Road Cycling - What to buy -- $1,500 - $2,000?

I am looking for recommendations for a new road bike. I currently have an Eddy Merckx circa late 80's early 90's. It is the century frame with Columbus tsx tubing.

I want to get something more up to date. Any recommendations?

Lots of choices in this price range. This is where I think I'll be also come next Spring when the tax refund check comes in. :D

My plan for now is the buy a 2004 Campy Record group ($1300- www.repartocorse.com) and a cheap frame (TBD). Later, as funds allow I'd get a nicer frame to complete this sweet setup.

First dibs on the Eddy Merckx frame if it's my size.

Hi,
what sort of bike are you looking for? Race/high performance/sport/lite tour/tour?

High performance. I used to race as a junior (raced in Europe and qualified for the US Nationals). Now, I just ride to keep in shape. However, I do want something that can handle but not too uncomfortable.

By the way, the Merckx is up for sale on eBay if anyone is interested (53 cm c-c).

So far, I have looked at the Bianchi Veloce, Orbea Marmolada and the Giant TCR COMPOSITE 2. I have also thought about buying a newer Merckx aluminum frame.

dude,

I must admit, I have been 110 % satisfied with this 2004 giant. the whole thing is carbon, and it has ultegra from head to toe. the back tire sits in so close, that it is just amazing how quick it gets up to speed. it retails for 2100, but you should be able to get it at LBS for 1700-1750 + tax. you want to try hi tech? try riding a carbon bike. the whole dam thing flexes... it is like one giant shock... rides are smooth as smooth can be. don't take my word for it, go take a test ride! Unbeatable price for a new carbon with ultegra grade components!!! It looks pretty dam sweet as well!!

I am looking for recommendations for a new road bike. I currently have an Eddy Merckx circa late 80's early 90's. It is the century frame with Columbus tsx tubing.

I want to get something more up to date. Any recommendations?



My vote is for a 2004 Fuji Team SL. I picked one up for $1000 on sale. and I've seen them anywhere between that and $2500.. I absolutely love it. it's stiff, light, fast and very tight.
The components are awesome.. FSA carbon crank, full carbon fork, American Classics wheelset, carbon seatpost, and full Ultegra group.
the bike weighs in around 15lbs... but I suggest if you are going to ride alot on it, Ebay the wheels and get something that can take some more abuse like some Mavic Open pros or something.

I think that Colorado Cyclist has some of the Litespeed with Ultegra and or Douglas with Ultegra for about $2000. Buy the frame with the lifetime warentee.

I road a 05 2100 and it was the nicest riding bike i've been on as far as Alum goes.I think it was going for $1499.

I just picked up my 2004 Fuji Team, paid 1350.00 and I would buy two more if I could use them all at once. Awesome bike, amazing weight, handles great and rides very well. Beware, I had a bear of a time finding this bike in my size (61 cm) and ended up having to order (via a LBS) from the east coast warehouse across country due to the fact that Fuji is no longer producing the 2004's and stock is basically zero, every shop I talked to had sold out (I called over 40 around the country). 2005 team will be more $$ with the newest Ultegra component group (20 spd I think). Personally, I don't see the need for 2 more gears at the added cost and all that thinner metal... yech... get a 2004!

What frame material do you want?

You can squeek in a Ti Litespeed Firenze.

Cervelo Soloist 105 is nicely in that price range. I really like mine!

Trek 2300: Al frame w/ cf seatstays, cf seatpost, cf fork, full ultegra
Trek 5000: cf frame, full ultegra

i love the ride of the 2000 series from Trek. Very smooth and a good degree of tactile feedback. I personally ride the 2200 and have absolutely no qualms with it. The 5000 i don't know much about but same components as 2300. I would suspect a very smooth ride and a very light bike as it's full CF.

melloboy