crane0271

I've been looking at road bikes for weeks and am still at a loss. Two local LBSs carry Specialized and Trek.
Another carries Masi and Felt. I've ridden the Trek 1.2, 1.5 and 2.1. The components on the 2.1 seem so much better than the other two. The 2 sales people I have talked to prefer Specialized, but I haven't ridden any yet.

I don't think I'm ready to fork out lots of cash up front, but I don't want to buy now and upgrade immediately.

Any suggestions.

Bikes for consideration:

Trek 1.2, 1.5, 2.1
Specialized Allez Elite
Masi Alare
Masi Gran Corsa

ShadowGray

Avoid the lower-end Treks. Expensive for what you get.

Specialized's okay, they're a bit expensive too.

Haven't had any experience with Masi.

I say go for Felt... get a felt f85 or f75! Great price!

WickedShark

I do not know much about those bikes but I do have some input for you. I did exactly what you do not want to do. I bought one bike as I had no idea what I really wanted or should buy or what a good road bike fit should be and one week later and 100 miles or so I took it back and spent 400.00 more than I originally spent and a few models up with much better components.

I have all Ultegra components except for a 105 front derailer. I am very happy with this as my first bike had all Tiagra and a 105 rear derailer.

So pick your bike well as is it cheaper to buy the bike with good components and a good frame rather than to upgrade a lower end bike that has not so great components and a lower end frame.

ragboy

Main question you have to answer: do you plan on racing or just riding the bike for fitness? If you're not planning on racing, don't get caught up in all the component crap. Tiagra or 105 is good, reliable equipment.

Don't get caught up in brand name. Specialized, Trek, Felt, etc. are all good bikes. THE most important thing is FIT. In fact, I'd go so far as to say -- don't even look at the brand when shopping. Just get on bikes and make sure it fits and rides well to your liking first.

To the non-racer, I think people make the purchase harder than it is with the component choices.

wannabefaster

I was in the same situation at the beginning of the summer and I went for the Sora because of cost. 600 miles later I don't regret my decision but if I could go back I would get at lest Tiagra. I test rode 6 bikes at 4 different shops over a month before choosing but never made it to the Felt or Specialized, also a mistake.

Test ride a bunch of bikes before you choose and get fitted properly.
Don't skimp on the components, you will thank yourself later.

(The 09 Specialized does look pretty)

uke

Great advice. If I'd gone in looking for names, I'd have spent more money for less performance. I did go in with an idea of what I wanted, but what I ended up with was something similar, yet different. It fit me much better than what I was ready to leave with, which made all the difference. So basically, try any bike that looks good to you and fits your wallet. From there, you'll have a much better chance of going home happy if you find something that fits your frame.

thebarerider

This is the best advice you will ever receive on this forum. Buy something cheap that fits and you will not need to upgrade for a year or two, depending on how much you ride. By that time you will be able to make an informed choice on a better bike or keep the bike you already own if you still like it. Starting out at the top is a recipe for buyer's remorse when you never quite get comfy on the bike...

TeddyKGB

I just bought the 2.1 and I love it. It has a Tiagra front and a 105 rear. It was my first bike and I absolutely love it. There is a lot of Trek hate on these forums and I feel it is undeserved. While it is true that a lot of the lower end Treks are expensive for what you get, if you get a good deal on it then you are fine. I was in the same position as you, looking at all the beginner bikes. I rode the Allez, the 1.2, 1.5, and the 2.1 and I liked the 2.1. Your experience may be different. You have to go with what fits you best and what feels most comfortable to you. Be sure you don't skimp on the other stuff you have to buy either...shoes, bibs, jerseys, ect....Good luck man!

Let me know if you have any questions about the 2.1.

crane0271

Thanks.

According to the shop owner, the geometry isn't right for my build. I'm about 5'10" with shorter legs. He says I need a sloping top tube and the Felts don't have that. Everything looks great on those bikes and the prices ARE great.

Dice

Try your luck buying one second hand I forked over 1500$ and saved 1500$ Except that theres a small scratch on one side **grumble. However if you do buy second hand make sure it's a fitting frame for you.

crane0271

I've been sifting through eBay and Craigslist the whole time looking for a great used bike. A little leary of buying the first bike without knowing the best fit.

Regarding the shifters : LBS lean away from Sora components because you can't easily shift gears from the drops. How much should I take that into consideration?

I'm not looking to race anytime soon. I am currently training for a half-marathon and can swim real well, so in the future I would like to complete a tri. I know that opens the door for more options. But that may be YEARS down the line.

Dice

https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm
A bit much of overkill on how to fit a bike but if you have an hour write some of the notes down they may help.

As for the shifters I have never tried Sora but heard they aren't that nice if you search around long enough you can get lucky and get Ultegra drivetrain on the bike.

crane0271

Thanks, Dice. I'll check that out.

MadCity Cyclist

First, I have to mention the Cannondale CAAD9.

But really you should ignore our individual suggestions, go and ride a bunch of bikes, and pick the one that fits the best.

Dice

Oh, also make sure to invest in some bibs or shorts, the padding really helps.

crane0271

No doubt. I haven't even begun to research those, or shoes, or helmets, etc.

crane0271

Any idea on the price range for the Cannondale?

pharding

I have a Trek Madone and I offer a few comments that may be helpful. You should be able to negotiate 20 percent off of list throughout the model year on a Trek, except for sale time which is right now when you can do better. Trek is unrecognized by some because they are so successful. The Madone series is an absolutely superb value and Trek is a very approachable and fine company to deal with. Their customer service people are incredibly helpful and fine people to deal with. If you can swing it, I would buy a 2008 Madone 5.2 for about $2800. The bike will keep its value rather well if should ever decide to sell it. It is a great value at a fine price point for what you get. You will never regret that purchase.