Road Cycling - one of the many...buying a new road bike

Hi,
I'm not quite sure where to start, so I'll try to make this simple...I am doing a ride this summer, 192 mi in 2 days...will be doing lots of biking throughout the summer to get ready for this ride..starting from scratch here on buying a bike..originally went in with a thought I'd spend around $1K - 1.2K but have (of course) worked my way up. I've ridden aluminum/carbon combos (loved the lightness and speed of these, but sort of tough on a rough road); steel (maybe not as responsive or fast but much smoother); and then a really high grade aluminum tube with a carbon fork (fondriest)..this is where I start to hit my limit (2K) but the bike shop is customizing/fitting this bike to me with narrower handlebars, Shimano 105's (everything). I am a woman, somewhat petite - just under 5'3, about 130, in fairly good shape...obviously a novice rider but I would like to buy a good bike that I can grow with and keep for a while.
I've ridden Giants (i think it was the OC1), a red bike, abt $1600, all ultegra components; a few Bianchis (which were OK) a Lemond Zurich (wsd, from last year, liked this alot but not the color - hot pink and white stripes) ..a Specialized dolce elite (wsd), mixed components from Tiagra to Ultegra...I liked this bike but something wacky was going on with the shifting and it wasn't very smooth...much less expensive tho' at $1200 - I could upgrade components if I wanted..
I guess I am leaning toward this Fondriest because I loved the ride. It was fast and fairly smooth (though somewhat stiff but I guess I get that with the fastness) The frame is apparently from their 2002 series which retailed for somewhere around $2500 last year, I'm getting it for $1K this year. So first off..is it worth it for me to make this jump from a these other bikes in the $1200-1500K range..and second off...if they are fitting the $1K Fondriest frame with 105 components and different handlebars, new seatpost, pedals, etc, doesthe additional $1100K in cost sound right? (total cost of bike is prob $2100) I'm not sure how much components cost and obviously they must work in a certain degree of labor cost etc...

Thoughts? Am I over my head?

Given that you have tried a fair number of bikes, I'd say try one more and take a look at the Felts! If you are thinking of spending around $2k, then for that you can get a 2004 F35 with full Dura Ace, FSA carbon crank and Mavic Elite wheels. If $2k is a little high, then the F45 is superb value as well.

www.feltracing.com

buy the bike you love. it's as simple as that. $1,000 for a fondriest frame seems about right to me. i'm just not so sure about $1,100 for the 105 build kit. to some extent, it depends on the wheels, i guess, but colorado cyclist has an ultegra build kit for $900. even with the cost of the build and the pedals, you should be able to get a 105 build for less than $900.

My wife rides a Specialized Allez. Seems to fit her real well. Your may try this model in the Comp component level all Ultegra. Comes in Aluminum or Steel same price around $1500.

are you sure this specialized comes in steel? i don't remember seeing any specialized steel bikes, thought they were pretty much all aluminium/carbon blends...no?
also, do you know which allez it is? isn't there a comp? elite? etc?

Yup.

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFamily.jsp?sid=04Allez&JServSessionIdroot=b7qr3780rk.j27006

are you sure this specialized comes in steel? i don't remember seeing any specialized steel bikes, thought they were pretty much all aluminium/carbon blends...no?
also, do you know which allez it is? isn't there a comp? elite? etc?

I have a 2003 Allez Elite Cro-Mo. Columbus Foco Cro-Mo steel and full 105. The ride is wonderful and I got a great deal on it so I have been very happy. There is also an Allez Comp Cro-Mo with Ultegra for a few hundred more.

It sounds like you haven't quite found the combination of smoothness, lightness, and speed you are looking for. If you have 2K to spend, you should give a titanium bike a try. It might be the mix that you are looking for.

If you're heading over into titanium territory, you may want to consider a Habenaro (http://www.habcycles.com/road.html). 3Al/2.5V titanium frames from $695 and custom frames for $995. No I have no affiliation with HabCycles but I have heard plenty of good things about them and Mark Hickey seems really responsive to his customers.

It sounds like you haven't quite found the combination of smoothness, lightness, and speed you are looking for. If you have 2K to spend, you should give a titanium bike a try. It might be the mix that you are looking for.

...any titanium bikes you'd recommend? i haven't seen one for $2k.
Rode a Serotta, which I loved. It was $6K.
So that was the end of that.

Give the LeMond another look. You cannot beat the value. That's a top notch frame and it's equipped with all Ultegra components - with the miles you're going to be putting in, you'll be upgrading that 105 stuff in no time. Bonty Race-Lite wheels are nothing to sneeze at either. Another thing: LeMond is owned and warrantied by Trek (a good thing). And, for what it is worth, I personally think that hot pink paint job rocks. I've seen a left overs for well under 2K.

