Road Cycling - Bike recommendation needed $1500-2000

Let me start by saying that I am a complete newbie at road cycling. However, I'm an avid biker who finally has some cash to spend on a nice new road bike (I've been riding my Marin mountain bike with road tires for the past 3 years). I commute to work every day (from 15-20 miles per day, depending on my route). I've also been taking one or two extra days per week and doing a 30 mile ride around town. In the future, I'd like to extend that once or twice a week ride to up to 60 miles (but more likely 40-50).

Since I am currently spending a great deal of time on my bike, I don't want to skimp on shelling out some cash for a nice road bike. However, I realize that I've got quite a bit of research to do to familiarize myself with the many different frames and components out there, and to what is best suited for my needs.

My budget is between $1500-2000, for everything (I could even bend it slightly higher if the reason was really compelling). The local dealers with salespeople that I can stomach carry Trek, Giant, Bianchi and Specialized bikes. They also handle some great, more expensive frames that are completely out of my price range. I don't know if it plays into my frame choice, but I'm a tall guy at 6'4".

I would guess that components are probably on par, or more important than the frame. Although I don't know what they are, I've been told that there are only 2-3 real component sets worth owning, and with anything less, I'd be wasting my money. If anyone could elaborate on this, that would be much appreciated.

So, I'm looking to learn more about my options, what I should consider? I really want a bike that I can ride everyday and take on good, hard, distance rides. I live in Seattle, which has its share of hills, a fact of life in my daily commute and on distance rides.

So please be gentle on the newbie. I'm a dedicated rider without a grasp on the essential gear. I really want to do my homework and make sure that I make the right purchase. Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

Dave

i'll be upfront...i'm biased towards trek. why? the trek concept store in SD treated me very well. a few cuts above the other local bike shops i visited.

that said, in your price range, the trek 2200, 2300, and 5000 would fit in there.
2200 and 2300 share the same frame. aluminum frame with carbon fibre seatstays, seatpost, and fork. this makes for a very very smooth ride imho. between the 2200 and 2300, you get a better fork, lighter wheels, narrower tires, a better saddle, and full ultegra vs a 105 frot deraileur and brakes. The 2200 can be had for aroudn $1300 to $1500 with season end clearances. I believe the 2300 is around $1700 give or take. The 5000 is kind of weird....full CF frame with a mishmash of 105 and ultegra components. brakes/shifters are 105 as is front deraileur...the rest ultegra. It rides very smooth and feels very nimble and light, but it was just waay out of my pricerange at the time i was buying a bike.

I ride a 2200. I paid i think $1450 including tax (TdF sale) with a cash discount. I thought I would have had buyers remorse, but had none at all. I forgot to mention...the 2200 comes with clipless pedals...the others don't. They're not super nice pedals or anything...Shimano M520's. But they do their job, and they saved me some money so i could buy clipless shoes. I like the combination that I have right now alot...2200 w/ nike hautacam shoes. The only real complaint I have about the bike is the saddle. it doesn't bother me much while riding, but afterwards, it kinda aches and will end up being a personal preference type thing between different people. I use mine for commuting almost daily and also for charity rides, and solo rides on weekends.

hope this helps :P

melloboy

The key, which I'm sure will be repeated ad nauseum, is to get a bike that fits you. Of the shops you can stomach, have you looked into getting a fitting? It's a worthwhile investment that can help steer you in the right direction for which bike will work best for you. Just went through the process and am very pleased with the results.

The groups you are talking about for Shimano are 105, Ultegra, and Dura Ace. Dura Ace is probably outside of your price range, but Ultegra & 105 work great. Not too familiar with Campy groups, so someone else will have to speak up.

Those are all good brands you mentioned. I have a Specialized Allez Elite that has worked for me. On my list for when I upgrade is the Specialized Roubaix Comp (relaxed ride, carbon frame, a little above your price), Lemond Buenos Aires (steel/carbon frame), and what I can afford in the way of titanium.

Good luck with it. You might want to keep in mind next year's Seattle-to-Portland ride. I did it this year and had a great time (my best friend lives up by you; I'm in CA).

