Best Road Bike $1000-$2500
 

I was hoping to get some opinions on any Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, or Giant Road bikes (with at least Shimano 105 or better). I am about 220 lbs. Also, looking at what pedals and wheels you like. Am more or less a recreational cyclist (50-60 miles, with some 100 mile rides). Thank you in advance for any responses.

Don't forget Felts.
Go with 32 or best 36 spokes to start.

http://websterbicycle.com/itemlist.cfm?category=48

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/...dd0116b0f9.jpg

I'm right at your weight and have really enjoyed my 2008 Fuji Roubaix RC for the 6 months I've had it.

Check out the Specialized Roubaix, the Giant Defy Advanced, and the carbon fiber Felt Z-series (e.g. Z35, Z45), and the Cannondale Synapse Carbon bikes. They all have relaxed geometry and plush rides. If you're looking for a more aggressive geometry, add the Specialized Tarmac to the list. At 220lbs, I wouldn't worry about the durability or longevity of any of these bikes...

Exactly what he said. Same weight, same bike, no problems. $935 + tax during a model year close out sale at Performance.

Although CA, your crank looks different than mine (I have the stock FSA). Did you replace it already?

With that list, I would worry more about fit than anything else. There's a world of difference between a Specialized cockpit and a Cannondale one.

Giant, are just that, a bicycle manufacturing giant, and usually offer very good value for dollar
Trek, I've always felt were a little over-priced, however, I and girl friends have owned several.
Specialized, their cockpits have never fit me, so they've never been a consideration to me.
Cannondale, usually not the cheapest of options, but, they fit me, so, I've owned several both road and mountain.

Go for fit first. Then, if two fit well, start looking at component to cost issues.

See if you can't test ride a Gunnar Roadie somewhere. It's Waterford's 'budget' line; and surprises most people when they try one.
http://www.gunnarbikes.com/gunnar_roadie.jpg

The FSA SL-K left crank arm felt loose after 250 miles so I took it in. They couldn't tighten it so they swapped the crankset out for Ultegra. I paid just under $1K during a double points promotion. Couldn't pass it up and glad I didn't.

For $2000, you could also pick up some sweet vintage steel, even allowing for repainting, chrome work, NOS parts, etc. Or, for a new bike along the same lines (here).

You could do well to visit a Performance Bike near you. They have a nice line of bikes at the right price. My son bought one of their "house brand" bikes with a Tiagra group for under $600.

Having just gone through the new bike purchasing process I would recommend the following. Test ride anything and everything in your price range. Find the bike that best fits you. The next step is make sure that the LBS you buy from you like. While under warranty that LBS will take care of your new bike so make sure that they will meet your needs.

I tried several different brands - Cannondale, Fuji, Giant, Schwinn, GT, Specialized, and Trek. In the end the Trek 2.1 fit the best and the LBS down the street came me a good deal and they have always taken good care of my other bikes. There were cheap and more expensive alternatives, but the 2.1 option worked best for me.

Good Luck.

I found the same thing when I went looking for my road bike last year. I did prefer different things about each bike, but all were good. In my case I went with the Giant OCR A1 (now the Defy line) in part because the LBS was so much above the rest that it was an easy choice for me. :)

Someone just posted this in the Road forum: LINK. I have no idea how it'd hold up under a Clyde (probably just fine - I ride similar wheels on my Giant w/o issue), but it's a sick deal for $1500.

-DR


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...ium_13/BMC.jpg

Norge, I would have to agree with 10 wheels in telling you not to skip FELT. Especially try the Z series if you are a clyde. Ive shopped three times for bikes in the past three years with an open mind and bought three felts. Everybody has their own preferences of course.

You asked about pedalsand wheels:

Ive tried shimano road, Shimano MTB, and Crank bros...I like Shimano MTB overall and even use the same shoes on both my roadie and 29er.

Wheels: I went with a velocity spartacus uriel deep v with a velocity hub (these are so very ultra smooth that it is just silly) and so far Ive had no problems with them. They are factory wheels though and I may have them rebuilt after this season just because I tend be a bit of a perfectionist.

Right now I have an 08 Felt F75 and love it. Though I would look into the BMC Streefire like said above...its probably going to be my next bicycle I purchase.

This is a very cool looking bike, but I'd hardly call an aluminum frame with SRAM's budget-priced Rival gruppo a "sick deal" at $1500. If you're willing to ride an aluminum frame, and I'm not, you should be able to find Ultegra-equipped bikes for that price. I know that my local Performance Bike has some great deals on Ultegra-equipped Fuji and Scattante aluminum bikes... at least through Memorial Day.

I had to replace my bike today, I would buy this. It's steel but very light (19 -20 lbs) with a design that would support long distance, light touring and other recreational/commuter needs.

The Salsa Pistola

Frame Pistola, Road, True Temper OX Platinum
Fork Alpha Q CS10 w/ OX Platinum Steerer
Headset Cane Creek S3, 1-1/8", Black
Handlebar Size Specific: Salsa Short & Shallow, 26.0mm, Black, 51=44cm, 53=46cm
Stem Salsa Moto Ace, 26.0mm, 1-1/8", Black, 90°, 51cm=110mm, 53cm=120mm
Handlebar Tape Salsa Gel Cork, Black
Front Brake SRAM Rival, Front
Rear Brake SRAM Rival, Rear
Brake Levers SRAM Rival, Black
Crankset SRAM Rival GXP, 51/53=175mm
Chainring SRAM Rival, 34-50T
Bottom Bracket SRAM Rival
Chain SRAM PC-1070, 10-Speed
Quick Releases Mavic
Cassette SRAM OG-1070, 12-26T, 10-Speed
Wheels Mavic Aksium, Black
Tires Continental Ultra Race, 700c x 25mm, Kevlar
Front Derailleur SRAM Rival
Rear Derailleur SRAM Rival, Short Cage
Shifters SRAM Rival, 10-Speed, Black
Seatpost Salsa Shaft, 27.2mm x 350mm, Black
Seatpost Clamp Salsa Lip-Lock
Saddle WTB Silverado w/ Salsa Embroidery
Chainstay
Protector none
Color Stone Bridge Gray
Weight 19.0 lbs for 47cm