Blackdays

As some of you might know, I was hit by a car a couple of weeks ago. My Felt F3, which was my pride and joy, paid the ultimate price.

So after having spent a couple of weeks looking at bikes, and going to bike shops. I have basically narrowed my list down to three bikes.

The first one is a Focus Izalco Expert, which is a 2010 model. The bike comes with a mix of Force/Red. Value wise, this is my best bet as I'm getting a really good price on it. However, it is a bit on the heavy side compared to my F3 which I had at ~15lbs. The Focus is a pig compared to it at around ~17 lbs WITHOUT pedals, cages, and computer.

The second bike is a Cervelo R3. I wasn't even looking at Cervelo's, but I happened to find one in my size at a LBS. Hell of a lot lighter than the Izalco. This one is the priciest on my list. Makes me feel a little dirty.

The last one...gasp...is a Madone 5.5. After years of spewing hate towards all things Trek, I find myself in a tough position with this one. I found this Project One Madone sitting in the back of a bike shop. Apparently the sale fell through. However, it is by far the prettiest bike on my list. My test ride gave this one a slight edge. Regardless, I cannot ignore all of the Trek horror stories, and am a bit weary about the Bontrager parts on the bike (gone down the ****ter since Trek acquired them). After all, the pretty paint job does me no good if it starts to chip after a year.

However, another option that I am considering is to simply find a cheap CAAD9 frame on eBay, and build it up with Red and just call it a day.

Opinions? Comments? I'm all ears.

DScott

Build it with the powertap.

Blackdays

Going with SRM.

Velo Gator

R3.

Blackdays

You ride a 48 right? That fit me better than the 51, but it felt just a tad too small (while the 51 feels a tad too big).

That makes me think that Cervelo's are just not for me.

LowCel 

Why an SRM instead of a Quarq? I purchased a quarq and I am very happy with it, got it much cheaper than I could get an SRM.

As for which bike, that is up to you. I am probably one of the only non-Cervelo fans on this site so I would pass on the Cervelo. Granted I have only ridden one Cervelo, a soloist, but I did not enjoy it in the least.

Entropy906

Giant TCR Advanced SL

hao

Since you loved Felt, how about a 2011 Felt F series, those things are really sexy. I seriously considered one but I couldn't get a good deal.

Velo Gator

Yeah. That's very possible then. My last bike was a 50. The 51 é was too big, but sometimes mine feels smallish.

Blackdays

Getting the SRM used at a pretty decent price. It seems that I can't find a Quarq for less than $1800, and that's without a head unit.

LowCel 

Amazon has the SRAM Quarq for $1615 and Psimet can probably come pretty close to that as well.

*note - not trying to convince you, just giving you information.

Blackdays

Regarding the Giant: I haven't been able to find one around here. I was very interested in test riding it.

Regarding the Felt: Yes, that is probably my fourth option. A shop I spoke to said that they would be willing to sell me an F5 w/ Red for around $2800, which seems like a decent price. Considered the F3, but it just feels over priced to me.

Blackdays

I definitely appreciate the help.

However, I can get the SRM for a lot less than $1615. If I could find a Quarq for around ~$1400, then I would go it that instead.

roadiejorge 

If the Felt was your primary bike and you had it build to the specs you wanted then replace it with something comparable instead of settling for something you'll want to upgrade later. I'm in the same situation you are except the bike I was riding when I got hit was my second bike (BMC SSX01) so I kept that in mind when shopping for it's replacement. I ended up getting the Ridley Compact which should arrive Monday.

Blackdays

It was my primary bike. It was built up with Dura Ace 7800, and a couple of other pricey parts. However, I'm really getting shafted by the insurance company, and receiving a fraction of what the bike was worth.

I'm really in no position to fight this decision, as collegiate race schedule has races beginning in February. I just want to get back on a bike, and want to start getting back in shape after missing a month.

ahsposo 

I have no opinion on these bikes.

I am pleased to read you are healed and ready to start riding again.

Good Luck with your bike selection. Sort of like the "Dating Game" isn't it?

Blackdays

Unfortunately, I am not healed yet. I have a severely sprained wrist, with a hairline fracture.

However, that's not going to keep me off the bike.

ahsposo 

Good for you. You get a least 2 HTFU points for that.

ciocc_cat

That's what they do. Remember that they're in business to make a profit for their stockholders. Compensating you for your loss is a secondary consideration.

Blackdays

It just doesn't seem fair that I'm being forced to downgrade even though the accident wasn't my fault at all.

Oh well.

Inertianinja

...im selling my '09 f3sl frameset (58)

Get a Red group from velomine and yer set

colombo357

If you sued the driver properly, you should be able to get all of the aforementioned bikes.

Blackdays

I ride a 50, or else I would jump on that.

Colombo, I have no time to get into a legal battle, nor do I have the will to do so. I would rather putter along on a BD bike than get into that crap.

ciocc_cat

Unfortunately, this is one of those occasions when a lawyer is useful.

rat fink

Scary, about the insurance situation! I wonder what would happen if I ever was in the same with gratuitously upgraded Colnago.

Have you thought about the Cannondale Supersix? It's a fabulous frame. One of my favorites.

Of what you mentioned, I would go:

1) Cervelo

2) Focus

3) CAAD

4) I wouldn't buy a Madone. I don't think they are a good value, part for part. The "Bontrager" parts are no better than equivalent 3T, Ritchey, Deda, etc.