I don't have much to add other than to possibly consider taking into account the fact that you live in an area with some fairly reputable builders. Have you for instance looked into the Rodriguez bikes?

http://www.rodcycle.com/men.html

I haven't really considered a custom frame since I always assumed this would fall outside of my price range. My local bike store is home to Bill Davidson. I really want one of these:

http://www.drizzle.com/~stork/images/002.jpg

I haven't really considered a custom frame since I always assumed this would fall outside of my price range.

Well the Rodriguez bikes aren't all custom.



My local bike store is home to Bill Davidson. I really want one of these:

Yeah, those Davidsons are sweet. I ride with a few people who have them...

Here's a Davidson custom titanium touring bike (mixed Ultegra/XTR drivetrain, Avid disc brakes)...

http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2003STP-1/PICT0015.jpg

Definately take a look at Rodriguez. They have some options that do fall within your price range.

** tall rider alert! **

okay, speaking from one very tall rider to another (i'm 6'4.5") i think there are some things the ppl who've posted thus far haven't mentioned. i think you're going to find as i did that none of the bike companies you mentioned really make anything that fits you.

check out Trek's geometry pdf:
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/pdf/2004_geometry_en.pdf

it's a bit confusing to look at, but i'll draw your attention to a few things. first, the Trek 5000 series bikes are only offered up to a 62cm with a 59cm top tube. you'd likely have to put a 15cm stem on a bike like that (that's the biggest stem there is) and it still might not fit right. the 2100/2300 bikes might fit you as they come a size bigger but you might be more comfortable on something a bit bigger.

specialized and giant add to this problem that they make exclusively compact road frames, which come in fewer sizes, are generally smaller and sort of have a catch all XL size instead of a discrete size for every two centimeters. even if you wanted to learn about the ride of a specialized or giant you'd be pretty hard pressed to find a LBS that had an XL in stock.

bianchi's have a similar problem - theymake a semi-compact geometry frame for all their new bikes now and the biggest size they make is a 63cm c-t (center to top). i wasn't able to find this in stock anyplace either but looking at the geometry i thought it seemed clear that this company wasn't really trying to fit tall tall guys like us.

carbon frames in particular are unlikely to come in a size big enough for us because the builders need to make a new mold for every size they manufacture - this is what has led companies like Giant to go with the S/M/L/XL approach (and XL just isn't that big really).

going custom is an option you'll here ppl mention quite often for the simple reason that for an extra wad of cash it takes the hassles of finding a frame in your size out of the equasion. however i think it's safe to say that a custom bike will run more like $2500-$3000 than your budget of $1500-$2000. now there's nothing wrong with paying that kind of money for a custom bike, but i don't think it's necessary just because somebody is 6'4".

here's the thread about the bike i just got less than a week ago after learning all that bad news about sizes and a general inability to test ride anything:
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=62669

you might also consider an '04 Fuji Team, which is a fairly priced mixed material bike with full Ultegra for $1400 that comes in a 64cm. Performance retail stores carry them, but you can't get them from the Performance website.

i would not recommend Cannondale either - i was able to take an extended test ride of a Caad5 frame and i thought the aluminum ride was harsh - especially compared to the italian steel frame i ended up getting from GVHbikes.

Good luck! you can msg me with any questions about size. i'd guess you'd be good on either a 63cm or 64cm with like a 12cm stem (i got the 64cm with a 14cm stem and it's a bit long for me)

Boze, Khoun, and racer21, thanks for the advice. Boze, based on your comments, I'm now very aware that sizing may be an issue. It makes sense, I have enough trouble finding pants in my size.

I know that my current mtn. bike isn't quite perfect for me as I do experience occasional neck and back pain on longer rides. I would assume that this is because my tall body doesn't quite fit right on the frame.

Based on recommendations, I might explore a custom frame. As I mentioned, spending a little bit more than my budget to get it right the first time is not out of the question. I'd like to see what Rodriguez charges for a custom fitted frame. Obviously, Davidson is a little too far outside my price range.