Of course, I may be a bit biased - I have the men's '03 Zurich and love it!

not sure if this is true...but was chatting with a guy at my LBS and he said the Lemond Zurich is great but that I'll really be able to tell the difference trying to get up hills, working a lot harder on this steel frame vs an high-grade aluminum...the fondriest seemed great up a hill, didn't get to test the lemond up a hill..
and yep, i can get that zurich for somewhere around $1500 which i know is a nice deal. not crazy about the hot pink candy cane look tho'....
:(

Try a Softride before you buy.

Since it sounds like you're riding the Pan-Mass Challenge, you might hop over to Int'l Bikes in Brighton or Newton. The Brighton store anyway will fix up a LeMond to your specs...maybe even on older model frame. It priced out pretty reasonably when I thought about it. Also, sounds like you have a good shop, but I have had TERRIFIC service from Landry's in Framingham.

If you're serious about the LeMonds, you really should consider one of their Women's frames...given your size, you might like it more.

Also, FWIW don't worry about the difference in weight in any of the bikes your considering...comfort is FAR more important.

yeah i am doing pan mass. and I have been to international, tho' they don't have a ton for me to choose from. am going to test ride a trek 2200 wsd. in a day or two, at the international in needham..so perhaps that'll be something i'll like.

One word: Comfort.

You're putting in lots of miles in a short period of time. If that is the kind of thing you plan on doing regularly, you don't need a racing bike. You need a well-designed, properly-fitted road bike. Steel may be heavier, but you might find it easier to ride over distances. You might want to try Bianchi's Eros Donna model. It's =well= within your price range and the frame is nice enough that if you decide you want a better bike you can upgrade the components. And it's orange.

Litespeed Firenze - MSRP $1995.

Ti frame, carbon fork, Ultegra except for the front deraileur, BB and chain, which is 105, Mavic Cosmos wheels. A really nice bike at that price level.

The Fondriest is indeed a Hot Rod of a Bike. The steering is quick. The ride, especially the all aluminum, will be on the stiff side. If you could manage it, the Top Level with the Carbon Fiber seat stays will tame some of the harshness and retain all the performance. Of course, they are about $300 more :(

A thousand smackers for ShimaNo 105 sounds a little steep. For example, GVH Bikes (http://www.gvhbikes.com) lists the 105 build kit at $825 and Ultegra at $925. Of course, those are internet prices and your LBS will probably not be able to match 'em. But, his price should be negotiable to a certain extent.

Then, there is always Ebay or the listings on Road Bike Review.

My advice, if you are not mechanically inclined or, are not interested in doing your own maintenance, stick with the LBS and try to get the best price on the bike that "grabs" you. If you are truly bitten by the bike bug, this will be the first of many bikes :D

Hi,
I'm not quite sure where to start, so I'll try to make this simple...I am doing a ride this summer, 192 mi in 2 days...will be doing lots of biking throughout the summer to get ready for this ride..starting from scratch here on buying a bike..originally went in with a thought I'd spend around $1K - 1.2K but have (of course) worked my way up. I've ridden aluminum/carbon combos (loved the lightness and speed of these, but sort of tough on a rough road); steel (maybe not as responsive or fast but much smoother); and then a really high grade aluminum tube with a carbon fork (fondriest)..this is where I start to hit my limit (2K) but the bike shop is customizing/fitting this bike to me with narrower handlebars, Shimano 105's (everything). I am a woman, somewhat petite - just under 5'3, about 130, in fairly good shape...obviously a novice rider but I would like to buy a good bike that I can grow with and keep for a while.
I've ridden Giants (i think it was the OC1), a red bike, abt $1600, all ultegra components; a few Bianchis (which were OK) a Lemond Zurich (wsd, from last year, liked this alot but not the color - hot pink and white stripes) ..a Specialized dolce elite (wsd), mixed components from Tiagra to Ultegra...I liked this bike but something wacky was going on with the shifting and it wasn't very smooth...much less expensive tho' at $1200 - I could upgrade components if I wanted..
I guess I am leaning toward this Fondriest because I loved the ride. It was fast and fairly smooth (though somewhat stiff but I guess I get that with the fastness) The frame is apparently from their 2002 series which retailed for somewhere around $2500 last year, I'm getting it for $1K this year. So first off..is it worth it for me to make this jump from a these other bikes in the $1200-1500K range..and second off...if they are fitting the $1K Fondriest frame with 105 components and different handlebars, new seatpost, pedals, etc, doesthe additional $1100K in cost sound right? (total cost of bike is prob $2100) I'm not sure how much components cost and obviously they must work in a certain degree of labor cost etc...

Thoughts? Am I over my head?
The Bianchi Giro is the bike for you, aluminum frame, carbon fork, all shimano 105 groupo, just an awsome bike..
Bianchi also has a Bike especially for women, its called the Bianchi Eros Donna, the bike would probably fit you well for what you are planning, tho it doesnt have the 105 groupo, it is a sweet bike. :)
All I can say is: "BIANCHI" :D

Sounds like the Lemond Zurich was the best for you so far except for the color. You might see if there is some way you can mute the look with neutral bar tape (say black) and black or metal water bottle cages, solid color clothing, etc. Fit and feel are going to be a lot more important to you over long distances than color.

