dd123

Here are some info about myself:

Present:
35 yr old/male/5'10''/165lbs/average physical fitness
Been riding hybrid bike for last few years
Ride frequency: once a month or so, 10 miles a given ride
In San Diego

Aspirations:
Want to buy a road bike with comfortable posture
want to commute to office next summer using backpack 9 miles one way
do riding for pleasure
Looking for :: Conform road bike like Cannondale synapse, felt z85, specialized secteur, giant defy
Going by this forum, pereference is 105 components atleast

$$
Dont want to start too much money as my commitment level is still doubtful but I don't want to give up experimentation because of unknown commitment.
~$1200 to bergin with.

Looking into craiglist if possible.
Few Possible candidates are:
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/3243208407.html
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/3236463130.html
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/3243348510.html

I am going to LBS today and do a test ride and see how does it feel.
Would LBS give free fitting if I buy a bike from them.

Thanks

DD

Mike F

I have a Felt z85 and you can pick up a new one for a few hundred more than what he is asking. Its a good riding bike and would fit your needs well. There are no eyes for panniers if you are looking for them to commute. If you buy new you get the Felt warranty which is a plus if something happens down the line. I bought mine at a place I wont name (a small chain store, north of 8 and south of 52 just west of 5), when I started riding again and was convinced I needed a 58 (Im the same size as you - long legs short torso) and there was no fitting. I now ride a 54cm FWIW.

Carloswithac

Ha, I bought my Felts there too.

Ginodp

Bought the Cannondale Synapse a couple of months ago. Great bike. No issues so far. Riding it 3 times a week, love it!

bianchi10

with a $1200 budget why dont you just buy new at LBS? you can get into an alum frame with 105 components for $1200

Mike F

And with 2013 models coming out soon, there are sure to be some deals to be had

I meant East of 5 I reckon I looked like an easy mark when I went in there and they only had a 58 in stock or the guy was a complete idiot. It was before the 41 and the continual bombardment of knowledge I now receive

dd123

Thanks Guys for the inputs.
This afternoon I test rode 3 bikes:
Trek damone 2.3 for $2500
Raleigh milipitas full carbon for $1300
Felt z85 for $900.

Not sure why and how but I liked Felt z85/54 cm a lot. I felt it is very comfortable and I like the way it came to me.

Tomorrow, I may test ride synapse-5/alloy and see how does it feel.
I am leaning towards Felt-z85.

Thanks

DD

bring

Why do components have to be at least 105? What's wrong with Tiagra?

BigJeff

Go to the Trek SuperStore or Bike Bling (both in Escondido)... I think they are both offering huge discounts this weekend.

Worth checking out.

CbadRider

Moved from Road to SoCal regional.

dd123

Nothing wrong with Tiagra or even Sora.
The problem is I don't have expertise to guage which one to go ( sora or tiagra or 105 ).
I just read here that if possible go for 105 and that is what I am trying to do.
Also, don't have time to go over all the component testing hence trying to leverage other's experience for components.


Thanks

DD

FujiKid

Performance bikes is currently having a big sale on bikes.

I'd recommend giving some Fuji's/Scattante's a shot.

dd123

Thanks,
I'd look into Performancebike bikes as well.

dd123

So, it has come down to two bikes:
Brand new felt z85 2012 for $900+Tax from LBS or
Cannondale synapse 5 carbon 2010 little used sold by a guy a mile from my place for $1020 with accessories:https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/3255171459.html

I am going to test ride the synapse today or tomorrow and see how does it feel. I really love z85 though.
Synapse 5 is also good for my height ( 5'10, Bike is 56 cm ). Used synapse 5 comes with few accessories as well.

Any comments on buying a new bike from LBS Vs used bike off craiglist.

Used Bike::
+Save $$
+Get accessories
+Get a better(?) bike for same money
-No LBS support
-No Warranty

New Bike form LBS:
+ New bike
+ new components ( new 105 vs old 105 )
+ Support form LBS
+ Warranty from OEM
- $$


Thanks

TJClay

Offer the guy about $850 for Synapse and scoop it up, looks like a clean bike.