Originally Posted by dbuckingham144
Probably only looking at between $1000 to $2000 for I wouldn’t ride it enough to justify any more expense. That is why I have been seeing what is out there second hand. Just a few pointers, not expecting any sales pitch
There's some amazing deals out there. I was speaking to a guy the other day who bought a 2nd hand 2003 Cervelo Soloist (alu) with Dura-Ace for $1400!
Here's MY 2 cents:
Aluminium is the best bang for the buck by SO far it's rediculous. Great value. Sometimes you'll see Ultegra and 105 equipped aluminium bikes for only 200 to 400 hundred bucks more that the cost of the group-set! If you're getting a new alu bike under $2000, I reckon the frames are pretty much gunna be the same, so just go for the best deal, and the sexiest lookin'.
Good carbon is still a bit too expensive, in my opinion. I've never seen a decent carbon frame under $2000.
Steel is
more likely to last longer, but it's usually gunna cost you quite a bit more, unless you find something second hand. I think Bianchi make a cheapish production steel bike which is Reynolds 631, and Specialized do one that's Columbus Foco or Ultrafoco. Dunno how they go for price.