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Can one still find a great alu bike with good specs ?

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Can one still find a great alu bike with good specs ?

Old 05-03-07, 06:53 PM
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I liked my first Ibex enough to buy a second one (Xray race followed by the Aprisa Elite). At the price I paid for an Ultegra equipped bike with Neuvation wheels, it was sort of like getting a free frame. I've got about 15K miles between the two bikes with no complaints.
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Old 05-03-07, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Blaireau
Well the LBS in my area that carries Cannondale is a den of sharks.... Guy tried to sell me an alu frame for $1,000 --enough said.
If it were a Cervelo Soloist Team frame, it would have been a hell of a deal.
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Old 05-03-07, 07:03 PM
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Used cannondale is the way to go....
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Old 05-03-07, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by dekalbSTEEL
Used cannondale is the way to go....
+1

Find a CAAD 8 or similar.

If it's just the frame, then build it up.

I upgraded my 02 R500 since I liked the frame, and could use the old parts to build my GF a bike.

Now I have a mix of Ultegra and 105, and Ultegra/Open Pros. It is my commuting / training / all-purpose rig.

+1 for Cannondale
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Old 05-03-07, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by uspspro
+1

Find a CAAD 8 or similar.

If it's just the frame, then build it up.

I upgraded my 02 R500 since I liked the frame, and could use the old parts to build my GF a bike.

Now I have a mix of Ultegra and 105, and Ultegra/Open Pros. It is my commuting / training / all-purpose rig.

+1 for Cannondale
I actually have a 1996 used Cannondale R500 -- its an awesone ride, true.
Its got a very small ding on the top tube, a small one. I thought it was nothing to worry about but when I showed it to the cannondale dealer he went this could be dangerous... the dude got me concerned, though I am not sure whether to believe him...
you guys think I should just re-rig my 1996 Cannondale with better components... I mean, how long can I expect that frame to last??
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Old 05-03-07, 07:31 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by Blaireau
On the msrp part it reads: msrp..... [blank]
What do they go for?

It would be hilarious if I got one from performance after returning my Tirreno.....

The MSRP is 1,240, but they go for closer to 1,000.
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Old 05-03-07, 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by slowandsteady
Knock off a few hundred.... They never sell for MSRP.
really? I was on the phone with one dude and he told me it was msrp or goodbye...
I suck at negociating so I said "goodbye" and hung up....
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Old 05-03-07, 07:37 PM
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Check out the 2006 Devinci Podium. It an AL frame with 105 9 speed components. Or you can get the 2006 Devinci Silverstone with an AL frame, carbon seat stays and 105 10 speed components. Wheels of bloor in Toronto has both bikes currently on sale for $1000 (Canadian) and $1300 (Canadian) respectively. I'm not sure where you're located but I believe they do ship internationally.

I have a Devinci Cx carbon bike (a bit more expensive) and my gf has the Podium. Both great bikes.

Good luck.
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Old 05-03-07, 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by Blaireau
really? I was on the phone with one dude and he told me it was msrp or goodbye...
I suck at negociating so I said "goodbye" and hung up....
Find someone else. There is no way they go for MSRP.
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Old 05-03-07, 07:45 PM
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Visit Jamis and Bianchi sites,although I don't believe that ALL Cannondales are TOO expensive.I don't follow them,I rember deeing at least one this past fall for $1,000 or less.Specialized has a model for 700.
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Old 05-03-07, 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by TheKillerPenguin
Felt bikes are very nice, and one would be worth your money.
+1 They sponsor the Slipstream/Chipotle team.
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Old 05-03-07, 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by bbattle
+1 They sponsor the Slipstream/Chipotle team.
I love the Slipstream/Chipotle kit... but I'm just a freak and love argyle.

I love my f80!
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Old 05-03-07, 09:19 PM
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You can get a double on a Lemond Reno, for under $900.
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Old 05-03-07, 09:25 PM
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Two words LeMond Tourmalet You can get a 2007 with 105 10spd. for about $1,200 USD. It rides like no other... test ride one you wont regret it. and it comes in both duouble (53/39) and a triple.
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Old 05-03-07, 10:00 PM
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BUMMER, the 105 requirement eliminates ALL new bikes other than used or the no-name names.I reckon the OP knew this
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Old 05-03-07, 10:13 PM
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Canyon Roadlite 4.0

https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/...b=21#equipment

105 Components, you can either get a compact crank or a triple.
Aluminum fork
Shimano Wheels

~990 for the complete bike + ~100 for shipping.

