Kickingback

Well I have been reading your post for a year on diff road bikes and what is good and what is wrong with riding. I have been riding a stationary bike a pricey one for 2 years. I know I know it's not a road bike. But I ride it every other day about 35 miles and ride it on the highest levels which are considered mountain climbs. To make the story short my wife says I can now have a road bike(YES). But I been limited to the amount. Yes says 1200 is the max. I been looking around the local bike shops. And it seems to be a limited number of bikes i can have at that amount. I looked at the Giant OCRs and wasn't too impressed.Sorry Giant bike owners. I wanted to see a TCR was told they are hard to come by right now. Alot of dealers are waiting on them. So I never saw the TCR. I test road a Specialized Sequoia Elite and a Trek Pilot 2.1. They both seemed to ride the same. They both have 105 comp. But a friend and biker told me that the hubs on the Specialized are cheap and won't last. That the Trek hubs are alittle better. The other problem if you seen the Specialized Elite they come in 2 colors. One is a silver blue which someone said looked girlish and the other is a plain grey finish. If I did choose the Specialize has anyone seen the blueish bike and is it too girlish. I guess I am asking for help. If you had the choice between the 2 bikes what would you choose. Please be nice. I am new to this and will be new to the road soon. Thank you for any help.

oneradtec

I would select the Scattante R-660. Ultegra 10. Carbon stays, carbon fork, carbon seat post. Seems like alot of bike for 1200 bucks.

https://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?L...604&referpage=

It's by mail order...so please go the extra mile in getting the perfect size for you.

simplyred

The hubs on the Specialized are Alex 290's and the Trek's are Bonty Selects... I really really doubt you'll feel the difference [which you didn't btw]... so don't worry too much about that... tell your wife there's maintenence fees to this 1200 she's allowed you... don't forget helmet, tools, pump, patch kit & spare tube.. [the bare minimum for accessories, think about when you're out on the road.. you need these things]...

A suggestion would definitely be Felt bicycles... A Felt F70 is ~ $1099... with carbon fiber seatstays, full 105 and Shimano Wheels..

What do you think? It's pretty happenin... Felt and Giant are ALL ABOUT value... take a peek...

Umm, I can see that you're looking at comfort/touring road bikes... Is this what you want? Or you've looked at it because of price? What exactly are you looking for in a bike? [Ride Characteristics... Racy? Smooth? Solid?]

If you describe those to us, we'll be able to suggest more models to ya...
Good luck,
-Peter

JT354

Second the F70

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Got mine for $980 at my LBS

CPcyclist

OCR= Traditional geometry ie there is space between the seat tube and the tire that your fingers can fit in.

TCR= Compact geometry ie little space between the seat tube and the tire and your fingers can NOT fit in.

Fit is the most important differance between the two bikes there may be some slight differances in parts.

JT354

The OCR is definitely NOT traditional geometry.

They are both compact frames

skinnyone

Third that.. I got mine for $750 at a going out business sale.. In my general browsing, Specialized, Giant and Felts are all about value for the money.... Good luck with your purchase..

*edit.. To answer your question, the grey is definetely a looker... I would go for that.. but then thats me... Forget about what others think.. Do what you want, get what you want ..

lilscotboy

Jamis quest

widely thought to have the best component set for a bike in this price range + reynolds 631 steel frame

www.jamisbikes.com

Peek the Geek

$1200 is actually a pretty good price point, since you have your choice of many many bikes with Shimano 105 setups. You might get a little more bang for your buck if you look at brands other than the really big names (Trek, Giant, Specialized, etc.) The previously mentioned Felt and Jamis bikes are good examples.

Serpico

you can get a nice bike for 1200$, check out the lemond croix de fer

jamis, fuji, surly, specialized and giant all make decent bikes in that price range also

PhatRoadie

Actually, both frames are compact. The OCR is tuned for a more upright and stable position. The TCR is racier with a shorter wheelbase and headtube. The TCR is also somewhat lighter.

jennings780

Look at the Specialized Allez Elite. The 2005 is Red and White and looks real sharp (I've attached a pic). The Sequoia is more of a "comfort fit" and its ride is a bit more upright. You could probably talk a bike shop out of an Allez Elite for $1,000 (I got mine - '04 - for $900 but it was Feb of '05).

JT354

The Trek Pilot 2.1 is a good comfort-oriented bike. My dad bought one a few weeks ago, and he really likes it. It's pretty light and has a really nice frame, with nice welds and carbon stays. The Bontrager cranks look a little cheap, but are definitely better than the cheap "Specialized" cranks on the Sequoia Elite. Wheels on the Trek and Specialized are both low-end, probably decent quality, although I hate those paired spokes on the Bontrager wheels. The Sequoia is more of a true "comfort" bike, with that huge saddle and the suspension seatpost. Both are good bikes, although a little overpriced in my opinion.

khuon

If you're looking for a slightly more relaxed geometry that's also fairly performance oriented and compares closely to the Trek Pilot series, then you should probably be looking at the Specialized Roubaix series instead of the Sequoia. I would also second (or would I be third or fourth?) the suggestion for the Felts. In your price range, I'd be looking at the F70 or F60/F65. A couple of other brands you might want to investigate are Jamis, Fuji and K2. They're good performers but underrated so you can generally pick them up for a pretty nice price.

