Originally Posted by
IcySmooth52
I have to say, spending $1000-$1200 gets you 2-3X the bike for $700-$800. If you can afford it now, just make the jump to an aluminum Shimano 105 or SRAM Apex bike. It will probably also have a frame worth further upgrades.
For the price ranges we're talking about I'd recommend: Specialized Allez &, Cannondale CAAD 8 & Synapse, and Felt F series. If it has to stay under $1k, look close at the Felt F85. The components on it are the same on $2k carbon bikes.
Don't fall into spending extra for a Trek. You'd only be trying the 1 series, which doesn't have a frame that compares to the ones I mentioned above.
Buying local, a good shop will fit you right.
You have to buy the Allez Apex mid-comp to get the E5 frame, at least in 2012 models. The Elite downwards have the A1 frame which is comparable to the Trek 1 series frame. However, I think the Allez Elite from 2011, with a 9 speed Tiagra group, still was made on the E5 frame. He might be able to find one of them for under a grand.
And in point of fact, at least in the shops around me, comparing apples to apples, Trek is priced lower than Specialized.
However, CAADs are priced below both. For $1000-$1200, I'd certainly go with CAAD.
