Road Cycling - Back in the Saddle - Need Advice!

After a long hiatus, I'm riding once again. Last year I bought a used Cannondale CAD3 Team Saeco (with Dura Ace) off ebay. I wanted to test my committment to the sport before spending a lot of money. I have a Cannondale mountain bike (which I love) so I thought - why not? For $750 it was a great deal. Now that I know I'm sticking with this, I need to get a bike that fits and is comfortable. The aluminum frame of the Cannondale really beats me up on long rides. In fact, I'm black and blue from yesterday's ride (oops! thats because my back wheel came off!). Not to mention the bike is way too big (54 cm when I should be riding 50 cm). The problem is, I don't know that much about bikes. I used to rely on my ex for information (when he wasn't my ex) but that's no longer an option. Back in the late 1990's I rode a Trek 5500 and loved it but I want to investigate other bikes before going back to the Trek based on familiarity. I really want a bike that is going to be comfortable mile after mile after mile. I'm facing 40 in a few months (better than ever, of course) and I'm not able to take the miles like I used to. Ten years ago, I would have said I wanted a bike that was fast and faster! Now I want something that has a comfortable ride even if I have to give up acceleration and speed. Money is not really a barrier except that morally I'm having trouble convincing myself I should spend $5,000-$6,000 on a new bike (I looked at the Odanata by Seven). I also looked at Cannondale's new carbon fiber bike and at least as far a appearances go - its hot!!! Realistically, I would feel comfortable spending $3,000 but I'm not sure what decent bikes are in this range. Any help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

In that price range, I'd like to put my vote in for Aegis (http://www.aegisbicycles.com/). I have an Aro Svelte and it's a very smooth and fast bike. As far as comfort goes, I can ride it all day long too. For a little over USD $3000, you could pick up an Aro Svelte with an Ouza fork, and Shimano Ultegra or Campy Centaur setup. Another model you might want to look at is the Victory... same prices apply. Also, forgive me if I'm mistaken but you sound like you're female. I know some females feel more comfortable on 650C bikes... especially in the 50cm and under sizes. If so, then you might want to check out the Swift as well.

Yet another option is to go custom (you already mentioned the Seven). Have you checked out Calfee for CF or Serotta and Litespeed for ti? If you want to get pretty good bang for the buck, you might want to check out Habanero Cycles (http://www.habcycles.com/). USD $695 for 3Al/2.5V Ti frame and USD $995 for one with the custom option. Full Campy Chorus bike for just around USD $3000.

Hi,
I had a Cad 3.0 and the damn thing beat the crap out of me.
Get a bike! That thing belongs in the Spanish Inquisition. We can offer some suggestions. What is your price range, and what are you going to do: tour/race/fast group rides??

Hi,
I had a Cad 3.0 and the damn thing beat the crap out of me.
Get a bike! That thing belongs in the Spanish Inquisition. We can offer some suggestions. What is your price range, and what are you going to do: tour/race/fast group rides??

I didn't think it was my imagination! My first long ride in several years was a fifty miler a couple of months back and I couldn't move for a week. My arms and hands were numb, my legs stiff and so on. At first I attributed my sore body to the fact that I was older this go-round, but when I test rode a friend's bike this past week I couldn't believe the difference! I plan on doing group rides, but I want to work my way back up to fast group rides. I don't want to race, but as a former "for fun" racer, I just can't get rid of the speed bug altogether. Also, I want to ride a century before the end of summer.

In that price range, I'd like to put my vote in for Aegis (http://www.aegisbicycles.com/). I have an Aro Svelte and it's a very smooth and fast bike. As far as comfort goes, I can ride it all day long too. For a little over USD $3000, you could pick up an Aro Svelte with an Ouza fork, and Shimano Ultegra or Campy Centaur setup. Another model you might want to look at is the Victory... same prices apply. Also, forgive me if I'm mistaken but you sound like you're female. I know some females feel more comfortable on 650C bikes... especially in the 50cm and under sizes. If so, then you might want to check out the Swift as well.

