bailey2952

Hey, I'm just getting into road biking (before, i was only into mtb) and I wanted to get a new bike some time during late winter. I'm in college, so I want a bike that will be good for racing in collegiate races. I've looked at the Trek 1500 and 1200, and sort of at the Cannondale R900 and R700. I was talking to my friend who suggested Cannondale, and then another friend who said he preferred steel frames to aluminum. What would be best for my situation? I'd be willing to spend up to $1100, just initially for this intro bike. Any suggestions? Thanks, bailey

55/Rad

Have you ridden any of these bikes? How did they feel? How did they fit? Were you able to discern any differences or personal preferences along the way? How was your experience with the shop and the employees you worked with? Did they take the time to accurately measure you or did they "eyeball" you and hand you a bike?

All the bikes you mention are very good and will suit your needs. We can help you through the process of figuring out what is right for you, but in the end, you'll need to make decisions yourself based on the experiences you have and the knowledge gained throughout the process.

If you haven't already, I'd suggest test riding a couple and taking good notes. Not only with the bikes but also with the shops you work with and how they size and fit you to the bike. Bring the info and your observations back here and discuss.

Good luck.

55/Rad

bailey2952

I rode the 1200, but just briefly, and I need to try others (i dont just want to buy a trek or cannondale based solely on brand recognition). What other brands of bikes are good? I realized I had other questions. Since I'm a newbie, will I notice a difference between ultegra and 105, or even between 105 and lesser quality shifters? Another question is whether buying a used bike would be a viable option? I was looking at 55/56 cm bikes, which seems to be a common size. I'll go look at some bikes at my LBS and give my impressions. Thanks for you help 55/Rad

Cat6

Try Fujibikes.com
Fuji has very good bikes at even better prices. You might also want to check with the university you will be racing with. They might have an agreement with a local shop.
Good luck and don't forget to get a good helmet.

LordOpie

I have a Fuji, I love my Fuji, but it seems like Jamis is one of the best manufacturers under $1000. Granted I'm partial to steel and I think they actually have three steel models in that price range.

bailey2952

I checked with one of my friends who is in the cycling club at my university and he said that there is a deal with a local shop on cannondales. He didnt know how much it would be for the R500, but he bought the R1000 for $1500, and the retail was $2000. I was looking at the sub 700 sticky, which was really helpful; it seems like for a newb like me, having lower end components won't make much of a difference. From the sticky, I was interested in the Felt F90, Bianchi Brava, Jamis Satellite, Trek 1000, Fuji Finest, and the Specialized Allez. LordOpie (or anyone who has a steel preference), what sort of advantages does steel have over an aluminum frame and why? Also, would it be worthwhile to use the discount (im assuming it will be around $200 for the R500) at the LBS? I'm guessing that I should test ride some of these models and see which fits best and base my decision on fit and whether to get steel or aluminum.

LordOpie

in fairness, the only AL i've really ridden is my mtb and that's 99% on dirt. The rare occassion I've had it on pavement, the vibration drove me insane! So, steel is 'supposed' to absorb vibration more... I've never felt "road noise", even on my cheap steel and I've done a number of centuries. My bike is extremely comfortable. I've never had the horrible oscillating frequency that makes a bike dangerously vibrate at high speeds and I've been at 50mph many times.

I understand the bottombracket is more forgiving on steel allowing a less experience/serious rider (me) to get into a cadence rythm easier. I also believe steel takes abuse better. I'm extremely hard on my toys and when I get to a rest stop at mile 80, I'm so dropping my bike -- non-drivetrain side -- and letting it land wherever it may. I don't want to worry about a rock poking a hole in a fragle frame and ruining it all.

your experiences may vary, but those are a few things to consider.

bottomline... buy a bike, ride the bike

Serpico

Check out the Croix de Fer at www.lemondbikes.com

They're a company owned by Trek. The Croix de Fer is classic racing geometry, True Temper OX Platinum steel frame, Shimano 105 components and an Ultegra rear derailleur --all for around $1200.00 (with pedals).

Nice looking ride.