In Memory of One Cool Cat
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,722
Likes: 1
From: Charlottesville, VA
Bikes: Lemond Victoire, Cannondale.Mountain Bike, two 1980s lugged steel Treks, ancient 1980-something Giant mountain bike converted into a slick tired commuter with mustache handlebars, 1960-something Raleigh Sports
I was in much the same situation as you a few years ago. Here are my two cents:
Test ride a lot of bikes. You may be surprised that two highly regarded bikes made from the same material will have significantly different rides.
Get a good fit. A good-fitting "crappy" frame is far better than a poor fitting "great" frame. But it's best to hold out for a good fitting "great" frame.
Check the warranties. Most of the top marques will replace a carbon frame if it fails. Others will have a lot more to say than I on this subject, since I don't own a carbon bike, but it seems like they're pretty reliable these days.
Shop for a good deal. I ended up buying a left-over 2003 LeMond titanium bike right before the 2004 season. I paid less than 2K. Since I wasn't in a hurry I just kept looking and looking and looking. Think of it like dating before you make a commitment.
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Dead last finish is better than did not finish and infinitely better than did not start.