Flynn

I second the Allez Elite. I have a 2004 and love it! You can easily get one for under $1200.

jakemoffatt

Whatever you get, I would recommend putting some budget money towards non-bike purchases, like some good shorts if you don't have any (I recommend Pearl Izumi Ultrasomethings) and a decent jersey. Don't forget your shoes, too. You'll enjoy clipless a lot better and you need shoes for that. They run about $100 or less. I got a helmet but that's your decision. Gloves are also a good buy, and you can get some good ones that don't get soaked in sweat (very important for comfort) for $20 or less. Make sure you have bottle cages and bottles. My bike didn't come with any. You will likely also want to get a pouch to carry a patch kit/tools and also a framepump in case you flat. I got a decent Trek Kit from my LBS for about $30.

I'm just saying... I spent only about $900 on my bike but with all the other stuff I needed (and can also use on another bike) my total was about $1300. Just keep it in mind.

Shut up & ride

I'll mostly second what others have said before:
- That's enough budget for a very good bike
- I personally like the feel of steel frames over aluminum. Would check out Jamis Quest and LeMond Croix de Fer, both mentioned by others and widely recognized as excellent values.
- REI's Novara line isn't bad and can be good values. I didn't like the service I got in my local store.
- You can also look for left over 2004 models to shave some bucks.
- Ditto the comments on budgeting for accessories. Must-haves: Clipless pedals and shoes, shorts, helmet, bag w/ spare tube and multi-tool, pump or CO2, water bottle(s) and cage(s). Not a must-have, but I think a $20 basic computer is well worth it to keep things interesting and track your performance progress. This stuff can add up. Just get her sold on the $1200 bike and then sneak this stuff in as other necessary costs.
- The Specialized Sequoia is a very different geometry from traditional road bikes. I personally didn't like it at all. You of course might like it. I'd just make sure you compare it to more traditional frames.

jennings780

Ditto on the other costs.
My costs:
Bike $900
Pedals: $100?
Shoes: $100
2 Jerseys (cheap ones): $70
2 pairs of shorts: $100 (one nice one cheap)
Cyclometer: $35 (cateye astrale 8 - love it)
2nd water bottle cage: $10
Gloves: $35
Helmet: $35
Long fingered gloves: $25
Long riding pants: $75
Flat kit and under saddle pack: $30
Heart rate monitor: $60
Multipurpose bike tool: $10

My total: $1585 (if I haven't forgotten anything)

Stubacca

Sounds like someone needs to ask for their testicles back!

Is money a huge issue for you? If so, then you'll likely be happier if you start seeing $1200 as a sensible budget rather than your wife's rule. Spend less on the bike and make sure you leave some for the important accessories (e.g. helmet, bike shorts, water bottles and brackets, pump, spare tubes, patch kit). Computer, pedals/shoes, jerseys and winter riding gear can come later when you need them.

If money isn't really that big of an issue and you're just under the thumb mightily, then spend $1200 on the bike and get the accessories on top of that.

I'd parrot Khuon's suggestion of looking at the Roubaix instead of the Sequoia, but I think it's probably just out of your range (lists around $1600). There's lots of good suggestions in this thread, but you really need to ride some bikes in your budget range (and every brand has offerings at that money, mostly full 105 or a mixture of some better stuff) and decide whether you want a performance/sport bike or something with slightly more relaxed geometry. You will get plenty of bike for that money - my '03 Fuji Roubaix Pro is full 105, paid under $1K for it as an end of year model, and is a great ride.

SimpleCycle

I recently purchased a Raleigh Supercourse '03 for $700 and am VERY happy with it. It's got full 105 components. My LBS was selling the '05 for $1000, and it has an ultegra rear derailleur and carbon seat stays, plus the carbon fork and other 105 components on the earlier models. If you can get a bike for around $1000, then you still have $200 for accessories. I got a new saddle (women-specific Terry), clipless pedals and shoes, a pair of shorts, a bike computer (with cadence), an under-seat bag, and water bottles. Got water bottle cages, a co2 inflator, tire levers and patch kits as gifts. Already had the helmet, although the guy at Supergo basically told me I should get a new helmet because my old one was dorky. Point being, my accessories easily added $300 to the purchase price. You'll also need some lube and a floor pump.

If you don't go clipless right away, make sure you at least get toe clips and straps. Regular old platform pedals just don't cut it.

bernmart

"The other problem if you seen the Specialized Elite they come in 2 colors. One is a silver blue which someone said looked girlish and the other is a plain grey finish. If I did choose the Specialize has anyone seen the blueish bike and is it too girlish. I guess I am asking for help. If you had the choice between the 2 bikes what would you choose. Please be nice. I am new to this and will be new to the road soon. Thank you for any help."


My new Sequoia Elite is "blueish," and its color seems fine to me. The only more "masculine" color I recall seeing in my LBS was either a Cannondale or a Trek with a dull, dark gray finish. Reminded me of hotrods with primer paint jobs.

It's quite a good bike, though I'm considering changing the stock cassette, which is a racing-oriented 12x25t, to something more touring oriented.

Kickingback

Well jennings780 after alot of soul searching and testing riding bikes all day. I followed your recommendation. I bought the Specialized 05 Allez Elite. The bike came with a Ultegra rear derailer and 105 across the rest of the bike. And decided on the red color. Just have them changing the tape from white to black. Will pick up the bike next week and have it fitted with cleats. I apprecaite everyone help. I think I made the right choice. And the wife is ok with me spending on the extras. So life is good. Thanks again everyone for the encouragement. Now if I don't kill myself I will be ok. Thanks again!! And safe riding everyone!!!

simplyred

Glad we could help...
Enjoy!

You too...

-Peter

STEVO820

the trek pilot 2.1 goes for 1319 msrp so you could get that for under 1200. it seems to be the best comfortable style bike in your price range.

i think the felts are cool bikes and isnt that what its all about...looking cool?

Stubacca

pssssst