Road Cycling - Which bike to choose...

NOTE: I posted this in the 'General Discussion' thread before realising that it's better suited here. I don't meant to spam, so please accept my apologies for the double post.
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Hello!

Phew, what a godsend, i just found this forum after trawling the internet for so so long looking for bikes and reliable information about them. What better place than a forum?

I was wondering if there were more informed people who could give me advice on the new 2005 Trek range.

I'm looking to buy my new road bike soon, but i'm very inexperienced in what to look for (i've used the same old racing bike for 5 years).

I was settled on the new 1500

But then became very interested in getting a carbon frame bike, so looked further up toward the new 5000


Does anyone have any advice? Is it worth going for the carbon frame?

Also - do you think the new 2005 range is value for money?

Are there any good alternatives, i.e. an older range that can be picked up cheaper, and if so - where? I'm having great trouble finding good online bike shops

My budget is $2000.

I will be using the bike for road racing and reasonable length touring - up to 1500 miles.

Any advice that could be given would be incredibly appreciated!

Thanks!

Sal

Might find an 04 5200 for that and would be a good deal and better then the 5000. I've heard good things about the 05 2300 and its red.

if your budget is $2000, then you should find a local shop with a great reputation for fitting a bike to a rider and understanding your needs and goals.

I'm a fan of steel and think you can do great for $2000, for example, for $1700 a friend got a steel Orbea (frame) with carbon bits and Campy Veloce group) with a full fitting -- they measured her up and ordered all the parts specific for her body and built the bike up based on those numbers, then spent time fine tuning the bike.

If you don't know what you're doing, I recommend spending more getting a shop to help you. You'll probably spend less this way than experimenting on your own.

Focus on frame first, wheels second... you don't need top of the line groups, 105 or veloce will do just fine.

Thats some good advice LordOpie.
I almost bought a Trek 1500 with Ultegra but ended up with an older Pinarello with Veloce 9 speed and saved myself some $'s......I was very lucky to find it in my size.....but it was worth the wait and its great to ride.....
The bike is a little heavy compared to most but i can keep up with the big boys and usually ride past them up the hills.....so sweet!!