Road Cycling - Road Bike Recomendations: Under $600

If you know of a good road bike (2002-2004 model) with a decent component set (Shimano Tiagra with a little bit of Sora) for under $600 dollars, then please, let me know of its existence and, if possible, were it can be purchased from.

Thank you for your time and energy.

Eh?

The Specialized Allez Triple (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5975&JServSessionIdroot=k9364ve9jj.j27009) lists for slightly above $600 ($620) but you might be able to find some deals on it for under $600.

The Specialized Allez Triple (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5975&JServSessionIdroot=k9364ve9jj.j27009) lists for slightly above $600 ($620) but you might be able to find some deals on it for under $600.

I've been thinking about the Allez, but I was thinking of something with a double ring instead of a triple.

Eh?

Ask the shop how much they will charge to do a substitution if it's possible. Also, you might want to check out the LeMond Nevada City (http://www.lemondbikes.com/2004_bikes/nevada_city.jsp). You can find them stock with either a double or triple crankset. I'm seeing some of these going for around $550 online (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=BI701C02). They'll be slightly higher in stores though.

Ask the shop how much they will charge to do a substitution if it's possible. Also, you might want to check out the LeMond Nevada City. You can find them stock with either a double or triple crankset. I'm seeing some of these going for around $550 online. They'll be slightly higher in stores though.

Uh, Online?

Like, as in E... Bay...? Ew.

I see that the Lemond is packing a carbon fork, do you know if it also had a carbon steerer?

Eh?

Uh, Online?

Like, as in E... Bay...? Ew.

Actually, if you click on the link, it points to JensonUSA, a fairly reputable online retailler. Regardless, I'm not suggesting you purchase it online. I'm simply using it as a reference point. You will need to adjust price expectations accordingly for an LBS.



I see that the Lemond is packing a carbon fork, do you know if it also had a carbon steerer?

Eh?

I doubt it. Most likely it's going to have a cro-mo or at best aluminum steerer. My FBS sells these bikes, I can ask the folks there the next time I see them... which is hopefully soon since I'm waiting for them to get some new spokes to replace the bent one on my rear wheel.

Oh, no. Jenson is based in California, and I'm in New York state, and they don't ship bikes, and it has a triple ring, and I... uh... just... oh no! :eek:

Whatever shall I do about my great calamity?

Eh?

Steel - http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/mercier_aquila.htm
Aluminum - http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/aquila_al3.htm
Steel II - http://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.cfm?Categoryid=33&BrandID=10&ProductID=833&CFID=4043471&CFTOKEN=3864328

These guys are reputable and they ship.

55/Rad

Steel - http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/mercier_aquila.htm
Aluminum - http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/aquila_al3.htm

These guys are reputable and they ship.

55/Rad

Shazam!

Thank you, sire.

I think I'll take the Aluminum frame, because it <i>doesn't</i> have the Sora shifters. Those things are just plain akward.

Eh?

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=18362

$650 plus 20% coupon off, the parts are pretty good for the price, I should have gone with it rather than my Giant OCR3.

Or this: http://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.cfm?Categoryid=33&BrandID=9&ProductID=1151&CFID=3903443&CFTOKEN=97635888#
Tomasso AS1 with a mix of ultegra/105 components for $699. True the price is cheap but just remember, you won't get the support of your LBS if you have problems with it, especially if you crash it.

Try the trek 1000, its a nice one, ive got an '02 model

Your best bet by far is to get a used bike. It is amazing how fast the value of a decent road bike drops (even faster when your wife says you can't get a new bike until you get rid of at least one you already have). Check the want ads from the local clubs or ask at your lbs.

Uh, Online?

Like, as in E... Bay...? Ew.

I see that the Lemond is packing a carbon fork, do you know if it also had a carbon steerer?

Eh?

What is wrong with e..Bay?

I am looking at one now, if there is going to be problems, I would like to know!

Thnx

Nothing "wrong" with eBay, but there are a lot of eBay scams going on. Was inquiring about one bike and the guy obviously new nothing about the bike - turned out it was a hijacked account. You can't always judge the seller based on feedback only.

I did end up buying my bike through eBay - a bike shop in GA was sellling it and I contacted them directly (by phone).

Second the used bike idea...I got a 2003 Giant OCR1 upgraded to full Ultegra components with a carbon fiber fork for $850 used at a LBS.