I would like a little feedback. I have 3 bikes in mind to consider, a Neuvation Ultegra with either carbon or AL, a Kestral Talon, or a Motorbecane Ti from BD. THe price varies from $1800 to around $2000. I am not a BD shill I bought an AL bike from them 2 years ago it was fine no problems and I sold it to upgrade to my present CF bike that I really like. I have not problem with BD I can do the mechanical work and the bike I had was fine just upgraded and also bought that through ebay.

I am simply looking for another road bike that is better to have around. My reason is that I like the Neuvation because I can order what I want for the components. I do not want a compact crank and have specific details they will tailor to my riding. I basically want a standard double 53/39 with an 11/25 rear and ultegra grade components. Finding a titanium frame is not possible at the LBS and they want more money if it was indeed what I wanted. If they could at least be close on the components I would pay a bit more but not the huge difference they want.

The Kestral has what I want in CF and it is an known bike. The Neuvation I just don't know but on the phone they seem to think the AL frame would ride really well too and it is much cheaper at about $1300. The Motorbecane is simply because it is a Ti frame and sells for $2000 with ultegra components with the right mix.

My problem is I will never be able to ride a Ti frame around here nobody has one so I cannot make any judgement on how it will ride. My AL frame previous was fine but the current CF bike is ride is much better for simply road riding much smoother on rough road. I have heard of AL that ride like CF but frankly unless I simply go riding every bike know how do you know?

THe only savings is if I buy a Neuvation Alloy bike for $1300 and save the difference. If this would ride at least near the CF I have now that would be fine. I am willing to pay more if they CF was clearly a better ride.

Any thoughts or help would be interesting from those in the know. Many bikes today have either a compact or a triple and I don't need a triple for sure. My present is a compact crank with an 11-23 but I almost never go to the small ring, not needed in the flatlands and I don't travel with my bike to the mountains.