billrosenblatt

Hi everyone,

Looking to reward myself with a new road bike to replace 20-plus-year-old touring bike. Typical rides are ~25 miles on moderately hilly paved country roads, though I have gone as far as 40+ miles on occasion. Would like something with drop handlebars but comfortable geometry so that I can enjoy the scenery instead of my front wheel. Definitely want triple crank for the tough hills.

Budget is around $1500 - would spend less if I thought I could get something decent that meets my needs for less, or up to $2000 if there were a real advantage in doing so.

Would love to hear recommendations from this knowledgeable crowd!

Thanks,

- bill.

redirekib

Check out the Giant and Fuji models in your price range. IMHO they are good deals.

johnny99

For rides less than 50 miles, you won't notice any real performance difference between a name-brand entry level road bike and a bike costing twice as much. For more comfortable geometry, look for a bike with a taller head tube, like the Giant OCR3, Trek Pilot, or Specialized Roubaix.

sstorkel

You may not notice a performance (MPH) difference, but you'll definitely notice differences in ride quality. I would suggest the Specialized Roubaix, a Felt Z35, or maybe a Giant Defy. If you've already got decent components and wheels, snap up a 2008 Cervelo RS frame from Competitive Cyclist and build it up using stuff from your current bike. That's one sweet frame at one sick price. At least it made me sick when I saw it three weeks after paying retail for one at my LBS

billrosenblatt

Thanks - Trek doesn't list the Pilot anymore, so must be a discontinued model. Is there a new model that's equivalent?

Dirk Calloway

the cannondale synapse has a somewhat relaxed geometry