Road Cycling - Advice Needed - New Bike?

Ok, I've got the itch to get a new bike. I just got back into road cycling last season, and I can't wait until things warm up around here so I can get back out regularly. I have a late 80's univega aluminum (viva-tech I think) with shimano 105 six speed. It has biopace chainrings... I'm happy with the bike, but due sitting in my parent's garage for way too many years it's time for a massive tune up and upgrades. I don't really like the downtube shifters and am undecided on the biopace. The ride can also be really harsh on bad roads. This has me thinking maybe I should invest in a new bike instead of putting money into this one.

So, my questions:

1) There has no doubt been much progress in the state of the art of aluminum frames since I bought this bike. Are newer aluminum frames any less harsh while still maintaining responsiveness? Who makes a good aluminum frame these days?

2) How about the aluminum/carbon fiber hybrid frames compare? One bike that caught my eye was the bianchi SL3... aluminum frame with carbon seat stays and fork. Ok, it's a little pricey but seems to be a really good value considering the components it comes with. Any opinions on this configuration?

3) Is my univega frame worth keeping around or is it a dinosaur? Would upgrading the wheels/components and possibly adding a carbon fork be a waste on this frame?

4) What about all carbon bikes? Giant seems to have some really good values... any advatages to alum/carbon hybrid vs just all carbon? Seems like all carbon would be more durable.

Although my ability and physique can't justify it, my budget is anywhere from $1200 - $2200 or so... maybe a little more for a bike that will serve me for the next 5 to 10 years. Oh, I'm about 5'11" and 200lbs, but have been pretty inactive during the winter and expect to drop 10lbs or so. Any discussion that would help me get started would be much appreciated!

I would suggest donating your old bike to a worthy charity. I did and its a good feeling IMO....
For full aluminum my choice would be Cannondale, but that's only one opinion.
You could spend time on www.roadbikereview.com and check things out there, they have about anything you could think of and then some.
Then go around and test ride as many as you can. Buying bikes is fun :D .

1) Are newer aluminum frames any less harsh while still maintaining responsiveness? Who makes a good aluminum frame these days?

2) How about the aluminum/carbon fiber hybrid frames compare?

3) Is my univega frame worth keeping around or is it a dinosaur?

4) What about all carbon bikes?

Although my ability and physique can't justify it, my budget is anywhere from $1200 - $2200 or so...

1. Newer aluminum frames are better than old ones of similar quality. Less harsh but still light, stiff and responsive. If you're looking for comfort, their are better options.

2. Lots of manufacturers are offering aluminum bikes with carbon mixed in. Usually starts with a fork and then the rear triangle. The more carbon, the better. Supposedly.

3. If you love the Univega, keep it as a project. If you are indifferent, get rid of it.

4. All carbon frames are great if that's what you like. Naturally, you pay more for them. But you won't know until you actually ride a few.

As for your budget, you should be able to find great bikes in aluminum with lots of carbon and even some all carbon (Scattante at Supergo) for less than $2K. But that's the easy part. The FUN part is actually getting out and riding these darn things and figuring out what you really want. Take the time to find the right frame and the right size and the right deal. Good luck.

55/Rad

Keep the old bike as a beater. There are days when you wont want to ride your nice new bike on mucky wet roads. If you can fit fenders to the old one, it will make an excellent trainer bike.
Learn to ride in cold weather. In the UK we have this stuff called "clothes". Its really great for riding in cold, damp conditions:)
Treat yourself to a nice new shiny bike. At your price range there are loads of great bikes. The quality of your bike shop is probably more imp than the brand, so pick a shop you trust.

[QUOTE=uplateinoh]Ok, I've got the itch to get a new bike.

Buy a Bianchi Giro, its aluminum with a carbon fork, shimano 105 groupo, triple/ 9 speed. Its only $1499.00 and it will give you 5 years definately...
I am the apx the same size and weight as you and my Giro feels like you are riding on glass, very smooth and an awsome ride. Maintenance free except regular tune ups...

[QUOTE=uplateinoh]Ok, I've got the itch to get a new bike.

Buy a Bianchi Giro, its aluminum with a carbon fork, shimano 105 groupo, triple/ 9 speed. Its only $1499.00 and it will give you 5 years definately...
I am the apx the same size and weight as you and my Giro feels like you are riding on glass, very smooth and an awsome ride. Maintenance free except regular tune ups...

YOU Cant Go Wrong With A BIANCHI :D

YOU Cant Go Wrong With A BIANCHI :D
Thanks bianchi rider... Bianchi has definitely peaked my interest, now I just need to find a good LBS that carries them!

Thanks bianchi rider... Bianchi has definitely peaked my interest, now I just need to find a good LBS that carries them!
Cool :D , go to
www.bianchiusa.com
Then search for a dealer in your area.....
Then when you get it be sure to post a pic for everyone to see....
I am sure you will like it, take it out on a test ride, push those cranks hard and feel the power in your legs as that Bianchi sings, feel the wind in your face and watch people pointing because they KNOW you are riding a Bianchi :D ...
ooops getting carried away, sorry about that... anyways keep us posted and be sure to shw pictures

Cool :D , go to
www.bianchiusa.com
Then search for a dealer in your area.....
Then when you get it be sure to post a pic for everyone to see....
I am sure you will like it, take it out on a test ride, push those cranks hard and feel the power in your legs as that Bianchi sings, feel the wind in your face and watch people pointing because they KNOW you are riding a Bianchi :D ...
ooops getting carried away, sorry about that... anyways keep us posted and be sure to shw pictures

Thanks for pointing out the Giro bianchi rider... I totally missed it before! Looks like the same configuration as the SL3 I was looking at. I wonder what the differences in the frame are? Different aluminum alloy maybe? Wish in came in ultegra (mostly because I'm not sure about the black look of the 105... is it holding up or getting scratches?)

Thanks for pointing out the Giro bianchi rider... I totally missed it before! Looks like the same configuration as the SL3 I was looking at. I wonder what the differences in the frame are? Different aluminum alloy maybe? Wish in came in ultegra (mostly because I'm not sure about the black look of the 105... is it holding up or getting scratches?)
My Giro has the silver 105 groupo, the only thing black on mine is the stem and head.... but mine is the 2002 model, its not even classice bianchi celeste and black, BUT it is a BIANCHI GIRO :D
Maybe you can ask your lbs (when you find a Bianchi dealer in your area) if they have any Giros with the silver 105 groupo. Or ask if they would change it out for you silver for black, or if they have to order it you can request the silver for the black. Remember be sure to post pics, lots of them.....

Hi,
you will find amazing bikes. Many of them. The question is what sort of amazing you want. Try a bunch. Let us know what you think about them and we might be able to help refine your search.

I'd check in to the Felt F70 if you like Aluminum. 105 components and a great value for under a G.

http://www.feltracing.com/2004_bikes/f70.html

As tourist said, check into the Felts. If you don't mind spending to your upper limit, the F35 is a load of bike for the buck.