Blue Belly

They may be at your LBS. just do your research before you pay them to do a fit.

crad159

So went out to a few of my local bike shops this past weekend. Found out that I really love Shimano's 105 set. So I am looking to buy a bike that comes with 105.

Also I am 6'2.5" and also realized that I like a 59 or 60cm bike over 61cm. Would prefer to have a little smaller of a bike but higher seat post than to be towering over everything at 61cm top tube height.

I didn't get to ride this one yet, but any thoughts on the Trek Madone 2.1?
https://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bike...es/madone_2_1/

Whats weird is that you don't get the 105 on the Allezs until you get up to the Allez Race M2, which is above my budget. The Allez Elite or Comp Smartweld both use Shimano Tiagra.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...lez/allez-race

nuke_diver

I did a lot of research as well before getting a CAAD10-3. Pretty much for the same price point CF is going to have cheaper components (and maybe cheaper CF but I have no way to confirm that). So at the budget you are at you either need to plan some upgrades (or the lower components may work great for you) or go steel/AL. You can get cheaper at places like bikesdirect but you really kind of need to know your size (I didn't everyone seemed to think I would be a 56-58 at 6'1" but a 60 feels better to me probably because I'm long limbed?)

crad159

So for my price point there two big players are Trek and Specialized, with their Madone & Domane, and Allez and Secteur models respectively. All are aluminum frame and carbon forks at the $1200 level. Though, all four models may also be carbon at higher price points. The Domane and Secteur are the long distance comfort riders. The Domane has the shock absorber at the meeting point of the seat tube and top tube. The Secteur has their "shock" absorbing points on the front fork and seat stays. Both the Madone and Allez are subject to harsher rides for they do not have the "shock absorbing" technology that the other bikes do.

I just rode all four bikes multiple times and did not feel a single difference from the frames (keep in mind I am not old).

At this point, I am highly considering the Madone 2.1. I was only considering bikes that rode with Shimano 105, so that effectively excluded the Specialized bikes because the 105 group is not introduced until the ~ $1500 price point. Additionally, the service was fantastic at this shop. I am a firm believer in quality service and would much rather give my business to a shop that greets you when you walk in the door, than a shop full of pretentious hipsters. So I was able to work the price down through matching another store, to a real favorable price, well below my budget.

Stay tuned for more...

jetter

I've ridden the 2013 Trek Madone 2.1, and I can say its a definite steal, especially if you can get a clearance price on it. It's got a triple crankset, which is great if you plan on attacking some hills, and also the 105 groupset which is hard to come by in that price range.

Other than that I would recommend either a Cannondale CAAD 8 or a Specialized Allez.

crad159

Well, I finally purchased my first proper road bike! Went with the 2013 Trek Madone 2.1.
https://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bike...s/madone_2_1/#

The price of the bike was brought down from $1,359.99 to $999.99! Everything I purchased with the bike received a %10 off treatment. Also purchased shoes (because I didn't have any before) and cleats. The shop employee that I was working with was trying to sell me on Look cleats, but for my first bike, I think the basic Shimano $62.99 ones will do. The Look cleats were around $150. The shoes are Specialized's Elite Road model. They fit well and feel comfortable. Bought a bib and jersey with the shops logo. I purchased the Specialized Echelon II helmet for $58.50. I think that I am going to return it and spend a little more for a better fitting and more comfortable helmet, like a Kask. Also spent for a fit of the bike and cleats ~ well worth it. Worked out position of the cleats on the bottom of the shoes, saddle & handlebar height. I received a copy with my measurements from the fitting, which is helpful should I change things around on the bike.

Overall, had a great experience from this local shop and is one of the best in the areas. All the employees were well attentive and helpful. Cheers.

Took the bike out on a spin with one of my mates yesterday. A short 9 miler and it felt really great. Love the 105s for they were really responsive to my shifting. Yeah the Madone feels more of the road over the Domane or Secteur, but I am really happy with the purchase nonetheless. Also I know color is a factor in choosing a bike for some, and at first I didn't really like the chrome grey and black, over the all black, and white with blue trim color-ways.

The research I put into this really helped in finding the right bike. Thank you for all the help and input though this process. Also really glad I waited until this part of the season to purchase, when stores are looking to move last year's stock while new stock comes in because you can get some great deals on price.

FYI: Here is a link to a review of the 2.1 by Road.CC, this past August:
https://road.cc/content/review/90209-trek-madone-21

And here are the pictures:

This first image is the stock photo from Trek's site.

crad159