Road Cycling - Interesting transaction...

I recently experienced some good fortune. I should probably preface this post/inquiry with a brief background. I have been into mountain biking for almost 8 years now and have done some racing. I recently won a wager of sorts with a colleague (and fellow cyclist) of mine over the outcome of a large client-related project at work. This guy is really into road biking and I am really into mountain biking. The wager was that the loser had to purchase a bike of their style for the winner in the range of $3,500. I won so he has to buy me a road bike. Anyways, at first he insisted on a frame made by an American company in the U.S. I, however, have deep Italian and other European roots (I am the first American born in my family) so I've talked him into the possibility of an import. So here is my question--(I don't know if this is going to spark a debate or lecture as it might in a MTB forum). The loser seems quite convinced that nothing in the line of European imports can come close to the value of something like a Litespeed or Cannondale in the above state price range. This is a new avenue for me because I have never even looked at an import but I was wondering (and I know there are numerous different frame materials) what is available in an import in that price range that can challenge the quality and performance of a Cannondale or a Litespeed (or other American bikes). I guess I could further specify that I'd like to get into Domestic road racing if I like this road thing enough, and curtail my MTB racing. So it appears that I have been rambling forever here so again the question for all of you experts out there...What the heck is available in the area of imported road bikes? Frame material is not really that imporant at this point, just some opinions, ideas, and options. I would guess that there are plenty but I could be wrong?.....

I recently experienced some good fortune. I should probably preface this post/inquiry with a brief background. I have been into mountain biking for almost 8 years now and have done some racing. I recently won a wager of sorts with a colleague (and fellow cyclist) of mine over the outcome of a large client-related project at work. This guy is really into road biking and I am really into mountain biking. The wager was that the loser had to purchase a bike of their style for the winner in the range of $3,500. I won so he has to buy me a road bike. Anyways, at first he insisted on a frame made by an American company in the U.S. I, however, have deep Italian and other European roots (I am the first American born in my family) so I've talked him into the possibility of an import. So here is my question--(I don't know if this is going to spark a debate or lecture as it might in a MTB forum). The loser seems quite convinced that nothing in the line of European imports can come close to the value of something like a Litespeed or Cannondale in the above state price range. This is a new avenue for me because I have never even looked at an import but I was wondering (and I know there are numerous different frame materials) what is available in an import in that price range that can challenge the quality and performance of a Cannondale or a Litespeed (or other American bikes). I guess I could further specify that I'd like to get into Domestic road racing if I like this road thing enough, and curtail my MTB racing. So it appears that I have been rambling forever here so again the question for all of you experts out there...What the heck is available in the area of imported road bikes? Frame material is not really that imporant at this point, just some opinions, ideas, and options. I would guess that there are plenty but I could be wrong?.....

For $3,500? Cannondale R3000 with the new 10 speed Dura Ace, and the CAAD7 frame which is their pro frame. They only make two bikes above that...both with the hollowgram BB and the Saeco bike has Campy instead of Shimano.
Bike weighs about 16 pounds with good pedals...

I'm pretty happy with my Litespeed Tuscany. I have the Ultegra, but a Dura-Ace or Campy would move that bike into the $3500 range. Great ride, quick, fast and comfortable. Can't offer any other bike opinions because it's the only road bike I've ridden in years.

If you want US made, I say Cannondale.

If you want an Import, boy do I have a couple of nice bikes for you.

Go to worldcycling.com, they have a sale on Colnago Frames at the moment. You can get a Full Carbon C-40 HP, which is pretty much everyones dream frame for $2,200 and you can get a complete build kit with Campy Chorus for around $1,300.

Or you could get the Colnago Dream B-Stay built with Campy Record for about the same.

FYI, I just noticed, you'll need another $400.00 if you want a fork (highly recommended).




Or you can go to www.cbike.com and get a Merckx, they are in Chicago, and have several Alu/Carbon, Steel, or Titanium Merckx for at or under $2,000 and the other $1,500 will get you built up too.

For $3500 you should be looking at bikes
like Serotta (U.S), Vanilla, KIRK, to name a few
small high quality framebuilders. Why get off the rack
when you can get custom?
Imports?
I'd start with Pegoretti, very nice bikes.
Then Merckx, De Rosa, Colnago, Pinarello etc. (I have
this thing for Italian bikes.
If I had this choice? KirK or Serotta for US
Pegoretti for import.

Marty

Holy Moly, maybe I should gamble more often! Then again, maybe not.

One manufacturer worth checking out is Fondriest. They make a wide selection of frames using all the popular materials. Their paint jobs are highly rated and their craftsmanship is very Italian. Check out the website:

http://www.fondriest-usa.com/

They were having a closeout on the 03 frames that were really an awesome deal. I picked up a Carb Level for $1250 that noramally sells for around $ 2700. However, I don't know if they have any are left...

Good luck. Sometimes the funnest part is shopping :)

I'm also VERY happy with my Litespeed Tuscany and it's imported (from Tennessee to Georgia ;) ).
Since your friend is paying, why not go whole hog and get this?

2004 Litespeed Vortex

Damn, that Litespeed is SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I concur

Litespeed, baby!!!

BTW, mine has Italian handle bars and stem, if that helps. Get it with Campy and you have the best of both worlds.

Man, you must be makin' some kind of serious coin to be betting like that. I noticed that you were from Cincinnati. I lived there until 2001. In fact, my handle (Who Dey) is a tribute to the #1 Cincinnati Bengals! There are a couple of great local shops (Oakley Cycles and Cyclesport in Loveland). From what I remember, both shops have a wide selection of domestic and imports. I'd check out both places. I'm sure they'll be able to help you out. Good luck.

Who Dey!

I'd go with a Custom Vanilla myself... those bikes are SWEEEET...

other than that... a Lemond Tete de Course is a beautiful bike.. as is a Merlin Cielo

Jeff

I say try something differn't from Italy...Kuota. Many years of experience with carbon and getting fantastic reviews...I love mine. Look at Kuota or Sintema on web, you won't believe the product line.

I'll try a better pic

man, i should gamble more often..... and win too!!! ;)

another vote for the litespeed..

If you want US made, I say Cannondale.

If you want an Import, boy do I have a couple of nice bikes for you.

Go to worldcycling.com, they have a sale on Colnago Frames at the moment. You can get a Full Carbon C-40 HP, which is pretty much everyones dream frame for $2,200 and you can get a complete build kit with Campy Chorus for around $1,300.

Or you could get the Colnago Dream B-Stay built with Campy Record for about the same.

FYI, I just noticed, you'll need another $400.00 if you want a fork (highly recommended).




Or you can go to www.cbike.com and get a Merckx, they are in Chicago, and have several Alu/Carbon, Steel, or Titanium Merckx for at or under $2,000 and the other $1,500 will get you built up too.

Although I love my Litespeed, my dream bike would be the C-40. WCP only has a 56cm C-40 tho and realistically it will be hard to get that bike for 3,500 when not on sale. Another great option is the CT1 also at WCP and available in a few more sizes.