ManBearPig

(Forget my previous questions -- I crunched some numbers and found I can't afford super-exotic brands).

Coming from a conventional Trek 2100 for last 2 years. I seek a race-worthy bike that will be comfortable on 50-100 mile rides. My budget is 3.5k, and I have narrowed my decision to 3 bikes in this price range:


2006 - Litespeed Teroma -- mix of DuraAce down to 105 (would upgrade a bit to reach my 3.5k budget). Would love a Ti frame, but would sacrifice a hair on components until I can upgrade. Ride is great. Visual appeal is pretty good.

2006 - Specialized Allez Pro -- Al with Carbon stays, full DuraAce. Rides smooth, but flexes out of the saddle. Love the "wing" bars.

2006 - Specialized Tarmac Pro -- Full Carbon, DuraAce mix. Clearly the most advanced looking. Only had the Expert model to test (Ultegra). That one felt a bit harsh, but hard to tell for sure.


Any clear winners emerge from the above 3? Thanks for any input.

(again, never thought I would be asking the "what bike to buy" question, until now that I am looking to buy anew.)

slvoid

Tarmac, seems like a pretty stiff race frame, if that's what you want.

ManBearPig

It did seem a bit harsh, but wasn't sure if that was simply because the one I tested had a conventional bar, and did not spend much time adjusting the fit prior to test. Honestly, I don't plan to race in any serious way...but fellow roadies should understand the desire for it to be race-able.

Perhaps the Ti Litespeed is a good comfort/race compromise then...

Scooped

Why not steel with carbon chain & seat stay?

ManBearPig

It's not among the choices listed. There are probably 100 quality bikes in the price range, but these are the three I am focusing on at the moment.

slvoid

You know, at this point, coming from riding aluminium giants, a specialized allez, and my litespeed and testing a few, I'd say the litespeed and tarmac can soak up a bit more buzz than the allez. It's also up to what you stick onto it in terms of how accomodating it is for you. And it's really up to your heart right now, they're pretty much up in the same league.

killsoft

$3.5K is a lot to spend if you don't even know what frame material you want.

What's wrong with the 2100?

Here's my suggestion: Buy a PowerTap SL, three pair of fancy bibs, and rent a coach.

KS

ManBearPig

Not to sound argumentative, but...

I hope you don't buy a bike that way -- by first deciding what material you want generally, and then limiting your choices only to bikes of that material. Not safe to generalize. Different bikes of different materials and makers will behave and ride differently.

I also hope you don't buy based on the "if it ain't broke don't fix it," mentality. Nothing is wrong with my 2100. I guess I should sell it and downgrade to a Trek 1000, which there is nothing wrong with either.

slvoid

Why don't you just send me the money and I'll send you a bunch of cool decals for your 2100.

killsoft

Nevermind. Good luck with your decision.

KS

ManBearPig

Thanks. In my brief test rides, the litespeed seemed to have the smoothest ride quality, although my testing methodology was none too scientific (different shops; different test routes; one with my SPD SLs and Sidis, and the other in tennis shoes). I am trying to resist being overly swayed by the looks of the Tarmac -- it just looks like the most bike for the money. And on paper, it is spec'd better than the litespeed. Although via economy of scale, there is quite possibly truth that the Tarmac does offer the most bike at my pricepoint.

I'll sleep on it. Thanks for the input y'all....

MtnRide

I've got a Teramo and race it. It's actually an '05, not an '06, so it has Ultegra. One thing that can be said for sure is that you're very unlikely to see another Teramo/Firenze in any field, but for such an inexpensive bike, it attracts a lot of attention. It's comfortable, doesn't flex for my weight (135lbs) and has a timeless psuedo-classic look. However, the ride is heavily influenced by the choice of wheels. The stock FSA set are awful, so much so that a cheap set of Supergo wheels made the ride 200% better. That's the only thing I've upgraded (plus a saddle swap, the Aliante just didn't work for me.) I'd say ride what fits best though. I think a Tarmac would make a sweet race bike with that super stiff bb, but I don't think it would take as much abuse without worry like the Teramo. That, of course, is a statement made without anything to back it up.

ManBearPig

Forget the two I mentioned. I am getting a 2006 Ultimate. This year the front triangle is 6/4 and the rear is 3/2.5, and they got rid of the trendy carbon stays. Back to full Ti. The top tube is the same as the Vortex. It was only about a grand more as a demo, but much better frame and components.

slvoid

Excellent... the TI gods are smiling...

ManBearPig

Thanks I couldn't pass it up. It called out to me.

BeeTL

Late to the game, but I approve!