That said, can someone help give my an idea of total bike cost if I decide to purchase it all myself and then have it assembled? For instance, if I pay $1000-1400 for just a frame, how much more will I spend on components, assuming I don't completely skimp out. I guess I am trying to get an idea of a total bike cost based on how much I spend on a frame.

I've heard searching eBay for used components is a good place to look. Apparently, there are some pretty good deals on barely used equipment. If anyone could comment on that, great, please do.

Well, I feel like a I know a lot more than yesterday, thanks all.

Based on recommendations, I might explore a custom frame. As I mentioned, spending a little bit more than my budget to get it right the first time is not out of the question. I'd like to see what Rodriguez charges for a custom fitted frame. Obviously, Davidson is a little too far outside my price range.

Rodriguez starts at $999 for a custom frame (http://www.rodcycle.com/custom.html). That does come with a fork but it's a steel fork. If you want to upgrade to a carbon fork, you'll need to add a couple of hundred to that price. Check their pricesheet in that link for more stuff. I personally would add things like the chain-hanger and I think you can get the bottle opener too as an option. ;)

Another place to check is TiCycles (http://www.ticycles.com/road_prices.html#prices). A custom steel frame starts at $1095. Also, if you're not adverse to doing things from remote, you can get a custom titanium frame from Habanero Cycles for $995 (http://www.habcycles.com/road.html).

Then you'll need to add components and wheels. You can ask them how much a build-kit of a specific level will cost.



That said, can someone help give my an idea of total bike cost if I decide to purchase it all myself and then have it assembled? For instance, if I pay $1000-1400 for just a frame, how much more will I spend on components, assuming I don't completely skimp out. I guess I am trying to get an idea of a total bike cost based on how much I spend on a frame.

Based on what you were previously looking at, I'd suggest an Ultegra build kit. Just for reference (or maybe even for real), Colorado Cyclist has an Ultegra double build kit for $899 (http://www.coloradocyclist.com/common/products/productdisplay2_v2.cfm?PRRFNBR=19475&CGRFNBR=293&CRPCGNBR=293&CI=1,225,293&TextMode=0). It looks very nicely spec'ed. The only thing lacking is pedals so figure another $100 to $150 for those.



I've heard searching eBay for used components is a good place to look. Apparently, there are some pretty good deals on barely used equipment. If anyone could comment on that, great, please do.

I've done the eBay hunt thing and to be honest it's just not worth it IMHO. I would rather get NIB or NOS parts from a LBS or online shop (although you can find some of those on eBay) so as not to have to worry about defects and such. Also, the last time I did this as an exercise, sourcing everything from multiple places didn't really save me all that much when compared to just getting it all in the form of a build-kit. Maybe I didn't do a good job of it though.

After mountain biking for quite some time now I am looking into getting a road bike... I have looked around quite a bit and am still trying to find something better for the money then the Trek 2100. If I am a misguided noob let me know... but Ultegra on a a nice alloy/carbon frame... If there is a bike out there with better components and frame for cheaper I would love to see it.

I guess the Davidson is out of reach, but I've been riding one for almost 25 years now. A very nice bike. I couldn't afford another one now myself though. If you can swing it, I'd recommend it.

1998 Cannondale Road bike for sale, Interestede-mail loriespitzer@netscape.com

greenstork- you were supposed to just acknowledge my incredible acumen and then get the same bike i got! =)

probably cost you about a grand over the $1400 cost of the Viner to do a similar build starting with a custom steel frame. i'd think that would be more worth it for somebody with a lot of specific needs in a road bike fit.

to put it another way: what geometry would you do differently from the Viner if you went custom? if you can't answer that question then it's probably not worth a thousand dollars because the 63 or 64cm would surely fit you and you won't have the roadie specific experience to guide the builder for a more exact fit.

this is just me speculating though, so if money is no big deal then i'm sure a $2400 custom steel bike will fit you great too.

