Road Cycling - Loaded Question...

I have been shopping for a new road bike in the 2.5K range- I can get into a Colnago Classic w/ Chorus for this at LBS but it has a steel fork- should I keep shopping- for about 400 more I can get into a Master Lite w/ Carbon fork-

or is this just too much bike - I ride about 1500 miles a year

Is there anything such as too much bike?

thanks for helping to sort this out

Bear there is no such thing as too much bike! If it's what you want get it. Both rides are very nice. Ive had a Conago with a steel fork, and a colnago with a carbon fork. Both were good.

On any major purchase, it is wiser to overspend a bit than to underspend. In the former case, you will either grow to appreciate the "excess" quality or features or continue to regret spending 20 (or whatever) percent more than you absolutely needed to. In the latter case, you will always be disappointed and may even decide to take a loss to trade up to something better, which you clearly should have bought in the first place. If this is your dream bike, go as high as your budget permits.

If the fork is the only difference that matters, it's easy to upgrade (with a fork of your choice) later.

I'd go for the master lite w/carbon fork. Colnago bike for < 3k? That's pretty good. The frames alone usually cost that much don't they? Maybe it's just the Ti Colnago I was eyeing?

looks like the colnago for a deal won't quite fit- that European geometry has me a bit too stretched out- the frames I was looking at were discounted to make room for new inventory- too bad, though- what a beautiful frame- so it now looks like my search is turning to Serotta- I did try on a Trek OCLV for size and they were very nice fitting. Don't quite know if I'm wanting to go the CF route- I would really prefer steel

Thanks for all responses...

Stick a shorter stem on the Colnago, man! Don't pass it up!
As you progress you'll find yourself liking being "stretched out"!!!!
( Save the longer stem for later)

Ride Italian ride happy
Pat

Colnagos geometry is not stretched out unless the frame you were looking at was too big for you.

RayBan is right!, the top tubes on Colnagos ARE on the short side, I know, I used to sell 'em.

Ride Far
Pat

A Serotta is an excellent choice! I am an extremely happy Serotta owner. They have a couple of frames in your price range which you can equip with decent components and stay within your budget. Remember, bike fit is the most important criteria! Serotta's fit cycle will allow you to get the proper fit and I suspect you won't be disappointed.

Regards,

Keith

Actually I did not express myself quite right. Sorry. The seat tube is a bit shorter(53)- not by much than the top tube(54). Actually I think the frame is a little too SMALL making the seat positioned back as far as it will go and putting a longer stem and the position of the seat tube high beyond the cofortable limit meaning that there would have to be spacers in the stem. Still could MAKE it fit but I am also looking at other options- currently a Wilier aluminum frame (54 c to c). Actually Trek 54 is a pretty good fit if a bit generic. That's why I am looking at the Wilier.