Road Cycling - Help me chose a new bike please.

I now own a lemond zurich frame with old ultegra top tube shifters.
Average ride length is 45 miles (2.5hrs), total about 100 to 150 a week.
Have riden a total of over 10000 miles. Will convert my lemond into a commuting bike.
What should I replace it with?
I know I like steel, but rode a friends trek 1200 the other day. Felt stiffer maybe cuz I have cheap wheels and fork. I was pleasantly surprised. Now not sure if steel is what I want or not. Plan on spending about $2000 or a little more. Will likely do some local cat 5 races but not much more than that.
I like to climb. Avg cadence about 90-95. Weigh 155lbs.
If anyone wants to share an oppinion or make a recommendation, I would much appreciate it.

I now own a lemond zurich frame with old ultegra top tube shifters.
Average ride length is 45 miles (2.5hrs), total about 100 to 150 a week.
Have riden a total of over 10000 miles. Will convert my lemond into a commuting bike.
What should I replace it with?
I know I like steel, but rode a friends trek 1200 the other day. Felt stiffer maybe cuz I have cheap wheels and fork. I was pleasantly surprised. Now not sure if steel is what I want or not. Plan on spending about $2000 or a little more. Will likely do some local cat 5 races but not much more than that.
I like to climb. Avg cadence about 90-95. Weigh 155lbs.
If anyone wants to share an oppinion or make a recommendation, I would much appreciate it.
Bianchi Virata $2099.00 :D

I now own a lemond zurich frame with old ultegra top tube shifters.
Average ride length is 45 miles (2.5hrs), total about 100 to 150 a week.
Have riden a total of over 10000 miles. Will convert my lemond into a commuting bike.
What should I replace it with?
I know I like steel, but rode a friends trek 1200 the other day. Felt stiffer maybe cuz I have cheap wheels and fork. I was pleasantly surprised. Now not sure if steel is what I want or not. Plan on spending about $2000 or a little more. Will likely do some local cat 5 races but not much more than that.
I like to climb. Avg cadence about 90-95. Weigh 155lbs.
If anyone wants to share an oppinion or make a recommendation, I would much appreciate it.


Ride as many bikes in your price range as you can. You might try the new Lemond Zurich. In that range you could also try the Trek 5000. For a good carbon fiber bike, maybe find a Giant dealer and test the TCR bikes. The most important thing is to ride, ride, ride.

Bianchi Virata $2099.00 :D

I usually make fun of the Bianchi "Celeste" color. That blue is a nice hue.

I usually make fun of the Bianchi "Celeste" color. That blue is a nice hue.
this years Bianchi Giro is celeste green, but my 02 Bianchi Giro is the same blue as in the pic, with exception of my celeste tires, cages, bottles, saddle and pedals :D that way people know its a Bianchi :D

that bianchi color makes me want to vomit...not that i don't like their bikes or anything, because they're great. it's just an unfortunate choice of colors on their part... ;) ;) ;)

At $2000, you are going to get a very nice bike. The competition is tough enough that I don't think you could find a bad bike at that price.

The thing is that the bikes will vary some in selection of wheels, geometry, and ride feel. All of the choices you are likely to find at your various Local Bike Shops will be good but each bike will have strong points and somewhat weaker points. The thing is, I have no idea of what your preferences are. I would suggest that you go out and test ride everything in your price range and take the one you like the most. After all, you will be the one riding it.

Given your weight which is light and the fact that you like the feel of steel, I would suggest that you give steel framed bikes a close look.