t3search

Hi. I'm looking to purchase my first road bike after riding a friends late 90's Trek for the past 6 months. I've test ridden several brands over the past few months and definitely prefer a carbon fiber frame over both steel and aluminum. I'm 6'2" and find a 58cm frame feels the best fit in most of the bikes I've ridden: Bianchi, Cannondale, Trek and Giant. I've been waiting until the end of the year to try to cash in on a 2012 model closeout with Ultegra or similar components. I was hoping to spend the same amount but to get a $3k bike for $2k or less. I'm curious if anyone has a recommendation on any models with comparable components and if there's any online sites that people have had good luck with as most of my local bike shops aren't ready to deal on their remaining 2012 inventory. I've looked at bikesdirect.com and performancebike.com and I'm not overly impressed compared to the brands I've mentioned. I went by the local Performance store in Phoenix and test rode a Fuji but didn't like the feel at all.

bring

This appears to be what you are looking for - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....2/9006/48838/ - if you can find one at 33% off let me know - maybe they have a smaller size for me....

fez_

I picked this up for $1650 out the door in August.

2013 Giant TCR Composite 2

Porkponey

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...omplete%20Bike

If I had 2k to spend on a bike I'd probably go here. I'm not completely crazy about the frame, BUT I like the groupset and overall it's a good deal on a not BD bike. I'd ride it.

bigbadwullf

Got a Specialized Tarmac Elite Rival for $1800 recently. I wouldn't wait. Now is the time!

Porkponey

Crap that's a good deal. I wish I was in the money at the moment.

coupster

Cannondale was blowing out their 2012 Synapse Carbon 6's for $1499 with Sram Apex. As bikes go I would have to say that it is the stiffest comfortable riding frame that I've ever ridden. And just about the only thing I haven't ridden is bamboo. Maybe this year. I replaced the Apex transmission with Rival, the brakes with Ultegra and still came out less than $2k (and that doesn't consider the $250+ that the Apex parts will get on EBay.) For the weight weenies, with heavy Mavic Classic wheels it comes in at 17 lbs. Oh and Cannondale makes 2 levels of carbon frames. Normal for our pedestrian pocketbooks and Hi-mod for those with the wherewithal. So although the Apex was bottom rung, it's got the same frame as the Ultegra or Force bikes.

JCNeumann

Unless you HAVE to have carbon you can get a CAAD 10 with SRAM Rival well under 2k and Ultegra with a little dickering.

Although I have seen Synapses in that price point they are going very fast. Most seem to be 22-2300, although CT and NY tend to be pricey areas. Aluminum Synapses can be had for excellent prices as well.

seymour1910

Just incase you reconsider the Fuji....full carbon with 105 for $1500 https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._400001_400315