bkennedype

I currently ride a 2003 Giant OCR2, got a great deal on it and it is my first road bike in 20+ years. What a great summer it was! However, the bike is a little too big for me, so I'm thinking I'll get a new ride over the winter. My budget is say $1,500 - $2,000. What are the best bikes in that price range? I'm a 44 year old recreation rider who does some weekend racing for the fun of it. I don't need a high-end racing bike, just a fitness machine. Thanks.

56/12 and 22/28

2006 Specialized Roubaix Elite.

Eh?

bbattle

Orbea Marmolada, 7005 aluminum frame, carbon rear triangle, Campy Veloce. $1900

Orbea Vuelta, 7005 double butted aluminum frame with carbon seatstays, Shimano 105. $1700


Orbea Volata, aluminum frame with carbon seatstays like the Vuelta but with Campy Mirage. $1400


These are all 2006 models; you could probably get a good deal on a 2005 Orbea Dauphine which is the same as the Veulta but with all Ultegra; lists for $1899.

Orbeas have awesome paintjobs, no decals, carbon forks and seatposts to smooth out the ride. I get lots of compliments on my Dauphine.

Grasschopper

Eh go for the Roubaix Comp in your pick of double or triple. MSRP is $2200 but being a Specialized getting a dealer to drop it to $2k wont be an issue.

badkarma

Test ride bikes in that range and go for the one that fits you best. Dropping 1500-2000 is gonna get you a sweet ride no matter what.

helmets save

One problem is that Orbea's are expensive for what you get. Not much of a deal as terms of parts for price. But when you think about that any high end bike is goign to be like that, because i believe mostly you paying for its name. It is quality, but you are kind of paying for its name. Like designer clothes.


Hell I would love an Orbea some day, maybe when i get out of college. Or a high in bianchi either one. I have fallen in love with Orbea's and Bianchi's.

cs1

Did you consider just swapping your parts to a frame that fits? Then selling the old frame on ebay. It could save you lots of dough. Just a thought.
Tim

SeqTarRou

I picked up a 2005 Specialized Roubaix Pro for ~$3000 early last week. Specialized has them marked down from an MSRP of $4400 to $3200 to move them out so I had my LBS order one and I had it in two days. I would imagine they might have similar deals on the Roubaix Comp or Elite in which case the Comp would probably be about $1600 or so which would be a steal. Quantities are limited, they only had 15 of the Pros in 56cm available.

carterh

I got a 2005 Roubaix Comp 3 months ago, which specs and looks better (imho) out much better than the 2006, MSRP was $3,200 for $2,300 at my LBS. Was looking at the Elite and they were going to have to order it, so the saleman came back to me and said "I just spoke with my manager and he will sell you the Comp at," I thought I was going to get hosed and had already told him my budget was $2,500 max. I thougt it was a good deal and I love the bike; I would really try to track down a 2005 Comp or the Pro if you can stretch.

coclimber

Isn't someone here supposed to say "FELT!" about now? Best bang/buck?

Oh, I just did...

Portis

Yeah. What are you doing with your old ride? Is that budget figuring you selling your bike, trade in, or what?

bobby c

I recently picked up a full carbon Giant TCR Comp 2 (Ultegra) for $1,599 at a local Performance. Couldn't be happier....

tanguy frame

You could get a bike from REI during their annual sale. Their top end bike is 1800, and they give a 20% discount. Also could burn your dividend check on it to get even lower out of pocket. It's nice to ride a new bike after 20 years isn't it? I did same.

Dchiefransom

Test ride a Giant TCR and OCR carbon bike in your price range.

acathi_cyclist

cervelo soloist

ph yeah, felt f55

Sparky Bird

Please consider a Lemond Zurich or Buenos Aires. In my experience, you should be able to get the 2005 models at 30% off as the 2006's roll out.

Paul And Pista

I was just heading here to ask the exact same thing. I've been leaning toward the Felts, just need to find a place that sells them. But another question: is there a particularly good time of year to find deals on complete bikes?

trekking_TW

I think now is the time to get a good deal. The dealers are trying to unload the 2005 bikes to make room for their 2006 models. I picked up a Trek 5000 for $1800 at LBS. I almost went with a Felt F55 w/ full DA for $1850 and no tax!

Ride a few and buy what you like best!

Pfoot

Not all LBS's are trying to unload all bikes. It depends on where their forecasts went wrong (which can mean being stuck with stock at end of year).

Choose your bike (and size), do a search for all the bike stores in an hour's drive and then start calling them and telling them what deal you want. Some will make a deal and some won't.

I bought a Trek 5000 last fall with this technique for under $2K and love the bike. I recommend it.

af2nr

Ditto! Just my BA and got a great deal, 30% on the head from MSRP. They did have to order my size though.

rufvelo

Unless you're interested in a specific bike to be paying upwards of $1500, I'd pick any bike at the local LBS that's closest to $1500, even $1400. There are so many choices out there and offering so much value at that price range. Later you can always spend the money you save, on updrades - trust me you will be making those

djtrackie

whatever you do, get CARBON!

ran1354

also test ride the trek pilot 5.0.

bkennedype

Will probably sell old ride for what I paid for it, $400 Canadian! Someone will get a great deal, as I did. The budget is including the proceeds on sale of existing bike.

Cheers,

Woutert

How about the Trek 1500? My LBS is now offering the 2006 Trek 1500 (Ultegra) for € 1399. Sounds pretty good, but is it?