bike4food

Well, after a year or so of deliberation I've decided to splurge for a new bike! With so many '06 models in nearby LBS on sale, I couldn't say no.

Looking to spend around $2000. The shops in the area carry Treks (5200 on sale), Cannondale (six13 and CAAD 8 models on sale), Specialized (Roubaix line on sale), and Scott. Now I KNOW (let me stress that again, I KNOW) I need to hop on all these bikes and make a decision on the ride quality myself.....but all that aside, I'd love to hear from individuals who own some of the aforementioned rides or those in the market themselves.....if you had the money to spend, which would you splurge for??!!

shakeNbake

Ride quality aside, I would get the least popular bike.
Yes, I'm shallow.

bike4food

Sound advice indeed, grasshopper.

Basscycle

I was checking out those bikes as well, except for the Scott. Walked into my new LBS and saw a bunch of Giant TCR's and they're looking pretty darn good. The may be worth checking out for you as well.

bike4food

Unfortunately no Giant dealers in the area, though a friend of mine out east did purchase a TCR Composite 1 and has been quite happy with the buy. What did you think of the others you saw in your LBS?

the beef

$2000 can get you a lot of bike if you look in the right places. I'd not limit myself to the LBS, there's a lot of good stuff out there.

And I say that mostly because I've been drooling over the Bianchi EV4 on eBay for a tad over two grand.. sighh. If only..

badkarma

I think a lot of it comes down to price. I could tell you what I'd purchase if you told me the prices of the bikes you're looking at.

If you're just looking to start out, I wouldn't get too involved trying to find that uberbike. My LBS has the R1000 for $1350, that would be a great bike, so I'd urge you to take a look at that. Then you'll have some cash left over for other cycling gear: jerseys, shorts, shoes, pedals, pump, multitool, spare tubes, patch kit, tire levers, and anything else I forgot about.

woodcycl

I own the 5200 and the Six13 ... both VERY good bikes! And, I have respect for the Specialized bikes as well even though I haven't owned one of them.

I'd say I'd be 50/50 on the 5200 or Six13 (or CAAD8 too). Glad I could help! haha

craigery

I'd go for the cannondale 6-13. Look at all the reviews from people on here. If you can get one for that price, you did awesome. Good luck man.

baxtefer

6-13 would be slightly out of your price range. For $2000 i'd jump on it.
but a sweed CAAD8 with Ultegra can be had for ~$1600 or less

I've never ridden a Scott, so i can't say much about them. Trek's geometry doesn't appeal to me. The Roubaix is a bit more laid back then the rest of the bikes you've listed. And since I just bought a cannondale, i'm a bit biased
I walked into the store looking to pick up something steel. Walked out with an aluminum frame that rode nicer than any steel/alu-carbon/carbon frame they had in stock.

caloso

I love my Trek 5200. It's a lot of bike for $2000. Quick enough for crits, comfy enough for centuries. But if you can get at Six-13 for two grand, that sounds like a steal.

bernmart

I'm absolutely delirious about my new Specialized Roubaix Pro. But I'd have bought the Comp instead if they'd had one in my size, and if they hadn't offered me the Pro for more than $1000 off MSRP. Great geometry, light but stiff carbon frame, stable yet responsive. Aaah!

bike4food

From the short time I've spent on both the 5200 and the Six13 I've really enjoyed them both. I've owned Trek's in the past and am comfortable with what they have to offer, but am definitely not as familiar with the Cannondale line. How does Cannondale stack up as far as reputation, build quality, and overall performance?

bike4food

Which bike did you end up walking out with?

baxtefer

R5000.
I would have prefered paying less for the R1000, but they didn't have my size.

djtrackie

I like the 5200, but they don't offer much in terms of "value." It's a nice frame though.

Cannondale doesn't have their own carbon fiber facility so they use parts from other companies.

I would be between a Giant TCR2 or Trek 5200.

The Giant would represent a better value, with high quality carbon frame and Ultegra components.

However, the Trek is the bike that Lance USED to ride in the TDF and has a made in USA frame.

Serpico

get a cannondale or a lemond

good companies in that price range that make nice (complete) bikes

good luck

curiouskid55

Buy a Look 565 frame and wait til next year when you can afford the rest.

branman1986

I'm a total rookie, but I'd say go with whatever gives you the better deal for the components/wheels.

bike4food

What do you mean the 5200 doesn't offer much in terms of value?? I always thought that's what Trek was known for...please explain. I do get the feeling though sometimes that Trek may be a bit overrated just because it is the bike that Lance rode....then others say that Trek makes some of the best bikes out there regardless. Very confusing.

JayC

You could build a Pedal Force QS2 with an Ultegra group for that amount. Put a 105 group on it and you could get some nicer wheels and bars.

I ride a Blue RC4.. Ive never seen anyone else riding a Blue of any sort.. On most of the group rides I do, everyone has Trek's. It's nice to be different.

bike4food

Checked out your Blue RC4....a very sharp looking ride. Too bad no dealers in the area otherwise I'd take a peek. I agree with you on the Treks, it does seem like you see alot of people on them and it is nice to have something a little different. At the same time with so many people on them you'd think they're doing something right....no?

JayC

I looked at Trek's when I was shopping for a bike.. I looked at a LOT of Trek's. I think Trek's are nice bikes and there are way more Trek dealers around here than anything else which is why I think you see so many of them but I decided that I couldn't afford a Trek with the components I wanted so I kind of went another route.

I'm really, REALLY happy with the Blue.. Ive been riding the snot out of it.. it's a great bike. I had to drive a ways to test ride a Blue as well. If you have a dealer even reasonably close that has one, you owe it to yourself to go ride it.