Originally Posted by
cafzali
With respect to your budget, while you can get a carbon bike for that price potentially, it's not going to be one with a good component set. You'd be better off getting a nice aluminum bike, which is definitely possible in that price range, than a budget carbon bike because you'll notice a nicer component set in all circumstances. Ultegra is a better groupset, since you have less "flex" under a harder load. There are also more gearing possibilities, but you probably won't notice this unless you're racing. Likewise, Ultegra is lighter, but again the difference isn't going to be something you'll notice. What you will notice with Ultegra is the fact that there's more precision and less wear over time.
The price is quoted is for full carbon with Ultegra group set. Trek Domane 4.5, Madone 4.5, and Giant Defy Composite 1 are all in the $2500 price range. They are all full carbon with Ultegra. I tested a Synapse Carbon 5 and a Cervelo R3 at a new LBS today. The Synapse 5 is all 105 and I like the ride. While the Cervelo is a different type of bike, more expensive, however not for my type of riding. They also have Cannondale SuperSix 105 and CAAD 105. But those are more aggressive geometry I think, so I am sticking to Synapse. I might test ride those two as well. All three C'Dale bikes are full carbon with 105 and they can be bought for around $1900.
As for Alum, I can get it with 105 for around $1200, I am not sure paying up for Alum with Ultegra is worth it? If the Alum price is close to $1800 then am I not better sticking to full Carbon with 105, as there is no huge difference between 105 and Ultegra. The lighter weight of carbon will more than make up for slightly heavier 105. Besides I can always upgrade to Ultegra later, but the frame is more important, right?