Also, check out the Trek 5000 (the 5200 with somewhat lesser components). It is about $2K and should meet your criteria of responsiveness and smooth ride.

not sure if this is true...but was chatting with a guy at my LBS and he said the Lemond Zurich is great but that I'll really be able to tell the difference trying to get up hills, working a lot harder on this steel frame vs an high-grade aluminum...the fondriest seemed great up a hill, didn't get to test the lemond up a hill..
and yep, i can get that zurich for somewhere around $1500 which i know is a nice deal. not crazy about the hot pink candy cane look tho'....
:(


Here are a few facts to consider:

- The Reynolds 853 Pro (LeMond) frame is relatively light - not much heavier than the aluminum frame, especially in a small size.

- The LeMond frame alone now retails fo $1,300, so even at $1,600....

- The "flex "(oh, please) associated with steel frames is drastically reduced for light riders on small frames - less force, shorter stiffer tubes.

- Steel is more comfortable. You'll fatigue faster riding that aluminum frame - don't underestimate this factor - it's harder to climb when you're tired and a pound or so less won't save your bacon. You won't notice on shorter rides, but at 50mi plus it will make a noticable difference.

- The LeMond women's frame will probably fit better which THE most important consideration.

- It is by no means "difficult" climbing with that frame.

- You're not racing, who cares if you lose 5 seconds on a climb.

- Besides, the LeMond goes downhill like a dream! Straight, smooth, confidence inspiring!

- Yeah, that color scheme's not for everyone and you should absolutely LOVE the bike :(


In any case, good luck!

Have you considered a Seven Cycles steel frame? These folks will make the bike for your body. The steel Sevens cost 1,500. Add whatever you want to complete the bike and you will have a maching that is guaranteed for life. Check it out

Have you considered a Seven Cycles steel frame? These folks will make the bike for your body. The steel Sevens cost 1,500. Add whatever you want to complete the bike and you will have a maching that is guaranteed for life. Check it out


wow! is that for a complete bike?

While I think Fondriest makes great bikes (still can't believe cane/enac hasn't made an appearance in this thread yet at the mention of Fondriest), I will have to agree with others on the LeMonds and I'd be inclined to leane towards a nice 853 steel frame over the Fondriest alu frame. However, I have not test ridden an aluminum Fondriest so I can't say for certain.

The Seven price is for the frame only. I can't tell you how many bikes I have purchased until I finally found the right one. If you buy a Seven, you won't replace it because it didn't fit, didn't ride well, wasn't built to last, wasn't cool, etc. Spend a few extra bucks and get a custom bike. You won't be sorry.

Hi,
I am doing a ride this summer, 192 mi in 2 days...will be doing lots of biking throughout the summer to get ready for this ride..

starting from scratch here on buying a bike..originally went in with a thought I'd spend around $1K - 1.2K but have (of course) worked my way up.

this is where I start to hit my limit (2K) but the bike shop is customizing/fitting this bike to me with narrower handlebars, Shimano 105's (everything). I am a woman, somewhat petite - just under 5'3, about 130, in fairly good shape...obviously a novice rider but I would like to buy a good bike that I can grow with and keep for a while.

I guess I am leaning toward this Fondriest because I loved the ride. It was fast and fairly smooth (though somewhat stiff but I guess I get that with the fastness)

Thoughts? Am I over my head?

My 2 cents;

Lots of mileage and you want something that will last (because you want to grow into it). You also require comfort and sporty feel all for around $2K.

The Fondriest are fine but consider a Litespeed titanium for these reasons:
1. It will last basically a lifetime, even with high mileage.
2. It has the feel of steel but responsive and stiffness of aluminum
3. Litespeed has a lifetime warranty. (something Fondriest doesn't have-nor most other bikes)They are the premier Ti builder in the world.
4. If you were to ever break or bend anything-say in a crash, heaven forbid- Litespeed will repair it for you. Aluminum and carbon are not repairable under any circumstances.
5. It is incredibly difficult to dent or damage Ti
6. Litespeeds possess great geometry and know how to make world-class bikes.

MODELS:
1. Bella- a women's specific bike
2. Firenze- one of their best selling full-ti bikes at $2K pricepoint
3. Veneto- more comfort oriented, might be something for you to consider with the shorter top tube and taller head tube might fit your shorter stature.

Litespeed might cost a bit more but a full titanium, made in the USA, backed by a lifetime warranty and considered one of the finest bikes you can own---I think it's worth the stretch.

If you were more a casual, short distance rider I would say no, get something else for $1500-2K. As an investment in riding and continued serious recreation, it's hard to beat Litespeed imo.

Good luck with whatever you get!