QuickNDeadly

I am very much into competitive road cycling and I am looking to buy my first road bike. My budget is one thousand dollars max. Unfortunately not a penny more.

I have been checking my local Craigslist listings every single day. I am yet to find a good bike with my frame size. Most of these bikes I came across are bigger size frames.

So I looked into Cannondale CAAD8 2300, Specialized Allez Compact and Trek 1.1 which are under $1000. I read many good reviews about Cannondale CAAD8 and Specialized Allez. However, the models that cost under a thousand carry 2300 set. I am wondering if 2300 is a good set? Since I read good reviews about the frames I thought I could eventually upgrade its parts as I go.

What other tips, pointers and suggestions would you have for a new comer to competitive road cycling? I am thinking if I were to buy a bike with a good frame like Allez or CAAD8 and build it up as I go? Is there any other options you can suggest that I can look into?

Thanks in advance!

8086bruce

Also watch ebay. You should be able to get a nice 105 level bike for 1k.

idc

It's going to cost a fair bit more to upgrade the groupset aftermarket. I would get closer to the bike you want off the bat, either by saving more, or finding a good used deal.

If you're comfortable doing your own maintenance/adjustments, or you have a reliable LBS to help you can also look around places like BikesDirect, Nashbar, Performance Bike or even CompetitiveCyclist.com for some deals below 1k. They won't be boutique brands like Cannondale or Specialized though that really doesn't matter if you're a newb with only $1k to spend.

BoSoxYacht

Performance/Nashbar is your friend at this price point.

BoSoxYacht

Boutique brands like Cannondale and Specialized?

Someone has you brainwashed.

idc

Sorry, maybe I should say Dorel industries. It's all relative to the OP (and to Nashbar, Scattante, Fuji, GT, etc.) who is obviously looking at the Big 4 to begin with.

Jaymadd

Not sure where you are located or if you can do your own wrenching but this one is $981 https://www.wiggle.com/cinelli-experience-veloce-2012-1/

a1penguin

Fuji is making some nice bikes these days and the prices are going to be lower than the major players. You also get more bang for your buck with Giant and they are turning out nice bikes. I hate to say this, but you can also consider bikesdirect.com. You'll get decent component set. https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e/sprint_x.htm You can even get Ultegra for under a grand! At just under 20 lbs, that doesn't look like a bad deal. But you don't get to test ride. Check out Performance, they are having a "every bike on sale" sale and you might find a good deal on a 2011 or 2012 bike. If you are going to be pushing hard on the bike, I would recommend going for better components.

LDB

What if "you" << generic you meaning anyone in similar circumstances... what if you wait a few weeks while pursuing an austerity budget, dropping cable, starbucks etc., taking bologna sandwiches for lunch etc. and banking the savings to complement your current $1k?

terrymorse 

Best bang for the buck in your price range: the Giant Defy 2, which you should be able to get for $1000. Tiagra 10-speed components, aluminum frame (hard to get a carbon frame bike for $1000).

If you can't do well racing on this bike, it's not because of the bike.

QuickNDeadly

Thanks everyone for their input. I am going through every single website and bicycle model being recommended.

Being directed to this many resources, I am taking my time to skim and compare all the options there. That also give me some more time to save a little extra for this investment. However I don't want to wait to long to miss these nice sunny skies.

Trying to to decide on a bike that definitely has a good frame and then good components (as much as possible at the budget). Of course, above all is a good fit since I am planning on a training schedule and hopefully start racing as I am ready.

Even if I could spare enough for a carbon frame, I don't think it would be the right weapon of choice for me at the moment since I am majorly looking to employ an intense training vs an improvement in any competitive event. I think alloy would be stronger and light enough for this purpose. I definitely would consider a carbon frame for a serious competition. Just not there yet.

Again, Thanks for all the input, great community here!

GiantOCRC3

Picked up my Giant OCRC3 for $400 on CL last year in near flawless condition. It's all carbon sans the Easton EA 30 bar. It's also a 105 group. You have to look hard and be ready to jump. I caught the ad the second it was put up and went to the guys house. He said in that hour he had over 30 calls.

MrCharlie

Don't let Arnold Schwarzenegger help. He'll give you the wrong advices.

Bah Humbug

Hard to beat saving a bit more and getting the BMC SR01 from competitivecyclist. Like, really hard. I know you said not a penny more, but can you really not save another month or two for a bike that is head, shoulders, and torso above a CAAD 8-2300?

Bah Humbug

Wait until you get to know us.

ClydesMoose

I <3 my 2013 CAAD8. I got the Tiagra version for $1050 or so. Definitely go to your LBS and see what they have. They may have a Sora CAAD8 near your price point.

bhayes505

What size frame are you looking for? Also, what part of NC are you from?

cks

One more site for you to look at:

https://www.jensonusa.com/Sale/Road-Bikes

Look at the diamondback bikes. There's one with a carbon fork and full 105 new for $750 delivered. Can't beat it. I've ordered stuff from them before and they're good.

road1bike

When shopping from a bike shop, should one reasonably expect to pay MSRP?

Currently looking at the DEFY is it worth $300 for the 105 groupset?

bikerjp

This. See what kind of deal you can find on a 2012 caad8. Some shops might even give you a good price on a 2013 depending on what they have and what they expect to sell.

Stun

+1. For DB and Jenson. I went with Diamondback on my last mtb purchase. It was a fraction the price of an equivalently spec.'d Trek/Spesh etc... It has been great! 9 years and going strong!

Bathwater

Performance bikes has a few Fujis in your price point with Tiagra/105 level stuff.

BoulderAv

If you can wait until the end of summer I would. I got a very good deal on full carbon frame sub 1200 for 2500 bike at the end of last summer. If you are an odd size like I am (58 cm) you should be able to get a good deal on previous model year. I am newbie too but I am glad I waited for the bike I got.

QuickNDeadly

Emergency and left with 600 here. But may have a greater return later. I have to wait a bit more now. I can not wait until the end of the summer. Today we had a nice weather here and It was an emotional torture for me.

@ GiantOCRC3 : It would be great if I could land a similar deal on Craigslist. I am checking my local listings all day including on my phone and the listings that are in the 2-3 hours driving distance time to time. I just can't find the right frame size which is 52cm.

@ Bah Humbug : I checked that bike and I really liked what I read in the specs page. I am putting this bike in the picture as well.

@ bhayes505 : Charlotte, NC and 52cm frame size.

@ bikerjp : True, I should definitely check the local bike shops. There should be good deals on older models they may have.

This diamond back I saw on the website had good components but they are only left with 60cm frame at that sale price. That always is the problem with me with any sale I came across.

I also have been looking at performance bikes but haven't seen a fuji with 105 groupset. May be not a 52cm, IDK.

Oh well, patience patience...