Evan Byrne

Hey all, first thread here.


I'm looking to get my first road bike. I'd like to just cruise around, ride distance and go fast.

I have $1600 to spend, any recommendations?




Thanks,

-E

BarracksSi

Cannondale Synapse would be a good one. There's a price gap between the top-spec'd aluminum version with a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain and the bottom carbon frame with Shimano 105, with the carbon retailing for about 1800-1900 (unless you can score a good deal). The aluminum version still rides really nicely, and would leave plenty of room in the $1600 budget for any other gear that you'd want to get.

BikingGrad80

for $1600 you can do better than Tiagra, shimano's second lowest road groupset. You should at least be able to get 105. I like Trek bikes but their road bikes come with really unreliable low spoke wheels. YOu should be able to get a decent bike though from any of the major manufacturers with at least 105 for that price.

BHBiker

Check the Tarmac Comp on special. Its just too good not to be included in your short list. Give it a spin...and judge for yourself.

BarracksSi

True, and I would've said a CAAD9, but the OP said he wanted something to cruise around on, and my CAAD8, as fun as it is, just isn't quite "comfy".

C200

I agree. The Cannondale Synapse is a great bike.

obie

Check out the Lemond 'Buenos Aires' & 'Zurich' bikes. Full carbon frames, Ultegra/105. Smooth rider. The "biggest Tr*k dealer in the US" (San Diego) gets you out the door at your price.

Wested

LeMond has some interesting steel/carbon bikes or aluminum/carbon bikes out these days for around that price range. They mix 105 and ultegra, if I remember correctly. I know weight weenies out here may shoot me for saying so, but there are some really, really nice steel bikes out there for that price range. The Lemond Sarthe, for instance, is all ultegra/105, with an excellent frame.

You could go the used route too of course. You could definitely find a lower end Madone from a few years back with that budget. I know a guy who found a Specialized Tarmac Expert model from not too long ago on Craig's list.

Bosock

I would recommend the Specialized Roubaix. Very comfortable ride, good performer, and i purchased my 2007, Full Carbon (6r frame) for 1450. The specialized Roubaix elite isnt the 8r frame, however, the bike is very comfortable and performs well (quick and climbs nice). Mavic Open sport wheels are a little heavy, but full 105 spec'd with FSA crank. My first true road bike and i have not had any second thoughts on this purchase. Other bikes I tested pretty extensive was the Trek Pilot 2.1, Giant Carbon, Felt 75, and Cannondale Caad 8/9 (i totally missed out on the synapse). All bikes road well, and in the C-dales defense it was the only non-carbon bike i tested and it was still nice. But i would actually throw the Roubaix in your short list and you will be doin yourself a favor by giving it a test run.

fordfasterr

I have the roubaix comp triple with 105 AND a CAAD9 Ultegra level.

The CAAD9 is lighter and faster than the roubaix. If you want something to ride/race with then the CAAD9 is better by far.

PS, the roubaixs MSRP is higher than the CAAD9 lolz.

Bosock

sorry for double post

Bosock

Well Fordfasterr i dont own them both and I am basing off test rides. The Caad9 i rode was alluminum...pretty impressive that C-dale can make a lighter weight alum than Specialized can make carbon. The OP also mentions riding distance as well as going fast, even from test rides, the Roubaix was far more of a comfortable and responsive ride for me. Maybe its just body build and i fit it better...who knows. Also, yes, the Caad9 was cheaper, which is generally the case when you compare alum to carbon.

To the OP, for performance and comfort perspective, still say Roubaix is a hard one to beat. As far as flat out speed or lower price, yes there are other alternatives. I dont race but do ride distances, and again, the Roubaix is a very comfortable ride. C-dale was a nice bike, but based on how i read your post, if i could afford it, which it sound like you can, i would go synapse instead of Caad9...unless racing is a high priority. Good luck with your purchase...bikes you reference all are good.

sced

In your price range you can get an aluminum frame with Dura Ace components; or carbon fiber or titanium frame with Ultegra components.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...hamp_ti_09.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ryteam_wcs.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._08instock.htm
https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CARBON-FIBER...QQcmdZViewItem
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../draco_wcs.htm
https://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id....=7&category=53
https://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id....=7&category=53

BarracksSi

As long as he knows what size he needs....

jrockway

I got my LeMond Versailles for $1700 at my LBS. Highly recommended. It's a 105/Ultegra mix (105 everything, Ultagra rear derailler) and overall I couldn't ask for anything nicer. I might upgrade the 105 parts to Ultegra, though.

Ih8lucky13

Only 14,000 posts away from us starting a thread about you. So get to posting.

Evan Byrne

Thats for all the recommendations guys.


What are yall's opinion on the Specialized Allez compact or double?

ShadowGray

Eh, if you're in flat area with small/short hills, then you'll do fine with a double crankset. If you have massively long hills, then the triple might come handy.

To be honest, all else being the same, go for the triple, since you're not losing much, have a higher middle chainring and the granny gear for emergencies.

Val23708

$1600 Fuji special @ performance - you can afford carbon!

Danolink

+1

Aikidoka

First things first...welcome. This can be a lively place so hang on.

IMHO $1600 (or less) gets you a very nice frame, Integra and/or Dura-Ace components, very nice wheels and a mighty nice cockpit if you are willing to look around. At this price you are in Aluminum frame territory and a few carbon fiber bikes (Kestrel is one). I think it a shame that people settle for Shimano 105 (more or less) for that kind of $$...absurd. If popular brandname is important to you then count on a bit more in the frame and less in the components. This isnt the rule but its predictable. Your priorities will dictate alot as to your decision.

You'll get alot of varied opinions here....take it all and make it work for you

cheers

k

LtSPD2000

Douglas Fusion at Colorado Cyclist

Ultegra $1499

https://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/kit/DXXAASU1

Aikidoka

I just saw the above post....

I personally do not have experience with the Spec Allez.

Your original post gave us 2 things to go on:

1) You want a road bike.
2) Budget approx $1600

If you provide more, I am sure you'll get more (and more fine-tuned) responses.

cheers

k

Ih8lucky13

Bikesportmichigan.com has the Look 555 for 1499.00

105 componants

Mavic Aksium wheelset.

Evan Byrne

Is the Roubaix triple a decent bike? (ts the cheapest roubaix)