Originally Posted by
miss kenton
I am still looking for opinions from those who have owned different brands of bikes and have learned what they may have liked/disliked about a particular brand. No need for comments about box store bikes, he knows better.
I do agree with those that have suggested finding the right LBS is key. I never leave my own LBS without feeling 100% satisfied and happy I shop there.
Still, not to answer directly to your question. But he is a mechanical engineer. Maybe he would like to hear from another mechanical engineer who's been around for a while with a very good reputation. This link may not be the answer he wants to hear; but he will gain some insight as to road bikes by reading in between these lines. This is an interview format with Damon Rinard back in January 2015.
On the move with Damon Rinard - Slowtwitch.com