dengelanvil

Hi
I am going to buy my first road bike in this month.
I've researched for few weeks and listed following bikes

1. Cannondale CAAD8 6 - Tiagra (2013 model)
2. Giant TCR 2 - Tiagra (2014 model)
3. Trek 1.5 (2014 model)
4. Specialized Allez Elite (2013 model)
5. Scott Speedster 20 (2013 model)


If you were me, what would you buy?


Also, my friend suggested me to buy a secondhand bike because it is cheaper.
I think I should get a proper fitting test at the shop to avoid injures and for better performance.

What would you do?

capsisking

I was looking at similar bikes and ended up with the CAAD10, I'm VERY happy with it.

vstkrc

This may come across as an unconventional suggestion, but I suggest getting a generic or factory direct bike from bikesdirect.com. The reason for this is that you end up getting a similar build for about 50-70% of the price for any of the others. They tend to skimp on wheelsets and frame quality is generic, but all the parts are top-notch. If you want to upgrade, you just buy a new frame later on and maybe a new wheelset (though the stock ones are good enough).

For example, a Windsor Knight (bikesdirect house brand) sells for 900 for full Ultegra with a triple crank and Ritchey stem and bars. Just something to consider.

bikerjp

I don't think there is a huge difference between any of those. Test ride them and see which one you like the most or which one "speaks" to you.

WestPablo

Though I'd get the Giant TCR, the Scott Speedster gives you more bang for the buck!

8086bruce

I would try to find a holdover Caad10 5. About the same money.

SirHustlerEsq

I came in here to post this.

WestPablo

+1

I wanted to say something like this!

Caad08

The components can always be upgraded, go with the frame you like.

milkbaby

If I were you, I would pick based on which bike appealed the most to me (how it rode and how it looked) and how good the service and vibe I got from the bike shop. All those bikes are fine and if you're new then you're probably going to buy accessories and get maintenance and repairs from the bike shop, so it's nice to deal with a good shop.

bruce19

I just watched this (Bicycle Truth: Weight Scam - True cost of riding - YouTube) and found it interesting. I don't know what your budget is or how you intend to ride but I would start with a fitting. From there I would consider frame type and btw don't exclude steel. FWIW my Guru steel bike weighs 18 lbs with SRAM Rival gruppo (except for SRAM Red crank set) and Ksyrium Elite S wheels. I love the ride of steel. You might too. Best thing to do after a fitting is ride each bike you are considering.

achoo

It's usually not very cost-effective to upgrade components. If you want a certain level of components - say, Shimano 105 - it's best to just buy at that level as long as you can afford to. Trying to save money while thinking you'll upgrade later will usually wind up costing you a lot more.

Bikes just aren't sold that way. The entire business seems to be built on selling whole bikes - and replacement parts or add-ons for them.

inspclouseau

I have the speedster 20. I absolutely love it.

StephenH

One thing is figure out what dealer you like, and that narrows down the bike choices, they don't all sell every brand.
Also check how the different shops handle fitting.
Ask around for different cyclists and see what the reputations of the shops are- one of the bigger local shops doesn't have a very good service reputation, for example.

Axiom

The new 10 speed Tiagra shifts great, just like a heavier 105. Both the Scott and Giant seem to be the best value. The only upgrade you might need down the road are wheels, or small odds & ends like a saddle, tires, or grip tape.

rms13

Not full Ultegra, just levers and derailleurs. Crankset, bb, brakes, chain not Ultegra. Still ok for $900. I bought basically the SRAM version of the same bike:

Save up to 60% of new Shimano SRAM Apex 20 Speed Road Bikes | 2012 Motobecane Super Strada Road Bikes Sale | Save up to 60% off your next new Road Bike

For the same $900 I did get full sram apex group and same wheelset on the Windsor which are nothing special but not horrible. Rode it for a year and just bought a CAAD9 frame set with a Easton EC90 fork. It is a way to save money and the frame was not horrible and perfectly fine as a beginner. It would still be fine but I just want to upgrade because there are a lot of good deals on slightly used framesets on ebay and craigslist and I had the money to spend

vstkrc

Better yet, Windsor Falkirk. Full SRAM Apex (actually full set) for $800. They don't have 56 cm frames though, so it's kinda out of the question.