Bosock

Hi All...first post so bare with me as you will soon see i am a newb.

Was very active until I underwent several surgeries over the past 4-5 years. Been released by doctors to pursue low impact type activities (Yoga, stationary machines, biking, etc). Started mountain biking the beginning of summer (June) and love it. I went though the typical nightmare of choosing a bike and dealing with salesman after salesman. I got lucky and fell in to my decision (07 stumpy elite). I say i got lucky as two of the features i like best (talas adjustable shocks/pro pedal) i wasnt going to pursue as i thought it was overkill. I got these features on my MB and i love the stumpy elite with the adjustability of the shocks...features i believe was well worth the extra dollars. However, the only reason i chose this bike was because dealer provides 2 year maintenance on it as compared to other dealers. All the info i tried to pull from other riders were ride what feels best to you...well they all felt alright actually.

As normal progression has it...i am interested and starting to pursue road biking as the snow begins to cover the mountain trails and having a strong desire to improve my endurance. I have been to several different LBSs and am just as confused as when i pursued Mountain Biking. My questions to you are for someone starting out road biking 1) is the design or geometry of one bad of road bike stand out compared to the rest, 2) what level componentry would suffice and which would leave me wanting within a year, 3) bike frame (maker) vs level of componetry. Listed below are some bikes i am looking at with respective componetry...I have been further confused by local trek dealer saying Felt frames are not as durable as others and Raleigh has fallen out of Favor...other store saying Trek and Specialized are more as you paying for name...and well you know the typical yea they are priced close but this is why the sux and we dont talk.

From what i have researched i am looking at a alluminum/fiber cross for speed and some dampening while maintaining decent pricing. Looking to do 15-30 miles 4-6 times per week (altering these rides with mountainbike in summer). Probably will not race...but looking to do various rides (DM, MS, heart Assoc, etc) and regular exercise regiment as stated above. Bikes I have seem to migrated to...

1) Felt z70/105 components FSR Crank: Like this bike and it comes in about $1150-1200...Trek dealer was very harsh on this bike saying frames are no where near as durable or efficient as Trek and the FSR (?) crank is not that great. This true...anyone have one or use a Felt and can comment on factory service warranty...looks to be a nice bike. Also have looked at the z65 for 1500 with ultegra components.

2) Trek 1600 or Pilot 2.1/105 components: This one comes in at about $1350 (Pilot) to 1000 (1600). 1600 doesnt have the back carbon seat stays and has aggressive frame compared to laxed frame of 2.1. Decent looking bike...no real feedback from any other dealers...on line reviews consistent with other bikes.

3) Specialized Allev/Tiagra and 105 components: This comes in about $1000-1100. No one seems to talk bad about specialized and I Love my Stumpy that they made. Components are lesser quality but do not know if i would notice...if so, they make a allev double I can get for $1500 with 105 components. Did not like the service at the bike shop however, on my mountain bike they didnt even really fit me prior to my departure and i have heard since that most dealers do this as part of the purchase...My rear shock on the first ride was set to half my weight.

4) Raleigh Grand Prix/105 and Ultrega (rear) Components: Believe this bike to be all alluminum except for front forks. Bike is offered at about $900-950. Dealer said they have really made a rebound lately as far as there road bikes go...people I know that rode bike know very little about them...when i inform the dealers of the bikes i am looking at...they all trashed the bike stating they used to be good...now there not (I know..expected). This bike seemed to be rather plain in comparison to others as far as build and frame design...but please refer up top to Newb reference...i just dont know.

5) Jamis Ventura Comp/Sora and tiagra components: Bike is offered for like $800-900. Components are not that nice compared to others...but dont know if i would notice...but didnt think i would notice on my mountain bike either. Article in one of the bike magazines state it is a great entry level bike with carbon fiber seat stays and forks, selle seat, and something else i forgot. There was no comment on this bike from friends or dealers...no one knew that much about the Jamis...also having hard time getting local dealer to respond to calls...they are open during the hours i work...whichis alot lately.

Now i know it is alot on how you feel on the bike...but like i said i believe i feel ok on them all (well actually didnt feel that great on the Pilot 2.1)...if you have a minute please share with me any insight you may have in bikes/manufacturers or if you would be so kind as to provide me your input on what combination (bike/price/components) you might recommend. Any insight you could provide here would be greatly appreciated...sorry for the long post...just wanted to ensure you had info to assess a decision...thanks and looking forward to being a part of this forum community. GO RED SOX

JayhawKen

Really short summary - if you're looking at a bike with the newer 105 system (or better), then its basically a given that the balance of the bike is more than adequate for a first road bike.

In terms of which brand, in my experience its more about the dealer, their service capabilities, customer service, ability to provide a good fit the FIRST time, etc.

The brand name is secondary and completely subjective IMO.

Stand by for an avalanche of counter-opinions...

yogi13

+1

I would add that you'll probably be happier on either an aluminum with carbon forks/seat stays or possibly an end of season all carbon frame deal, as they'll likely be a little easier on your body.

alanbikehouston

You didn't mention what sorts of surgery you have had. If you have any history of bike problems, it is essential that you get a bike that will enable you to ride with a relaxed back position. The Specialized Roubaix and Trek Pilot series are designed to reduce bike problems.

A given rider often has a choice of at least two "workable" sizes in a specific model of road bike. The taller of the two choices will provide a more comfortable position, a slightly longer wheelbase, and a better ride.

The shorter choice is useful to get a lower, more aero position which might result in about a 1% speed gain if you are a pro time trial specialist whose average speed is above 30 mph...there are about five such cyclists in the USA.

