Road Cycling - Ultegra-equipped bikes - can anyone list some?

I'm just getting into cycling pretty heavily, and I will eventually be looking for a new bike - hopefully something that won't have me constantly spending money on upgrades! I was thinking of finding a nice Ultegra-equipped setup. A friend pointed me to Felt bikes (specifically the F50), which I had never heard of before. I was wondering if someone could list some road bikes that are setup with Ultegra components so I could have some brands and models to compare. Aside from the household names like Trek and Schwinn, I don't really know what's out there - and I'm sure there are some great bikes I've never heard of.

Thanks.

Douglas Fusion at http://www.coloradocyclist.com/ is a really good deal.
www.specialized.com
there are soo many good bikes out there, it really depends on your price range

It also depends on the type of bike you want.
Are you looking for fast and fun, or a wannabe racer, full blown racing machine, or a great bike for long fast rides like centuries. Or a touring bike, or cyclocross, or.....

I think you might be putting the cart before the horse. I would first pick a frame and then look for the component level. Most bike companies spec their models all the way from 105 to Dura-Ace level using the same frame. Do you know what kind of riding or bike you prefer?

Well, ideally I'd like to find the most affordable bike with Ultegra components - but anything I can compare would be great. The Trek 5200 (according to their website) has a retail price of $2749. I would consider that to be my price cap, and I'd like to see bikes comarable to it's frame and performance.

I did get to test ride a 5200 at a small local shop, and I thought it was pretty sweet.

I've heard that the 5200 isn't much of a racer. Granted I'm a racer so I think racing bikes are the best. If that's the type of ride you're looking for go for it. Racing frames are going to be stiff, very efficient transfer of power, but usually a harsher ride (people will debate this). They'll also have a little twitchier/more responsive handling, I'd describe it as more responsive, as I don't think it's ever been a negative for me, but I haven't ridden every bike either. But like everything there's a whole spectrum in every aspect, so look around, take your time, get the right tool for the job.

Like khuon said the frame really makes or breaks the bike. If you find a bike you like but you don't like the components, you can get the frame and put whatever components on it you like.

added: since you asked for reccommendations I'd say leader bikes. Wicked stiff, really fast, pretty cheap and set up the way you want it. www.leaderbikeusa.com they sell through e-bay. Some people say they're only good for the parts but I like my frame so much I'm thinking of getting a different model frame only and then putting components from another bike with a wimpy frame on it. Oh, I've only ridden the 715, so I don't know if that carbon stuff makes for a nicer ride or if it looses stiffness.

I don't mind looking around - but the point of this question is that I don't know what to look for! I don't know what's out there and THAT'S why I need people to post some brands and whatnot. Thanks again!

Sorry I had to edit my reply a few times. Well a good place to start is a local bike shop and see what they have. If that gives you enough to be able to ask for different things. Ask them what other brands might have what you're looking for, come back here and ask. Just listing some brands which to me seems a little pointless, since you'll be limited by what you're lbs has to try at first.
Specialized
Trek
Lemond (sort of trek)
Fuji
Cannondale
Giant
Klein (also sort of trek)

Some less popular:
Cervelo
Orbea
Kestrel
Raleigh
Litespeed
Merlin
Bianchi
Felt

There are so many it could make your head spin.

Yeah Cervelo Soloist Team :D

Sexy!

Brendon

I love my Giant TCR2, full Ultegra, costs about $1850. At your price range though, you could afford the TCR1, which runs at about $2400.

Ditto for the TCR Comp 1 or 2. I have a Comp 2, love the yellow.... But at your price cap you should get the Comp 1. Like others have said it comes down to the fit of the bike to you. I've owned a Alloy TCR 1 also with Ultegra that fit me well so I chose my Comp 2 over the 5200. We all could be here all day listing bikes with Ultegra, but some I have considered is the 04 LeMond Zurich or Buenos Aries (Has some 105 mixed in), Litespeed Mira or Capella, Giant TCR alloy or OCR1/Elite. Hope that helps.

The F50 is a really great bike. I :love: mine.

Thanks for the responses thus far guys - I appreciate it!

To be more specific on my own riding "style" and needs - I have never raced before, but I don't want to feel like I should have a different bike if I ever decide to start (in all hobbies and sports, the gear is half the fun). I WILL be doing centuries from time to time, and racking up lots of casual miles throughout a typical week. No commuting, since I work at home (or I'm unemployed - however you want to phrase it ;) ). This bike is purely leisure, but will see plenty of use.

I'm going to alter my original question a bit, and hopefully that will get some more answers leaning towards something I might buy...

What bike would you consider to be a diamond in the rough? Quality componentry on a stiff race-quality frame with a low pricetag? No matter what I'm shopping for, I feel like I can always find something that's just an amazing deal after a bit of research (sometimes not until after I've made a purchase). What do you guys feel fits this description in the road bike market - going more for something under $2k?

I've heard that the 5200 isn't much of a racer
Do you mean the same frame that Lance Armstrong won 5 TDF's on????

I'd probably argue differently, than again I love my 5200...

Hi,
there is no 'do it all' bike. The bike that comes closest (that I know about) is way over your budget. I'd suggest a bike suited to what you will be doing;casual riding, centuries, etc and not something you might be doing in the future. When you get to the point of entering a race, you'll want a racer.

A bike that fits the bill nicely would be this one.... http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/habanero.html

There are dozens of great bikes between 1K and 2K.
A lot of them are performance oriented with one foot in the causal
riding camp. Gunnar is a good example. Their Roadie is a sporty
performance bike. The Sport is exactly what it says it is. A sporty bike that would be dandy for long rides like centuries. The Sport is
a ball to ride. The Roadie is faster, but I wouldn't want to do a century on one.