Yet another option is to go custom (you already mentioned the Seven). Have you checked out Calfee for CF or Serotta and Litespeed for ti? If you want to get pretty good bang for the buck, you might want to check out Habanero Cycles (http://www.habcycles.com/). USD $695 for 3Al/2.5V Ti frame and USD $995 for one with the custom option. Full Campy Chorus bike for just around USD $3000.

Thank you very much!!! I checked out the Aegis website and I love the look of the bike. Plus, based on my experience with the Trek 5500 OCLV, I know I like carbon fiber. And yes, I'm a female so I may check out the Swift for smaller riders. Funny thing is, I've never even heard of these bikes - this is why I need help! Again, many thanks.

Thank you very much!!! I checked out the Aegis website and I love the look of the bike. Plus, based on my experience with the Trek 5500 OCLV, I know I like carbon fiber. And yes, I'm a female so I may check out the Swift for smaller riders. Funny thing is, I've never even heard of these bikes - this is why I need help! Again, many thanks.

Aegis taught Trek how to make carbon fibre bikes. :) You might also want to ping lovemyswift (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=2714) as she rides an Aegis Swift (and obviously loves it). Aegis has been around a while. They have very proven solid designs. Their support is great and they fully back their product. They are not as well known but do have a pretty loyal customer following. Everyone I know who has an Aegis really loves it.

Hi,
couple of thoughts. Many bike makers do a less than spectacular job at making bikes in smaller sizes. My wife is 5' 2",and we found bike shopping a little frustrating. So, with a few exceptions like Aegis, a test ride is imperative. Personally, I like titanium bikes. Here are some companies that have caught my eye Habanero/Seven Cycles/Litespeed (Tuscany)/Airborne. But I have no idea how good a job they do making a 50cm frame. The Habanero is considerably cheaper than the others. Seven and Serotta have a good reputation for custom work.

The two frame materials with the best reputation for comfort are Carbon Fiber and Titanium. Trek makes good carbon fiber frames that have a lifetime guarantee. Litespeed makes titanium frames that are also guaranteed for life. Specialized makes Carbon Fiber frames called the Roubaix Pro that are specifically designed for comfort on fast rides like you describe. They also are guaranteed for life.

There are many other manufacturers that make bikes that may suit your needs. All the above manufacturers have very extensive dealer networks that should allow you to find a dealer for sales, support, and service in your area.

Glad you're back to riding and enjoy your shopping spree! :)

$3000 buys a lot of bike, and assuming you get a bike that fits, all bikes in that price range will be pretty much of an equivalent [high] quality. the differences between frame materials -- steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fibre -- and component brand are very much a question of personal preference, particularly at the $3000 price point. so the best advice anyone can give you is to go out to a bunch of bike shops and try a bunch of bikes in your size and price range. when you find one that sings to you, buy it.

no one can tell you what bike to buy. people who do are expressing their own preferences and seeking validation of their own choices. only you can decide what bike works for you, and you can only do that by trying them.

if you find two or three bikes that you like equally, but can't decide between them, choose on colour.

In the $3000 range, the Trek 5200 or 5500 would be great, as you already know. On the ti side, my preference would be to go with something like the Litespeed. The Lemond bikes (Carbon mix and ti) and the Giant TCR carbon composite also are very nice and worth a look.

Also, make sure to check out steel, as it will give you the ride you seek. A nice custom steel bike like a Waterford should come in somewhere around your budget and provide a very satisfying bicycle.

As it seems you know what you want, will stick with the riding, and can afford it, I would seriously consider a custom ti like the Seven, Serotta, Merlin or Maybe Moots. It would meet your criteria - fast and comfortable - and would be fitted specifically for you.

The new Cannondale 613 does seem interesting. Only time will tell if it is as comfortable as a ti bike (I suspect not).

Bottom line - create a list from the bikes mentioned and then narrow it down by seeing what is available in your area. Then try and ride a few. As you probably know, some manufacturers are making women's specific bicycles (proportioned for a woman's physiology). Those probably are worth strong consideration if you don't go with something custom. Trek has a WSD in their 5200/5500. Lemond and Cannondale have some women's specific designs also. In titanium, you might check out the Terry Titania (www.terrybicycles.com), which is a WSD for about $4k.

Have fun looking and let us know what you decide.