Originally Posted by tranzformer
I would put my order in for a new 06 in a 54cm frame if I went that way (they come out in a couple weeks). I have been to a couple of my LBS to look around and for the type of bike that I am interested in I would have to start off around 2000-2500. I totally support LBS and have bought my other bikes from them in the past, but now that I need to be a little more careful with my money I can't but look to some of the online retailers.
hmm, I am not sure these bikes really compare to $2-2.5K other than IBEX over inflated MSRP, here are a few examples I picked at
my LBS web site:
'06 LeMond Sarthe (MSRP: $1650 - Retail will go $1500 max). IMO specs of this bike are superior, and don't forget sizing, component swap, service, accessories discount, free tune-up (my LBS gives life-time free tune-up in this price range - at let's say $50 a piece x 2, that's $100 saving/year).
'06 Specialized Allez Comp - Same as above except with new 105 10spd instead of Ultegra 10 (very little difference)
Cannondale R1000: 05 model practically identical to 06 should go for ~1600 max. (this is the bike I ride - no, I would not swap it for an IBEX Aprisa Pro
).
Felt F65 - This one you may get for less than 1500 for an 06 and <1300 for an 05. Search for a F55 05 for ~1600 for a far superior bike than the IBEX Aprisa Pro Team.
http://www.feltracing.com/
Reconsidering?