Noob here looking for the right bike
 

I used to race years ago and want to get back into just riding.
I currently smoke and would like to stop doing that and the only thing that I enjoyed more was riding. (I truly miss it)

Now being a former racer and worried about weight, groups, etc.. I am confused on what to get for a bike.
Knowing what I know about frames, components and the roads I will be on I am battling race features to just good enough features for my needs.

I am currently looking at the Trek Emonda S 5 due to the Carbon frame but the components are 105s and was told the shifting wasn't all that smooth
I can go with an Aluminum frame and upgrade components to the Ultegra.

My budget for a bike is around 2000.00 and another 300-400 for gear (Light, helmet, pump etc.)

I am looking to eventually go about 100 miles a day but for now it may be about 10-15 miles in the morning and again at night (riding to work)

I prefer Trek (Sponsor when I raced) but am open to other bikes like Felt etc..

Any help?

Visit your local Felt and Trek Shops...

Get a bike that Fits from the dealer that is Most Friendly.

I have been to the dealer and those are my options.

Thanks

If you are heavy get some wheels that will hold your weight. like 36 spokes.

I have never broke a spoke on 36 spoke wheels.

I am 5'7 and 145 pounds
I used to kill people on hills lol.

I am in good shape I just got out of riding and looking for a bike and need to get the "racer" out of me.

We have Road, Racing, LD Forums you might get more help.

Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling

Not really looking into racing.
Just a frame VS components issue I am having.

For just riding around should I be worried about 105 vs Ultegra Should i get an aluminum frame and not worry about road shock VS a carbon frame?
I guess I will just go with my gut and get the carbon frame and the 105 group seems how I am not going to beat on it and be done with it.

Have you test ridden the Emonda? Folks I know who have bought them seem to love them. I can't imaging you'd find the newest 105 a rough shifter. Current thought is that higher levels are more for lightness and aesthetics (rather than performance).

Personally, I find the 105 a delight. Then again, I'm coming to it from a Sora group set. Still, if it's been a while since you've ridden, I'd be surprised if you're disappointed by the 105.

Hope you get the S 5 and love it.

On my first post you will see that the Emonda is the one I am looking at.

I test rode one Saturday with 105s and it was rather clunky.
Oddly enough I tested one with the next step down and it shifted better for some reason. I am guessing it was the mech there and not the components

I am however looking at an older 2007 Trek but she wants 3000 for it with Dura Ace 7800.

I think it holds dear to her because it was her sons and he died then. It has been in storage since and never rode again.

Still looking but still have time.

Welcome to the forum and back into cycling. If you like Trek, they will certainly have something in your budget range that will meet your needs. That said, there's really little difference in quality between bikes that sell at the same price point. You can often find slightly better components with brands that have lesser brand name recognition. Pay attention to the rims. Some manufacturers save money be specing lower quality rims. If you knew your size well (and that's not hard to do) you can save big bucks with mail order, although in your case building a relationship with a local bike shop probably has value.

I would love to experience what you did with the 105 clunky shifting. That seems odd to me. I have ridden 105 equipped bikes and found them to shift as smoothly as any. Spend a little more time doing demos. Demo some bikes at the price point above and below your target range just to get a feel for how they compare.

I recommend you look at the Trek cro-moly touring bike. Good components, and extremely reliable.

Thanks,
Looking more for a shorter bike
Not looking to gear it up to hold any kind of weight but my own.

Emonda is a Weight conscious, bike Domane is a bit heavier but uses a seat tube damper to make it more comfortable for distance rides

Guess youre into Road Bikes the new 720 is aluminum and uses Disc Brakes has a fork that takes 2 mounts for dry stuff sacks

looks like you could put a Growler in each. :beer:

Perhaps consider that the rough shifting may have simply been due to the bike needing a tune up?

Sounds like what you really want is the Emonda SL6. If I were you, I would get a proper budget commuter for riding to and from work and reward myself with the SL6 after giving up smoking for a year.

Get the one with which you are safer and more comfortable. First you can also hire for rent then after buy it.

I wouldn't let the 105's hold you back! If a bit down the line you want to switch it out it's always an option.