the people at Richardson's have it together.