What I want/look for in a bike?
 

Wanted to see what you all look for when purchasing a bike. For me, I think I consider price, ride quality, and component mix. I'd be willing to pay up to $2200 for the ideal bike. Let me know what your priorities are. Here are some primers. List the top 3 priorities, and how much you'd pay for a bike that met those priorities.

1. ride quality
2. weight
3. price
4. brand
5. component mix
6. high magazine rating
7. durability/longevity
8. warranty
9. build quality
10. frame material
11. bang for my buck
12. other

Thanks
Marinade

Ride quality, weight, and componetry are all almost equal factors..Basic question to ask yourself is what do I expect to do with this bike.
Each factor would be greatly effected by what you want to do with the bike.. My race bike is light. My touring bike I want stability. Componetry on my touring bike is far different. On my touring bike for example I really like my side pull brakes for safe braking while under significant weight.... Touring bike speed and agility is less important.

What he said. A lot of the things on that list will have a direct affect on other things on that list (for example, the frame material/weight relationship). It should also be noted that things such as longetivity are affected by how well one looks after their bike (take it from someone who drew 65,000km out of a beater bike -- and still rides that bike occasionally).

Fit Fit Fit

since there are so many differen tbikes out there that have equal fit and smooth ride I tend to go for value or the best bang for my buck, among those brands.

Ride quality is number one, that undefined "mojo" where
as Velocipedio said, the bike just sings to you.
Build quality would be number 2, how well the bike
is constructed, are the Lugs filed? have they been
custom shaped? is the brazing smooth or is there brazing
material oozing out from under the lugs? Are the mitres
clean (hard to tell on finished bike)? that kind of stuff.
So thats my vote for Other.
Last would be look, Do I like the look of the bike? does
it please my eye?
Everything else is just gravy to me, with the exception
of the magazines, I don't care what they think.
(can you tell I'm a retrogrouchy road type who likes
lugged steel frames? is it that obvious?)
Marty

Ride Quality
Bang for my Buck
Component Mix

Weight is of little importance. I'm a clydesdale, so lightweight = fragile to me. Durability is always a concern. Brand name is always a consideration. I want to buy from a reputable company. Also, I like to support companies that "give back". e.g. Chris King makes incredible product with no environmental waste. Kona donates $ for every bike sold to I.M.B.A....etc.

Price is always a big factor, but I'll spend more for quality and confidence in reliability.

L8R