Hello everyone,

New to the forum and wanted to say hello, currently i have 2 Mtn bikes 1 is a early 90s Giant Rincon, and earlier this year i picked up a Raleigh Talus 29er Comp. While i am enjoying the riding the Raleigh so far i am wanting to get a road bike.

I have looked at several and know i would like to buy a bike i can grow into. I don't have any plans on racing but would like to get to the point of doing some group rides and longer distance rides.

I am struggling a bit on the bike choices as i know i would like at least a 105 bike or better and everyone says carbon is good on the roads out here outside Houston. just curious what some of you think of my plan at this point i am looking to get this in the next couple weeks.

Welcome aboard

Welcome to the forum.
Your choices are quite large. Maybe the first place to start is how much do you want to spend?

I am hoping to keep it to around $2,500 since i know i will have to get pedals and such. I was looking around and stumbled across a site called Goo Bikes and they have a Cannondale SYNAPSE CARBON Hi-MOD 3 ULTEGRA for $2,003 plus $80 shipping. Sounded like a good deal even if it is probably a 2012 model. Thank you for the kind welcome.

Welcome to the forum - Sometime consider coming up to Bastrop State Park for a good street ride - The up and down can be a real challange...

Sounds like a nice ride i will have to try and add that on a list of places to go in Texas being new to the state (2yrs) Thanks for the welcome

Hi welcome to BF. Try a post in the Regional Forums for Texas and you can find others that are looking to set up rides in your area. Best of luck on your bike search.

Bill

Since this is your first road bike it may be a good idea to look at local bike shops. Once you learn what fits you and your riding style this could help you if you want to purchase online. The Cannondale bike is a nice one. The Ultegra groupo is excellent. I have bought several bikes online at bikesdirect.com. The Motobecane Le Champion CF is what I am riding now and it has similar components and a carbon frame. I have 14,500 miles on it.

For Texas bicycle rides and news look at my home page.

I took your advice and hit several stores and one bike rose above the rest for me and that was the Giant Defy I just have to decide do I want the composite 1 or the advanced 1 now and get it ordered.