best value bikes
 

For someone riding about 200 miles a week, and looking to spend about $3000-$4000 on a bike made of either Titanium or Carbon Fiber, fit with Ultegra level system, which brands/models will provide the best bang for the bucks?

There's a whole bunch of bikes that you can get for that price and under.....what type of riding do you do? Riding 200 miles a week is great, but are you a hammerhead, or a tourist?

The best Bang for the Buck bikes are priced well below that. Look at the under $2k range, and that's the best value you'll find.

I am riding 30 miles a day, averaging about 17.5 mph.

You can get just about anything on the market with an Ultegra group for $3000-$4000.

Take your pick.

Ok, so a fairly fast rec. rider....

Since you have a good amount of money to work with, I would go to shops and start test riding as many bikes as you can find, and see what fits you the best and is the most comfortable. If you can get a full Ultegra bike for $1,500 and it's a great deal, if it doesn't fit you right, it's not a great deal.

I purchased my Cannondale Six13 with full Dura Ace and Mavic Ksyrium SSC wheels for $4000 at my LBS. MSRP is $4600. The Ultegra equipped version of the same bike has an MSRP of $2400. Which would make dealer cost on that bike about $1800 or so. I'm sure you can get one for just over $2K someplace. I think those bikes offer pretty maximum bang for the buck in a racing/performance bicycle.

Get a full-custom Calfee.

Ami,

I suggest looking at the Trek Madone - I'm pretty sure there's a women specific version, and you can get it in full ultegra.

There are tons of options in that price range. My Trek 5.2 was around $3500 total *with* project one custom paint, and it's at the pricey end of the spectrum (but it's *so* pretty).

You will find that titanium and carbon have very different feels.

Ditto the Madone.
If you can find one left from '05, the Merlin Atreus is a great Ti bike, too.

A lot of those CALFEEs in my area. Have not seen one of their bamboo frames yet. Now there is carbon fiber for you. Said to be as strong as other materials and an incredible :eek: Gee Whiz :eek: factor. And, yes, in your price range.

Colorado Cyclist had 2005 Litespeed Tuscany closeouts for around $1,500 frame and fork. With full Ultegra figure well under $3k. Not sure what sizes they have left but you might want to check it out.

I hate to be banging the drum for Salsa Cycles yet again, but I have to tell you that for the money you're getting a very, very nice bike. They are an aluminum alloy/scandium frame, however.

Either the Col Cyclist lightspeed closeouts or one of their Ti-sport built "Douglas" are good values....

What a tough decision you now have. Get the one you like and feels good to you so you will never regret it.

$3000-4000 will get you full carbon + full dura ace with a good wheelset. Or Campy Record if you would consider that. If your budget is really that high don't even think about Ultegra. :D

Here are a few bikes I would put on my short list if somebody gave me $3500 cash tomorrow:

Specialized Tarmac Pro Dura Ace with Ksyrium Elite wheelset, $3500 MSRP (probably $3200 in store?)
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13002

Pedal Force QS2 full Dura Ace with OK wheelset for $2500, or upgrade to a really nice wheelset for a total around $2850:
http://pedalforce.com/online/your_co...1_99999_100230

The Cervelo R2.5 with Chorus should be well under $3000, I believe I saw somebody get one for $2500 last month.
http://www.cervelo.com

Cannondale Six13 Pro1 with DA and Ksyrium Elites:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/C...del-6PC1D.html

also consider the cannondale synapse and specialized roubaix series if you want a little bit more relaxed riding position.

Hands down, Felt F2c. I got a new 05 last week for $1799. I dont think anyone can touch that deal for a full carbon,Dura-Ace, Carbon Compact Crank. Yes the brakes are not Dura Ace but $20 dollars worth of pads and the bike stops on a dime. Weight is 17.2 pounds on a 60cm frame. I sold the AC-420 wheels on the spot for $350 and put on some custom built Mavic Open Pro's with Dura Ace hubs and DT spokes for $450.
So for the grand total of $2100 out the door, I think its one of the best bang for bucks I have ever heard of. At least I think so.

I'd look into having your local shop building up a frameset with whatever components you like best.

Buy the latest Fuji Team carbon bike. You'll pay near the bottom end of your purchase limits and you'll have a bike that handles better than most others.

For that kind of money you can buy a custom fitted Waterford with full Campy Record group. Like the OP's said, $4000 is way over "bang for the buck." For that kind of money you can buy 4 Motobecanes with Ultegra and have enough bikes for the rest of your life. Good luck

Tim

i just purchased an aegis aro svelte after doing research on carbon fiber bikes. this was a total departure for me from my usual vintage bikes, but i wanted to try new technology. i have to say that i am quite pleased with the bike. they are handmade in camden, me and the company has a long history of carbon fiber experience. i think that an ulterga sells for about $3500. in doing my research i read several women's commends on how much they liked the bike. whatever you ultimately choose good luck!
http://www.aegisbicycles.com/index.php?page=arosvelte

Chances are pretty good you won't notice or appreciate the very subtle differences between a $2k and a $4k bike. I say buy the Motobecane Immortal Force and take a vacation.

55/Rad

Flyte makes 2 Ti frames and both would be in your price range with that Groupo.

www.Flyte1.com

Kenal0