I think there are plenty of bikes out there that might fullfill your requirements. And I think you should try as many as you can find to test ride. I know you said you may want to get into racing in the future but you've also outlined many things that you want to do now and there are some bikes that may be more appropriate for you than others. Although not a racebike (a little too relaxed geometry), the Specialized Roubaix Comp (18 or 27, you choose) seems ideal as a club rider's bike and for supported credit-card touring as well as all-day riding. I test rode one and was really impressed with it. I like that Specialized is concentrating on different concepts for high-end bikes that is not strictly centered around a full-blown racing machine.

I love my new Novara Trionfo. While people may scoff at this non-designer bike, the components speak for themselves. Full ultegra, with an upgrade to a FSA full Carbon crank, San Marco Aspide saddle, shimano wheels, etc. Retails for $1800, but with REI's occasional sales, I got it for 20% off.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47677182&parent_category_rn=4500864&
It rides beautifully with great acceleration. amazing.

You must feel a little overwhelmed with all of the choices out there. I understand completely! Doing research is half the fun! :D

I also reccomend you visit your LBS. There's no better way to select the perfect bike than to ride it yourself. They might show you some obscure but quality brands that many here have never heard of. Just about every bike maker that doesn't use Campy exclusively will have an Ultegra spec'd bike.

You also sound like a good candidate for a steel framed bike, which can easily be found with full Ultegra for around $2k, probably less. Steel is real!

Try www.gvhbikes.com they have an amazing quantity of low priced high end bikes. adding a groupset is cheap compared to anything I've seen.

> might be putting the cart before the horse
> would first pick a frame and then look for the component level

Simply the best advice given.
E.g., a Trek 5000 and a 2300 are very close in price (~$100 or so).
The 2300 has an Ultegra build. The 5000, a 105-Ultegra.
But the 5000 has the same frame as the 5500. The 5000 is simply a WAY BETTER choice.

Remember, what determines the quality of the ride (i.e., where you should spend your pennies) are:
[a] frame, fork
[b] wheelset
[c] components

I'm not saying you should get a Trek.
If you have a choice between two similarly priced, equally fit bikes ... Bike A (105-Ultegra) and Bike B (full Ultegra)
A has better frame-fork (maybe even wheelset) and B has the full Ultegra build, then get bike A (absolutely a no-brainer decision).

Best.

I bought my 2004 Specialized Allez Comp for $1430 in December. It has full Ultegra, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels, and a really nice frame for the money. You might want to try one if you can find it in your size. I've ridden mine as far as 60 miles and haven't minded the stiffness of the frame. I guess the carbon fork and seatpost really help! I love the bike and think I got an amazing setup for the money.

The Roubaix is a REALLY nice frame if you can afford it. The reviews for it have been nothing short of glowing.

the Giant TCR 2 and the Specialized Roubaix Comp might be good ones to check out. They're not only Ultegra, but also carbon framed bikes.

like folks have been saying, there's a ton of fun bikes to get with your budget. if it were me i think i'd get a Habanero with a ti frame and ultegra or maybe that Merckx special at gvhbikes.com

i hope the more experienced folks won't jump on me for saying this but i also think for that kinda coin you should end up with something other than an aluminum frame. if you're not a racer now then you want something that will be more comfortable for longer rides. it's not going to mean that it's a wimpy or non-aggressive bike, but for somebody just getting into it with a single bike for all things i'd think you'd want something that was both responsive _and comfortable and going with a steel, carbon or ti frame over alum might be a way to head in that direction comfort-wise.

look at the 'special deals' section at GVHbikes.com, those are _very affordable Ultegra bikes with comfy frames.

folks tell you to test ride in response to any new bike shopping question, so get out there and see how bikes really feel. go to as many stores as you can and try out anything in your size that seems interesting just to learn more about feel and fit.

I just bought a 2002 Novara Trionfo for 650. Full Ultegra, Carbon seat stays and fork. NICE BIKE!

campy my friend, campy.

if you're going shimano - i think ultegra equipped bikes are a sweet spot in terms of quality and pricing. depending on the frame, there are a TON of bikes that fall nicely in the 1200-1800 range (new).

Just picked up my 2006 Lemond Sarthe...Full Ultegra except a Bontager Race Lite Crankset. Only $1,400! 61cm steel frame weighing in at 20.34 lbs with Ultegra pedals.

Love my Giant OCR2 composite with full Ultegra.

Formerly Airborne. (http://www.flyte1.com/soar/janette/store/srs3_bike.asp) So-called 'promotional' prices are incredible or take the Dura-Ace version for $2,510. Conversely, go with the 105 10 speed group and upgrade the wheelset to Race X-Lites. 17.22 lbs, $2,000 on the nose. You could also get the stock Selects, ebay'em and upgrade for a better price I'd expect. Almost too many possibilities out there... Oh well. Fun, eh?

Do you mean the same frame that Lance Armstrong won 5 TDF's on????

I'd probably argue differently, than again I love my 5200...

Maybe he meat not much of a crit bike due to its slack angles? I had a 5500 for 10 years and felt it was the best road race bike ever, especially when it came out.

$1599 can get you a Flyte SRS-2, or $1399 for an SRS-3. I have the SRS-3 and it's a GREAT bike.

www.flyte1.com.

DrPete

I love my Giant TCR2, full Ultegra, costs about $1850. At your price range though, you could afford the TCR1, which runs at about $2400.


Do you mean the Carbon models? because that is a terrible price for 06! I got a qoute from my LBS that the TCR1 Ultegra 10 spd would be 1,700. (For the aluminum model)

If you like the Giant TCR's but want something a little more uprights then be sure to check out the OCR's. I have '06 OCR Comp2... Ultegra RD,FR and brifters. Not for the Crankset though... Truvativ Rouleur. Mavic Aksium wheels.

Good luck!