I went to the shop and got measured. I fit perfectly on a 62cm, give or take a cm or two. I took a serious look at the Bianchi bikes and I'm really leaning towards the Virata 63cm:

http://www.bianchiusa.com/virata.html

It has a nice Ultegra component set and Ksyrium rims. All in all, a beautiful bike, I'm super impressed. They did not have one in my size to sit on and get a feel for but I did sit on another Bianchi 63cm and it felt great. I'd want to ride it of course, but my first impression was a nice fit.

It has the option to take an 18-spd double or 27-spd triple. Given that I will use the bike for commuting, I'm leaning towards the triple. I'm sure I am opening a can of worms but does anyone have a thought on this? My only comparison is a triple mountain bike, and that third chain ring is really a granny ring that I honestly have never used on the road, or even on the trail for that matter. I'm sure a road bike is geared differently but I just don't know, is this the case?

My initial research into a custom frame isn't so hot. Most bikes I have run across are going to start around $2500 without the super nice full Ultegra group and Ksyrium rims, that's going to push me up towards $3000. I just don't have that kind of money to spend.

Is there any reason for me not to pull the trigger on buying this bike?

Dave,

I recently bought a Virata and love it. It has nice components, decent wheels, and a nice riding steel frame with carbon stays. I rode a lot bikes including a Litespeed Solano and Firenze, Giant TCR2, Specialized Roubaix Comp, Colnago Classic and Active, Bianchi Giro, and a Fuji Team. The Virata was the nicest of the bunch. Yeah, the Giant was probably faster but not much and the Virata rides nicer. Plus, the Bianchi fits me better and has much nicer wheels.

Do you need the Triple? Are you going to be riding serious hills? Here in the midwest we don't have such hills so I didn't bother. It's simpler too. But if you use the granny gear a lot on the road on your mountain bike you may want one on your roadie. And yeah, roadie's are geared differently. The lowest gear on a roadie bike is usually 25 or 26. On a mtn bike it's 34. But road bike are lighter and the wheels are much quicker.

I agree with you on custom frames. They are quite pricey and most likely there is a production bike out there that will meet your needs, esp if they aren't that demanding. But you are pretty tall. My Virata is a 61cm and I'm 6-1. A 63 might fit. Make sure your local shop is knowledgable and honest. A proper fit is so worth it.

Gamblor

i don't think it's fair to compare the granny gear on a mtb to the third ring on a triple road setup

i mean yeah, it's the same sort of thing - but i don't think it's a given that if you ride your mtb on the road and never use the third ring then you wouldn't on a road bike.

i think a better test would be to ride one of your longer more varied-terrain road rides with a bike computer and if you ever really go up a hill at 10mph or less then you may as well get a triple. if the hills where you live don't make you go that slow ever then you probably don't need one unless you travel or move.

btw, that Virata looks very nice indeed (even though i'll go on record as saying i don't like the look of compact frames for tall ppl). what is your LBS's price on it?

there's just no convincing you that the Viner is the shizzle, eh?

oh and one last thing if anybody knows: what's the verdict on steel frames with carbon stays? i'm kinda surprised they bother.. is it a weight thing?

1) The Virata does not have compact geometry. Just a Sloping top tube. If you compare it to Giant TCR or the Litespeed compact geometry you'll see it's quite different.

2) The Carbon rear lightens the bike and makes it a bit quicker while keeping the plush steel ride. It may kills some of the vibes too. So you get a the compliant steel while being able to accelerate and climb better. Or you get a stiff steel frame without the weight penalty. Either way, somehow it works very well.

1) yeah well i think they call it "semi-compact" geometry which is how i described it in an earlier and lengthier post. either way, it's just an aesthetic consideration for me but i think it's sad that the entire bianchi line is sloping or semi-compact now.

you can see them trying to hide it with every goofy camera angle they can think of on their website. http://www.bianchiusa.com/road.html

The goofy camera angle on their website does suck. The bike looks better than that pic. But their entire lineup isn't sloping. The Giro isn't and neither is the San Lorenzo. And the bigger impact of compact geometry bikes is shorter stays which these don't have.

I've had my '04 Giros for 2 months now... and I LOVE IT. Traditional top tube and all. :D

are you sure? this looks just like a sloping toptube with the bike at an angle to hide it like the others..
http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/395692f708.jpg