OneBeatPDX

Okay, so I'm new here, but my friend showed me this forum and told me I should check it out if I ever needed help with anything bike related. I'm in the market for a new road bike. I am a fairly new rider, I just started over the summer of 2007. My price range is about $1200, and I am thinking I would like either a Trek, Specialized, or Cannondale. The bike would be used both for commuting and for working out. I haven't road tested any yet, so I was wondering if anybody can give me some insights on models from each of these brands, as well as their pros and cons. You know, something to get me off of the ground. Thanks guys!
-Jeff

Farby

Trek 1600. I got mine a year ago and love it.

M_S

Not much to say except to look for clearance models from previous years. If you shop around you should be able to get full 105 and a good set of wheels. New you're loking at 105 and mediocre wheels/crank/etc or Tiagra and better other parts.

midorix

last years Giant TCR or OCR C3. I love my TCR C3

Treefox

Several of Bianchi's Via Norrone C2C range would be within your price constraints. Great frames, very upgradable, look expensive.

info

hey Farby

i got trek 1600 too
rides great
i upgade the wheels to race lites
love it
maybe in one year love to upgade to cf frame
info

powpow

I bought a Specialized Allez Elite for under a grand 5 years ago and it's still going strong (with some new components). Mine did not have the carbon seatstays though.

mollusk

Since you have friends that steered you here there is a chance that you have friends that know at least a little bit about cycling. I'd get their help in finding a good deal on a used bike. For $1.2K you can get a rocking bike on the used market. I'd only suggest this route if you have expert help, though.

PhatRoadie

Fit and comfort are the most important things in a bike. At $1200 the options you'll have from the major manufacturers (Specialized, Giant, Trek, Felt, Cannondale etc) will all be about the same. (Aluminum frame w/105 or Alu-carbon with Tiagra)

Spend some of that money on a professional bike fitting, good shorts and shoes. That will enhance your riding experience much much more than the miniscule differences between bikes at that range.

That being said, get the one you like looks of best.

Good luck.

snoboard2

find some used 8-9 speed deal on craigslist or from someone on a local club and spend the rest on a powertap

markyore

You are joking right!....I really hope so.

markyore

What height are you? do you know what size frame you need?

Youngin

Trek 1500. Upgrade wheel set crank and saddle and blast off.

akaio

If you are mechanically inclined you may try building one up. You then have more options with what goes on the bike from the get go.

I found a used Land Shark frame on Ebay, same with some lightly used Ultegra wheels. Then bought a new SRAM Rival groupset. My total at this point is around 1200, though I still need pedals and bars.

If youre not into that then so be it, go shop around for something that is slightly dated from maybe a year or two and is in good shape.

Good luck.

Treker

+1

ovrrdrive

There's always www.bikesdirect.com ...

C'mon guys, you knew someone had to say it.

You can get a brand new Sprint with a Ultegra/105 mix for $895. You'll just either have to learn to put it together and tune it yourself or get used to paying for that service from the LBS.

That's the route I'm going...

tombailey

Second-hand if you know what you need. If new then I think Fuji deliver good value at this price point. You might be able to barter a 2006 Roubaix RC for around $1200.

bike88

'07 Felt Z65 or F75 on sale. Good component mix - Ultegra & 105. Good luck.

Adgooroo

OP - Keep in mind you'll probably spend $300 on accessories - pedals, helmet, frame pump, spare tubes, bike-specific clothes.

stapfam

Just as important as the bike- is the shop. May sound daft but most of us here will say the shop is more important on the first bike. You have no experience- don't know what you want- and no idea on what to get. By finding the LBS that will treat you right- You will get better advice than all of us here put together.

But if you want advice- an 07 Giant OCR C3 just like Midorix.

Fifth Rider

Hell, you can work out and commute on a giant handful of different bikes for 1200. I work out, commute, and spank (some) fellow riders on a bike I got for free from my step-dad who paid $80 for it! Its not at all about how sparkily the paint shines...

fueledbymetal

I'd definitely go with Cannondale. You can get a 2008 CAAD9 5 or 2007 CAAD8 1 or 2007 CAAD9 3 in that price range. Great frames that you'll have no problem selling if you decide to upgrade in the future.

OneBeatPDX

Awesome. Thank you everybody for your recommendations! I am abut 6'0", so I am in about a 58 or 60 frame.

Greyfox2

Bought an '07 Felt Z35 on sale for $1360. It was actually a closeout. The '08 Z35 is substantially different. If you can find one still around its great for the price. Carbon frame, 105 drivetrain with Dura Ace rear derailler. I don't know if there are any left around in that price range.

BarracksSi

If you try a CAAD, I'd suggest riding a 58 first. I know that torso-arm-leg-femur-neck lengths differ from person to person, but I'm close to your height and I'd fit great on a 58 cm Cannondale.