Road Cycling - Which Bike?

Now, I am sure you guys hate polls, but I am struggling...I am a Mt Biker looking to get into Road...I'm quickly learning about the road scene, and I know I want as much Ultegra as possible for the $ b/c I will be riding for recreational as well as training for mt. Anyway, here's the deal...I am looking at the Trek 2100 (2005 model), the Klein Aura X (the white one) and the Fuji Marseille. the bikes cost at my LBS $1499, $1599, and $1649 respectively...are these fair prices, and if so, what do you guys think I should go with? I like the graphics on the Klein the best, but the bike shop that carries Klein are supposedly idiots that can't build anything correctly, and their service sucks, so I hear, but I DO want to best bike for my use. I don't want to spend more than the price of the Fuji, though. I have been recommended by friends to all three makes, so I thought I would ask you guys to see what's good historically/presently,/etc. Thanks so much! See you on the ROAD soon!

I dig the cool graphics. Hey, if I don't like how the bike looks, I won't ride it, then I've wasted my money.

Does anyone have any technical advice? Please help me out!

Alright, I am new to this forum...I am slowly watching the number of views climb...and the number of replies has remained the same...what gives? Is it b/c it's a poll, or are these bikes too technical for all the Fuji Finest riders out there? No ofense, I am just beginning to question the credibility of this forum :(

On behalf of all low-end bike riders who know more about road bikes than you do, stuff it.

Have you ridden the bikes? If not, go ride 'em.

No need to stuff anything...I have ridden them, the only reason for my hostility was simply the fact that I go on forums to read questions and exchange info. Now even if the "low-end" bikers know more than I do, they could at least lend a helping hand and advise me rather than reading and moving on, don't you think?

Alright, I am new to this forum...I am slowly watching the number of views climb...and the number of replies has remained the same...what gives? Is it b/c it's a poll, or are these bikes too technical for all the Fuji Finest riders out there? No ofense, I am just beginning to question the credibility of this forum :(


Maybe because this question is asked 1000 times a month. We have a search funtion for a reason.

If I was to pick I would get the Trek, and have the brake calibers upgraded.

twhineusa, I feel your pain.

Feltup...thank you so much for your reply..that helps...LordOpie, I am actually moving to Colorado, where I have met some of the nicest people in one of the most beautiful areas in the world...over 300 days of sunshine a year...perfect riding conditions most of the spring, summer, and a lot of the fall, why you persist on acting like a child is beyond me...thanks again to anyone else willing to reply with an educated recommendation.

What size do you need? I know a place in Virginia that's selling 2003 Marsailles for under $1000. But the sized are limited. I know that they have, or had 56cm in stock.

I am also a fan of the trek (very nice bikes), however I would highly recommend going with a 2300 over the 2100. It is a much better component mix and worth the additional $$. As a matter of fact, if you can find one in your size in an '04, you will pay less than for the '05 2100.

Good luck

i also like the idea of an '04 Trek 2300 - good way to put your money toward value - has the '05 improved anything?

also, the '04 Fuji Marsaille just looks like a Fuji Team with a triple and a different paintjob, and the Team only costs $1400 at Performance. granted you might insist on a triple if you're gonna end up in Colorado, but still i thought i'd mention it.

and lastly, don't get testy with folks here - this is my first summer on this board and you wouldn't believe the number of nearly identical "first road bike - help me pick!!" posts. that was my first post too of course - so that's why i'm not pissing.

i just ordered my bike a few days ago btw. i was looking at bikes in the same range - wanting Ultegra and stuff - but i'm really tall so my choices were more limited. I ended up getting the Viner Competition from GVHbikes.com. nobody makes a steel bike in my size and the stores would have been special order anyway - and more money.

i'm happy to end up with a steel frame in my size, but those are all good choices. the Marsaille is the least sexy of the bunch. The Klein paint jobs are hot, but I don't like compact geometry personally. So that leaves the Trek - esp if you score an '04.

that '03 Marsaille from Bike2Ride would be a better deal than any of these bikes at the price he mentioned. i'd be all over that if it only came in my size - i live close to virginia too!

where was it you saw that deal, dude?