It is essential that you buy from a shop that is serious about service before and after the sale. Attentive personal service is the difference between a bike that fits, and that has brakes, shifting, and wheels that are 100% right, versus a bike that almost fits, and that is sometimes "almost" right.

anfieldmx5

Be cautious here..... Last year I bought a trek 1000 as my first road bike. I had been a mountain bike rider in college and have played soccer all my life, so have always been athletic. Even though it had been years since I had been on a bike, (I'm 36 now) I quickly grew tired of tiagra/ sora components. I now ride a Look 555 with ultegra and could not be happier. Just be careful not to buy too inexpensive, as this always seems to cost more in the long term as you will invariably want to upgrade. Try to find the best frame with at least 105 or above that your budget allows, even if this means stretching a little.

operator

A primer example of someone getting suckered. Sora and Tiagra work fine. Why did you feel the need to "upgrade", if the answer isn't "weight savings" then congratulations - you just wasted your money.

anfieldmx5

I don't think that's true. If you are suggesting the only advantage of a more expensive component group is reduced weight, then you are the sucker.

Bosock

I had stomach surgery...actually they had to reconstruct my abdomen wall after removing lymph nodes and successive injuries...i also have a bulged disc in my back, however as long as i stay active it never bothers me...but if i get sick and bed ridden it becomes a constant ache...which a quick trip on the elliptical seems to cure.

My component set will be at least 105s as that seems to be the line of components in the price range I am currently looking at...i have ran across another bike....2007 Specialized Roubaix with 105 components, alum/carbon forks, for $1300 i really like that bike...i find myself leaning towards the Roubaix and the Felt z70 now...however, if anyone has had or ridden any of the bikes i have mentioned here or in my original post please let me know what you thoughts are on it...i would like a bike that is a pretty decent climber (Utah) and good speed but some comfortability to it...thanks again... and thanks to all that has provided there input so far.

ridethecliche

The roubaix will do you just fine if it fits you well and you like it (as you said you do). It's a good bike.

The felt is also a great bike, but if the dealer doesn't like his own product then go somewhere else and get the specialized. If I hadn't bought a cannondale, I would have sprung for a giant TCR A1 or a Felt.

105 is a great groupset, I'm running mostly 105 on my Cannondale CAAD9 and I've been very happy with it thus far.

You can't go wrong with either bike! Just make sure that looking at it makes you feel guilty for not riding and then you'll be set!

Bosock

Ridethecliche....If my post up top is confusing I apologize...it was the Trek dealer that trashed the Felt on the frames...the Felt dealer really liked the Felt (go figure) and the Raleigh...thank you for taking the time to respond and I appreciate your input....what would have had you spring for the Felt ... reputation, feel, charteristics...I to like the Cannondale (CAAD 8)...however only one or two dealers in the area and there pretty stiff on the prices for these bikes...The roubaix is the very bottom of the line...the frame is a M5 or something and all the other models are 6s or 8s...this has me a little weary on that bike...growing more found of the Felt...will be riding them both (parking lot) Monday and Tuesday...along with the Raleigh...again, if anyone has, ridden or has some input on these bikes would love to hear...anyone ride a baseline 07 allum/carbon roubaix and if so your thoughts?

njm

Good luck buying a bike. I just bought my first road bike, a Cannondale Synapse Alloy with 105 derailleurs/Tiagra shifters, and I'm happy with it. The Synapse frame is supposed to give a more relaxed, less harsh ride than the CAAD frames. My budget was a little less than yours.

The reason I'm posting is because you said you'd be riding the bikes around the parking lot at your LBS. Once you're trying to decide between two or so bikes, don't be afraid to take em for a real spin! If you're comfortable riding on the roads near the shop, tell the folks at the LBS that you'll be back with the bike in 20-30 minutes, and try to take the bike through its paces. If you leave your driver's license and/or credit card they shouldn't have a problem with this.

BarracksSi

True, the Synapse rides smoother than the CAAD. It's almost as smooth as a bike with carbon stays & a carbon fork.

+1 -- I've developed a kind of test loop in the neighborhood around my shop. I know where the really crappy pavement is, which is nice for harshness testing. There's also an alley with sloppy concrete & asphalt patches and chuckholes, a kind of Moonscape for getting the feel of a mountain bike.

BoSoxYacht

Proper fit would be my first concern, then frame and component spec.

green814

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE E5 frame! I just looked at the Specailized website, & the 6 or 8's are a carbon frame. The E5(road) or M5(mtb) is the TOP "aluminum" ( actually a mix of metals ) frame for Specailized. I have been riding a M2 mtb frame SINCE '96 w/ no problems ( knock on wood )!

Sorry, I don't have much more help than that as I am new to the "smooth trail"! I have read the Felt line is a good product as well.

Good luck, & keep us posted,
Chris

Speedster22

I have a Felt F3C - although it's full carbon - I absolutely love it. Great frame with a racing geometry. Not what you're looking for I know, but Felt is good stuff.

ridethecliche

Yeah, felt makes a great bike. A full 105 CAAD8 can probably be had for under 1000 dollars right now. The CAAD8 frame is a little more relaxed than the CAAD9 frame, but not by much.

In the end, all that matters is how you feel on the bike. Don't worry about components or frames or anything. All bikes in your price range will have comparable quality, so just go by feel and fit.

Good luck!

ridethecliche

The LBS at my school has a felt for 2300 and it was beautiful and light as anything! I have no idea what it was but man it was cool!

PhatRoadie

Go with the bike shop that treats you fairly and spends the time and effort making sure you have the right fit and type of bike for your stated goals. The bike brands, materials and componentry levels are tertiary at best. Warranty, service and bike geometry are more important IMHO.