j814wong

Asides from the Trek 1.1, Giant Defy 5, or BikesDirect bikes what are other affordable options? No, I'm not buying one anytime soon as I've already purchased a new bike a couple of months ago but I just want to get an idea of my options down teh road.

relnix

Jamis Ventura Comp, Speciallized Allez

LansingWes

GMC Denali https://www.amazon.com/GMC-Denali-Roa.../dp/B000FDDWB6

/thread

Cfiber

The Jamis Satellite Sport

AbsoluteZ3RO

the year old $1500 model you buy on ebay

AbsoluteZ3RO

or better yet, the $2500 model that won't have you wishing you had spent more 6 months later

Astrozombie

I'd go to performance and check out their $600 clearance bikes.....

teaboy1748

save up another 150$ish?
Fuji Roubix 1.0 Road Bike

• Main frame: A2-SL custom-butted alloy, integrated 1 1/4" lower head tube, oversized 34.9mm seat tube & PIIS BB-86 shell, double water bottle mounts
• Rear triangle: A2-SL alloy chainstays, forged road dropout w/ replaceable derailleur hanger
• Fork: FC-440 carbon monocoque w/ tapered carbon steerer & forged alloy dropout
• Crankset: Oval 700 alloy, 34/50T / Bottom bracket: Press-Fit BB86 sealed cartridge bearing
• Front derailleur: Shimano 105, band type 34.9mm
• Rear derailleur: Shimano 105, 10-speed
• Shifters: Shimano 105 STI shifter/brake combo, 20-speed Flight Deck compatible
• Cassette: Shimano 105, 11-28T 10-speed
• Chain: KMC X10, 10-speed
• Wheelset: Oval 330 aero alloy, 30mm rims, DT Swiss Champion spokes 20/24H, precision ground hubs
• Tires: Hutchinson Nitro, 700x23c, wire bead
• Brake set: Oval 300 alloy dual pivot
• Brake levers: Shimano 105 STI
• Headset: Oval 1 1/8"U - 1 1/4"L semi-integrated w/ alloy top cover
• Handlebar: Oval 300S double-butted 6061 alloy, 31.8mm
• Stem: Oval 300 3D forged 6061 alloy, 31.8mm, +/-6 degree
• Tape/grip: Fuji suede w/ silicon gel
• Saddle: Oval 300 w/ CrMo rails
• Seat post: Oval 300 alloy 2-bolt, 31.6mm
• Weight, kg/lbs: 9.00 / 19.90

https://www.sportchalet.com/nav/i/cat.../4294964472.do

SumoMuffin

I'd keep an eye out for good used deals. Sometimes with a little luck you can get a really nice bike. Craigslist is your friend.

bonz50

keep your eyes open for a sale/closeout on GT's GTR model road bikes. bought my Series 2 for $750 at PerfBike (also joined the points club there and ended up with free shoes and pedals outta the deal) and it has been stellar, good components, great frame, excellent value even if its not a Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, or Giant.

rustang351

Wow the choices are overwhelming. I’m hoping to stay sub- $600. Looks like that’s kind of the minimum to keep from getting something dept store-ish. I’m looking for a flat or drop bar road bike. Locally I like the Giant Rapid but it’s too much…

I’ve been checking Craigslist for the bikes mentioned in this thread but no luck yet.

I couldn’t find Perf Bikes $600 clearance bikes?

BikesDirecct is a cool site. Do you have to assemble everything yourself? Roughly, what would a shop charge? The GT GTR Series 4 and Schwinn 2011 LeTour Sport are both $600.

Nashbar seems like a good deal too. Carbon Fiber for <600
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Produc...70_-1___202339

buffalowings

Diamondback podium 2 (shameless plug for my current ride) it's not a department store bike by the way

bonz50

if either will do the job, get the drop bar bike and quit looking at flats.

patience, CL takes patience and the ability to jump instantly on a bike you find that suits your needs.

again, patience, they usually have a big sale around memorial day

yes you have to assemble the large components, you can do it yourself if you have some minor skills with a bike, most instances around BF have noted that LBS's will charge ~$100+ to do the assembly for you.

tom25

I got my MTB from bikes direct. It went together well. If you have a metric hex wench set and basic skills you can handle it.
I would be working the craigslist or ebay angle if I were in your shoes.

mshred

as stated - craigslist is a good option if you are patient. i would also recomend searching in cities that might not be in your immediate area. cast your search net a little broader and your wait time might shrink - for craigslist anyway.

i scooped up a used specialized allez just a couple of weeks ago for $350. needs minimal work, but is a great way for me to stretch my dollars until i'm in a position go spend big (for me) on a new bike.

Will Goes Boing

FYI Performance has one with 105 components for $799 right now. They also have another one with a similar frame for $999 with ultegra.

Cfiber

For a sub $600-bike, you're not going to get a quality road bike with drop handlebars. However, for some reason there are plenty of decent flatbar road bikes or "hybrids" sold for that approximate amount.

Also, you can find really great flatbar road bike deals online from Bikesdirect, Nashbar, and Performance. The bikes generally arrive in a box, and 90% assembled already. If you're not certain then just checkout the following:

www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm

It's really easy!

spectastic

If you live in South East Texas, I'll sell you my $900 windsor knight (ultegra) for $650, delivered.

58 cm
only 250 miles.

j814wong

Thanks for the suggestions.

Sorry Spectastic but I live all the way in NY.

Nick Bain

I rentd a jamis ventura sport compact in delaware, No complaints, even the seat was nice enough, although there were no hills to test it on. It looked good to boot. It had a much higher cockpit than my Caad8 and judging by some online pics they give some extra steer tube as well, making this a terrific entry level roadbike.

pdxtex

i wouldn't overlook singlespeeds also. you can get a kona paddy wagon for around that price. those are semi compact frames with alot of snap to them. geared to be excellent all rounders too. i wouldn't take it up a 30 percent grade but you can still do some hills on it. tops out mabye 25-28 mph with a fast spin. ive got a cross bike, 2 other geared road bikes and take the kona out the most. its that fun.

Cfiber

The KHS Urban Xtreme

bonz50

LBS had GTR Series 5 for sale for $500 yesterday, they'll probably still have it come winter, according to the gal workin there who said she's worked there for 4 yrs she's never sold a road bike there (they do mostly hybrids and park/bmx bikes) though they had a nice price on a Defy3 and Defy1 (those 3 were the only road bikes they had there)