Bowldog09

I'm relatively new to road biking but I love it, and I've decided to get my own bike. Originally, my price range was about $1000 and I decided on the Felt F80 (from 2006). My budget has just gone up to $1300-$1400 and there are so many more choses. Right now I really like the 2007 Felt F75. I know that it's mostly preference and feel but are there any bikes that I should look for in that price range, to at least try. Please make a recomendation or even better a comparison.

Thank You All,
-Will

SoreFeet

I would recommend the Lemond 853 steel bikes. Lemond frames offer differently geometry than the competitors and ride great. I have not tried felt. I wouldn't worry about 105 VS Ultegra the difference is not worth the price. Craigslist is a good spot to buy a like new bike for a heavy discount. A lot of people get into cycling and then don't ever commit to it. I always see great deals on craigslist. The best option would be to pay a good bike shop for a fitting and sizing. Let them know you are seeking a used bike but want to know the best possible fit.

Have you considered building a bike? You can get everything you want in the 1400$ range. It might take more time to put together but you will get higher quality bike. With a 1100$ budget and a 300$ tool budget you will save hundreds of dollars doing minor shop work.

The reality of choosing a road bike is pretty damn simple. The frame is the heart and soul of the bike. If you have a frame that gives you the ride you like then you can always upgrade components later. If you want the highest re-sale value vintage bicycles are the only way to go. I'm new to cycling and have learned that the fit and ride quality of the frame is what matters most.

Ostuni

hey will - a link to photos and specs on that bike would help us offer comparisons...

also, info about what type of riding you are doing/will do?

and remember that in addition to the bike you will be spending several more bucks on all kinds of gear, accessories, etc. so be sure the budget includes that...

edit: felts are fine bikes.. i do not know an unhappy felt owner...

blackjack51

I highly recommend a Tommaso road bike from rscycle.com. I own the 105 level full alumnium framed Tommaso Mondial and it is an absolutely fantastic bike. The quality, finish and value of these bikes, IMO, cannot be beaten.

For your price range you could get either the Ultegra spec'd Tommaso Velocita (aluminium frame with carbon seat stays) for $1199:



Or the 105 spec'd Tommaso Trascinare (carbon frame with aluminium lugs) for $1299:



To give you a comparison, i'd without hesitation judge my Tommaso Mondial (which by the way sells for $799) better than both the Giant OCR1 and the Trek 1600 in all aspects, whether it be quality, performance or just pure aesthetics. Another thing to note is the component selection. Tommaso's come stock with top quality components such as Ritchey, FSA, Selle Italia and Vittoria unlike most other bikes, such as Giant, who put cheap no name parts on their bikes that are sometimes branded as their own. Also, like most top companies who produce quality road bikes, Tommaso is a road bike specific company, like Cervelo and Colnago, so they know only one thing and do that one thing well, and that is make road bikes. If you check out roadbikereview.com you'll see that i'm not the only one who thinks this.

All in all they are highly recommended bikes.