foomonkey

I also live in Chattanooga and I am looking for my first real road bike. I've also been by the LBS in question and they were pushing the Talon on me. I've been to the other LBS's and I am trying to do some comparison shopping. The brands I have on my list are Kestrel, Specialized, Cannondale, Fuji, Felt, and Scott. I'm hoping to spend between $1,500 and $2,000 when I finally make my purchase.

I know I want Shimano 105 at a minimum and will go with Ultegra if it's in the price range. I don't know that I care that much between aluminum and carbon at this point. Carbon is more expensive so it must be better, right? My main concern is getting a solid, respectable bike that fits me that I can use to train for long distances and ride the hilly terrain around here (Lookout Mtn?). I'm not trying to get into racing anytime this year just challenging myself.

So I'd be interested in suggestions as to the brands mentioned above. At the bike shop I visited today, the guy told me he'd rank the Felt brand above Cannondale and Fuji. And he said he just can't stand Kestrel. It's so confusing because everyone has an opinion.

billyt1963

My LBS has $1999 on several Talons in the store. I am thinking, since I have bought one bike from him in the last year and several other items, that I may be able to get a little more discount. I also noticed on the Kestrel web site that the '07 Talons are MSRP at $1999, with Ultegra. I am hoping I can "deal" some.

Billy

billyt1963

Since we are in the same neck of the woods, I will throw in my experience for the past year.

I have ridden an aluminum frame and I am looking to "move up" (I hope it really is a move up) to the carbon frame. I have visited all the local stores. The one that has Kestrel seems to be the most friendly and seems to care about the customer most. Having bought 4 bikes (1 for wife, daughter and 2 for me ) from 2 different stores, I tend to go back to the Kestrel store when I need advice, yet for this purchase I am visiting all of them. From experience though, it seems like only one is in the right price range.

If you want to talk a little more PM me and we can discuss.

Billy

FIVE ONE SIX

i don't know anyone that would agree with ranking Cannondale over Felt, at least as far as quality goes, but everyone's entitled to their opinion...

gcthree

I just bought an '07 Talon SL frameset from www.bicycledoctorUSA.com for $1,624 and am sitting here tapping my foot waiting for it to arrive. I've read a bunch of good things about the frame, and I considered a number of others, but the weight, design, reputation and price all weighed-in to make the decision. Can't wait to go 3-4 mph faster....actually, I'd be happy with 1mph ;-)

johnny99

Unless your new bikes fits a lot better than your old bike, an 0.1mph average speed gain might be more realistic.

Bob Ross

I'm definitely shopping in the wrong neighborhood...

Cyclologist

The only way he could've got it at that price was online. I would recommend it that way for the sake of saving big bucks, however you must be sure of the legitimacy of the source and know beforehand whether your covered with the manufacturer's warranty.

Dead Roman

It was online from a bike shop who was liquidating stock. Its legit, its warrantied for 5 years by the bike shop and lifetime by kestrel. Like- good.

Cyclologist

Schweet.

billyt1963

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. Here is a picture of my new ride. I got it on Tuesday and have only ridden about 35 miles so far, but I like it.

Billy

Cyclologist

Is that the Talon or Talon SL? New color scheme it appears for 2007. Nice. How did you do on the price? Did you manage to get them to give you a discount?

billyt1963

This is a 2005 Talon which is why the color scheme is off. Since the 2007's are coming in $500 below the MSRP for this bike I got a good deal and they moved stuff from my old bike.

Billy