Last edited by bbp; 05-03-07 at 10:37 PM.
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Old 05-03-07, 10:28 PM
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I absolutely love my '06 Felt 85. I wanted the triple and only paid $699.00. It's full 105 except for the crank. The LBS had other '06 higher level Felts with your specs for under $1,000. Good luck.
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Old 05-04-07, 03:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Blaireau
Its got a very small ding on the top tube, a small one. I thought it was nothing to worry about but when I showed it to the cannondale dealer he went this could be dangerous... the dude got me concerned, though I am not sure whether to believe him..
A friend of mine is racing a CAAD7 (he's a 3 moving up) with a pretty good top tube dent. He hauls @$$ on it, no sweat. It looks like cr@p but they can't see his dent when he's waxing their butts, which he does regularly. He's also one of the best mechanics I've ever seen. He's magic with a bike.

I would not worry about it.

Last edited by roadwarrior; 05-04-07 at 04:11 AM.
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Old 05-04-07, 04:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Blaireau
Well the LBS in my area that carries Cannondale is a den of sharks.... Guy tried to sell me an alu frame for $1,000 --enough said.
The Optimo 2 with Tiagra should be about $1,100, and you only need add pedals.

Cannondale's frames are not inexpensive. I don't have the list in front of me, but they are not in the market to sell frames. They want to sell bikes.

However, you can do a frame upgrade. But I'd suggest maybe calling another dealer if you don't trust this one. You can take your dented CAAD5 and upgrade to an 8 for only the upgrade price. But I doubt a small dent is an issue for you.

I'm surprised the dealer did not make you aware of that. I think Cannondale's the only company that does that and it's a huge advantage for them. It's less expensive than just buying a frame from them.
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Old 05-04-07, 04:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Blaireau
Well the LBS in my area that carries Cannondale is a den of sharks.... Guy tried to sell me an alu frame for $1,000 --enough said.
Cannondale prices their frames so that it is better off just to buy the bike...and what other AL frame are you going to buy that has won the Giro? Their lowest model bike the CAAD8 has been raced on the pro tour and is as capable a bike as there is out there...much better quality than the AL offerings from other companies in it's price range. You should be able to get the Cannondale you are looking for for around $1500 if not less. You want the CAAD8 Optimo1 https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/c...el-7RA81D.html or for a little more the CAAD9 Optimo3 has better wheels and the new frame: https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/c...el-7RA93D.html
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Old 05-04-07, 05:00 AM
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Oh yea if you have a Cannondale to trade in that CAAD8 frame should only be $500-$600. Find a good dealer.
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Old 05-04-07, 05:43 AM
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Originally Posted by old and new
BUMMER, the 105 requirement eliminates ALL new bikes other than used or the no-name names.I reckon the OP knew this

Obviously not. Check the cool links and suggestions in this thread....
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Old 05-04-07, 05:48 AM
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Originally Posted by roadwarrior
I'm surprised the dealer did not make you aware of that. I think Cannondale's the only company that does that and it's a huge advantage for them. It's less expensive than just buying a frame from them.

Wow, he sure did not tell me about this frame upgrade that you guys are talking about!! Could it be because I am not the original owner of my Cannodale?

If I can do this I'll just call them and say, "I wus told I could do a frame upgrade according to Canondale policy --what say you??"

Sounds like a plan?

Sounds to goood to be true, but what the heck, I'll try it!
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Old 05-04-07, 06:07 AM
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I built a bike for $850 with a Bike Nashbar AluC frame (Kinesium tubing with carbon seat stays), carbon fork, FSA aero wheelset, Shimano Ultegra, Dura Ace & 105 components, carbon seatpost and it's great. It's smooth, weighs about 18 lbs. and would cost $2000 at retail.

I had to shop around for the components (eBay) but they were all new and it was worth it.
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Old 05-04-07, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by jschatz
I built a bike for $850 with a Bike Nashbar AluC frame (Kinesium tubing with carbon seat stays), carbon fork, FSA aero wheelset, Shimano Ultegra, Dura Ace & 105 components, carbon seatpost and it's great. It's smooth, weighs about 18 lbs. and would cost $2000 at retail.

I had to shop around for the components (eBay) but they were all new and it was worth it.

Yeah, I thought about doing that, but I'm no mechanic, and had bad exoeriences on ebay (hasn't everyone)...SO I think I ma going to go with the safer, albeit more expensive "off the rack" option....
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